General Info
Included in this section is important information in addition to our general Terms & Conditions
Headings are in alphabetical order to make it easy for you - email us with anything you are not completely sure about.
ACC
Accident Compensation Corporation - (also see Insurance - Terms & Conditions) New Zealand's Accident Compensation Corporation will automatically cover any medical expenses incurred by you if you suffer from an accident while you are here.
Accommodation
- Fully guided tours - we have hand-picked superior quality, comfortable and interesting accommodation. Dependent upon your budget, these are in categories of bronze (motel), silver (B&B), Gold (Hotel) and Platinum (Luxury) accommodation.
- Self-guided tours - For your tour to be successful it's important to pre-book your accommodation - we've taken all the hassles of this away for you and we are sure you will be really pleased with either our bronze, silver, gold or platinum levels of accommodation.
In both cases we endeavour where at all possible to ensure that your accommodation is close to main attractions and restaurants, so you will not have to put all your riding gear back on to find your evening meal.
We operate from our own countryside lodge where we also provide you with excellent accommodation, meals and many other facilities depending upon your tour.
Accessories
A comprehensive rangbe of accessories are available for hire (see the Accessories for hire section in ‘the prices")
Additional motorcycle rental
You may hire a motorcycle from us at any time before or after your intended New Zealand motorcycle tour, subject to availability. However, in accordance with our terms and conditions, should this motorcycle be damaged before your tour commences we are not obliged to automatically provide you with an alternative one for the planned tour, and you will not be eligible for a refund for the remaining tour period.
Airfares
Our main base is in Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand. Shop around for prices and fair deals. We would be very happy to give advice on flights, Our prices do not include airfares or airport taxes, but we'll be there to pick you up.
Arrival/first day
If you are on one of our fully-guided tours your first day will be spent settling in so don't worry about what time you fly in or arrive into Christchurch City. We"ll collect you, introduce you to your trusty steed, and make sure you are completely comfortable with everything before we set off. There is bound to be time for a familiarisation ride to the mountains or sea, and a special activity, maybe or a quiet relax on one of the verandas before dinner. Our motorcycle tours of New Zealand are unique in that our arrival day is not Day One of your tour, but Day Zero. So with us you really do get good value for money.
If you are just hiring a motorbike we'll collect you from city or airport too, and help with getting to know your bike before you set off.
Booking
We have worked with our web host to ensure that when you use our encrypted booking form to make your deposit, your details are completely SAFE AND SECURE. Remember that when you provide us with your details, this is NOT an online credit card or other payment transaction. When we receive your booking form details your credit card or bank account details are ENCRYPTED, which means we, or anyone else, cannot see it. It is not until we contact our web host using our special passwords and codes that we can obtain your credit card details for payment processing, which is not associated with the internet at all. So please be confident when you use our booking forms. You can also print off the booking form and fax it to us if you prefer. So when you are ready and we have answered all your questions, please complete the booking form which you will find on our ‘booking up" section, and forward to us, when we shall respond immediately to confirm its receipt.
It"s as simple as that! Please note that there are terms and conditions which we ask you to read carefully, as when you submit your form to us it confirms your acceptance of these.
Cancellation Policy
See Refunds in Terms & Conditions
Climate
The north of New Zealand is subtropical but the south is more temperate. The warmest months are December, January and February, and the coldest June, July and August. In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30ºC so don"t forget your sun protection lotion, and in winter it"s between 10-15ºC so woollies are needed.
Clothing
(see also Luggage) We recommend you bring your own motorcycle gear with you where at all possible. As a motorcyclist you have already spent a lot of time (and probably money) ensuring that your helmet, jacket and pants are perfect for you.
Whilst we do hire accessories (see the prices -Accessories for Hire), they may not be as good as your own. Remember you can leave any other luggage items with you at our premises, and our support vehicle will ensure your other clothing is always nearby.
For normal wear, New Zealand dress is usually very informal, with shorts and tee-shirt acceptable at most locations. But bring some smart casual clothes for some activities, restaurants and night spots.
In addition to your motorcycle gear, bring a fleece, warm jacket and sweater for cooler weather and higher altitudes. You can expect some rain in the deep south so bring wet weather gear too. If visiting between May and September, pack warm winter garments and layer your clothing. Remember you can hire protective/rain jackets, over-trousers and gloves from us if you wish. Make sure you bring sunglasses, lotion, and a cap for sun protection the sun will shine, the UV is high and it can get very hot!
Damaged motorcycles - whilst every effort will be made to replace a damaged motorcycle, this cannot be guaranteed. See the insurance section in our terms and conditions for further information.
Deposits
Flights
The cost of your flight and airport taxes are not included in our prices. Flights from Europe can take around 24 hours in total, but this is halved if you are coming from the USA. From Japan a flight can take around 11 hours. Your travel agent or airline will be able to provide further details. Let us help you with your travel arrangements! If you have any questions, just email us at enquiries@motorbiketours.co.nz. Although our expertise remains with motorcycle tours and hire we have a lot of travel experience and may be able to make your holiday plans a little easier.
