You can cancel your tour at any time for any reason. Cancellation fees may apply depending on the suppliers included in your itinerary and how close to departure you cancel. If your plans change, contact your travel consultant as soon as possible to discuss your options. Every booking is different, so it's important to contact your travel consultant as soon as possible if your plans change. Travel insurance is strongly recommended as it may help cover cancellation costs in certain circumstances.
While no one books a holiday expecting to cancel it, unexpected situations can arise.
Illness, family emergencies, changes in work commitments or travel disruptions can sometimes affect travel plans. If you need to cancel your New Zealand tour, the most important step is to contact your travel consultant as soon as possible.
The earlier a cancellation is made, the more options may be available.
Will I receive a refund if I cancel?
Refunds depend on several factors, including:
- How far in advance you cancel
- The accommodation booked
- Rental car supplier policies
- Activity provider terms
- Airline conditions
- Other third-party supplier arrangements
Many travel suppliers apply cancellation fees that increase as the travel date approaches.
Your travel consultant will explain any applicable cancellation charges based on your specific booking.
Why do cancellation fees apply?
Many components of a New Zealand holiday are booked and confirmed well before your arrival.
These can include:
- Accommodation
- Rental vehicles
- Scenic cruises
- Domestic flights
- Guided activities
- Special event bookings
Suppliers often have their own cancellation policies and may charge fees if bookings are cancelled after certain deadlines.
What if I need to cancel because of illness or an emergency?
This is one of the main reasons travel insurance is recommended.
Depending on your policy and circumstances, travel insurance may help cover:
- Cancellation costs
- Prepaid travel expenses
- Medical emergencies
- Travel interruptions
Coverage varies between policies, so it's important to read your policy wording carefully.
For more information, see Do I Need Travel Insurance for My Tour?.
Can I change my travel dates instead of cancelling?
Sometimes.
In some situations, it may be possible to amend your booking rather than cancel it completely.
This depends on:
- Availability
- Supplier policies
- The timing of the requested change
You can learn more in our guide to I Need to Change the Date of My Tour. Is This Possible?.
What should I do if I think I might need to cancel?
Contact your travel consultant immediately.
Even if your plans are not yet finalised, early communication is helpful.
This allows the team to:
- Review your booking.
- Check supplier conditions.
- Explain potential cancellation charges.
- Explore alternative options where available.
Waiting until the last minute can reduce the number of options available.
Does travel insurance cover all cancellations?
Not always.
Coverage depends on:
- The reason for cancellation
- The type of policy purchased
- Policy terms and exclusions
This is why it's important to arrange suitable travel insurance as soon as practical after booking your trip.
How can I reduce the risk of losing money if I cancel?
The best protection is comprehensive travel insurance purchased from a reputable provider.
Many travellers also:
- Review cancellation policies before booking.
- Confirm travel dates carefully.
- Purchase insurance promptly.
- Keep copies of booking documentation.
These simple steps can make managing unexpected changes much easier.
Is cancellation common?
Travel plans change for all sorts of reasons, and experienced travel consultants deal with cancellations and amendments regularly.
If something unexpected happens, the best approach is to contact the team as early as possible so they can explain your options and help you understand any financial implications.
Where can I find the cancellation terms?
All cancellations are subject to the booking terms and conditions applicable at the time of booking.
Because each itinerary includes a combination of accommodation, rental vehicles, activities and transport providers, cancellation charges can vary depending on the services that have been confirmed.
We recommend reviewing the terms and conditions provided with your booking and contacting your travel consultant if you have any questions.