Fuel
Fuel is included with our platinum fully guided tours only. It is not included in our self guided tours or for rental only.
Group Numbers & Riding
We keep our group numbers small, and there will usually be no more than five bikes on the tour. This is for several reasons. It means you have our undivided and personal attention whenever it is required, we have sufficient bedrooms to accommodate you when staying at Mandeville Lodge. And, although we do ask that at least two bikes travel together for safety reasons, you can travel from one destination to the next away from the leader and we still won't lose you. Good instructions are always provided.
Helmets
The wearing of helmets in New Zealand is compulsory. We highly recommend you bring your own helmet with you on the tour, however if this is not possible helmets can be hired from us for a small fee (see the prices - Accessories for Hire) Insurance - see terms and conditions.
Insurance
See Terms & conditions South Pacific Motorcycle Tours Ltd are agents for Mike Henry Travel Insurance and will be pleased to provide you with a quote for travel insurance, which is highly recommended.
Lady Riders
Lady riders are always welcome at South Pacific. We have smaller bikes available which are lower to the ground and often more suitable for the ladies, and on our guided tours we stop frequently for breaks where there are good toilet and refreshment facilities. So come on girls, give it a go!
Licence requirements
Luggage
(See also Clothing) Because your tour is based at our Christchurch Lodge and we have a good support vehicle, it means that you can bring as much luggage as you wish if you are on a fully guided tour, obviously within air travel limits if applicable, and your belongings will be safe. Most of our motorcycles come with lockable luggage, and we suggest that this is used for wet weather gear, water, camera, extra clothing, small personal items, sun-protection wear, etc.
Regardless of whether you are on tour or just renting, if you wish to leave any luggage or belongings at our lodge base we can guarantee it's safety and this service is completely free of charge
Meals
Breakfast and evening meals are included on our fully-guided tours. We do our best to offer you an excellent range of cuisine to suit all palates and have researched out some top-quality and very special places to eat on every tour. New Zealand is renowned for its food quality and freshness, and by the time you have visited our recommended restaurants we are sure you will agree.
Motorcycle Gear
(See also clothing) We have a range of motorcycle clothing and accessories which you can hire from us on a per hire session basis, and we'll do our best to kit you out. However, for your comfort and safety we recommend you bring all your own motorcycle gear with you if at all possible. (see the prices - Accessories for Hire)
Motorcycles
We have been certified by the New Zealand Land Transport Safety Authority to operate a motorcycle rental service (see Terms & Conditions), and this has incorporated taking the appropriate examinations and having a full understanding and knowledge of the Transport Services Licensing Act 1989. All the motorcycles we hire out to you are all late models, and are all regularly serviced and maintained to a quality standard by experienced motorcycle technicians.
We can keep our prices down because we own our own fleet of bikes.
Should you wish to ride a motorcycle that we are not currently advertising, please do still contact us, as we are able to acquire almost any bike of your dreams and can offer favourable prices.
Not Included
Not included in fully-guided tours are sightseeing activities (except where mentioned), tea/coffee/snacks (when not staying at our Lodge), your flight ticket and travel insurance. And of course anything else not mentioned in our tour descriptions.
Passports
You will need a valid passport to enter New Zealand. All visitors require a passport which is valid for at least 3 months after their planned departure, so please do check your expiry date, as we would hate this easy oversight to ruin your plans. Visas are not normally required in many circumstances but please check this with your travel agent.
Payment
Payment methods
You can pay your deposit by credit card or wire transfer. If paying by credit card, we ask for your credit card details when you complete our booking form. The booking form has been developed by our web host to ensure that your details are encrypted for complete SAFETY and SECURITY, (please see 'booking'). By submitting to us your completed booking form and details, this gives us your permission to perform a "cardholder not present sale transaction" for the deposit amount (see terms and conditions). This transaction will take place upon confirmation of your correct account details by our bank. If paying by wire transfer, we will email you with our bank account details which you take along to your bank.
Pillion Riders
Pillion riders are especially welcome to South Pacific Motorcycle Tours. If your partner is riding you can pillion for part of the way, and should you feel weary you can ride in our support vehicle and see the wonderful scenery in luxury. You also have the option of staying at our own Bed & Breakfast accommodation while your partner is out enjoying him/herself, or you can spend the day exploring, for example Christchurch or Queenstown, and having a break until your partner returns to collect you for the next day"s fun. If you do not have a partner who rides then why not ask us to find you one - we will do our utmost to sort something out for you! And should your partner wish to accompany you on tour by joining the support vehicle, prices would be the same as for a pillion.
Qualifications
Your hosts are fully qualified to operate South Pacific Motorcycle Tours efficiently, responsibly and safely. Our guides have been trained to ride motorcycles by the Institute of Advanced Motorcyclists. Mike has been leading motorcycle rides for over fifteen years and knows all the good biking roads to guarantee you an extremely satisfying tour. In addition to this, he has passed all examinations required by the Land Transport Safety Authority in order to operate a Rental Service. This includes a New Zealand current Transport Services Licensing Act 1989 Certificate of Knowledge of Law & Practice, required by anyone operating under a Transport Services Licence.
Refunds
Responsibility
Returning your Motorcycle
We expect you to return your motorcycle to us on the day indicated on your Booking Form, this is very important as in many cases the motorcycle will need to be serviced and inspected ready for the next tour or rental. If you are unable to return the motorcycle to us on time, or if we need to collect it from elsewhere, or the motorcycle is damaged, there will extra charges. For this reason we ask you lodge a security "bond" with us before the tour begins (usually a credit card "swipe") (see Terms & Conditions).
Riding Off-road
Our tours are all on tar-sealed roads.
Although the South Island has many unmade shingle tracks and gravel roads we do not permit our customers to use these unless special arrangements have been made. So if you are just renting our bikes we ask that you keep to tar-sealed roads please. If you damaged one of our bikes and you weren"t on a tar sealed road, you would be liable for the total cost of the damage incurred (see Terms & Conditions.)
Road and speed restrictions
The South Island"s tar sealed roads are in excellent order, and pot-holes are very rare indeed. You drive on the left side of the road in New Zealand.
There are only a few miles of motorway in the whole of the South Island, and even this is only two lane. But this doesn't mean you can't make good progress when touring. The maximum speed restriction is 100 kilometres per hour on the main roads, obviously speeds are reduced when travelling through villages, but as these are few and far between you are guaranteed one awesome smooth ride. And of course if you feel the urge to beat the rest of us guys to our next destination - well we can't stop you can we!
Secure payment
We have worked with our web host to ensure that when you use our booking form, your details are completely SAFE AND SECURE. Remember that when you provide us with your details, this is NOT an online credit card or other payment transaction. When we receive your booking form details your credit card or bank account details are ENCRYPTED, which means we, or anyone else, cannot see it. It is not until we contact our web host using our special passwords and codes that we can obtain your credit card details for payment processing, which is not associated with the internet at all. So please be confident when you use our booking forms. You can also print off the booking form and fax it to us if you prefer. So when you are ready and we have answered all your questions, please complete the booking form which you will find on our 'booking' section, and forward to us, when we shall respond immediately to confirm its receipt.
Security - bikes
Disc locks are provided free of charge when you go on a South Pacific Motorcycle tour or rent or hire a motorcycle from us. Please use them - if you are negligent you could lose your bond! Although New Zealand has an excellent track record when it comes to honesty and freedom, do not assume anything. When you leave your motorcycle always lock it, and arrange to have someone you can trust to keep an eye on it for you if you leave it for any length of time, e.g. accommodation owners, tour operators, restaurant owners, etc.
South Island vs North Island
Well of course we are biased living here, but the South Island really does reign supreme for motorcycle touring, the roads are often deserted and you will believe you have gone to heaven on most of them. The South Island has it all, vast majestic mountain chains, clear brilliant blue mirror lakes, sweeping coastlines, deep fiords and ancient lush rainforests. It"s a real haven for those seeking peace, rejuvenation and relaxation as well as a playground for thrill seekers and adventurers.
So make that decision and book with us today! Of course if you have time to see both islands there are some great must-see attractions and superb motorcycling roads in the north island. But we are based in the south for a reason, and believe we are ideally situated for providing our clients with the very best 'starting point'. So plan to fly in to Christchurch, and we'll do the rest for you.
Special Requests
Do you have any special requests? Just let us know what these are. Because we are a family-run business we can be flexible and will do our utmost to accommodate these.
Support Vehicle
We have a good, seven seater luxury chase coach vehicle which follows us on our fully guided tours and is big enough to carry your luggage, tools and equipment, spare fuel, etc. It’s also handy for giving weary pillions a lift, and for taking groups out to dinner etc. And if your partner does not wish to ride pillion at all there is always a spare seat so please do enquire.
Travel Insurance
South Pacific Motorcycle Tours strongly recommend taking out travel insurance if you are travelling overseas, and are agents for Mike Henry Travel Insurance if you would like us to help you with this.
Visas
In most cases you will not require a Visa to enter New Zealand but there are exceptions. For all information regarding entry into New Zealand please ask your travel agent.
Have we forgotten something?
Please let us know if we have missed something, we will be only too pleased to fill you in and then add it to our website so that we can assist other fellow motorcyclists. If you have decided that this is not your ideal motorcycle touring company, would you please tell us why so that we can improve on the service we are providing - we will not be at all offended! To send your comments please click here.
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