Our Terms & Conditions

See Insurance (Damage, Repair, Incident).

On rare occasions it may be necessary to  re-route your itinerary due to severe weather conditions or for some other reason. The decision to re-route may be made by you or by SPMT.  If this decision is made within 30 days of the tour departure or during the tour, SPMT is not obliged to provide a refund for the cost of lodgings not used.  Any new lodgings booked as a result of a need to re-route will be charged to you as an additional expense.  This additional  amount  will be advised to you and your authority to proceed sought before making any additonal booking confirmations on your behalf.  

SPMT endeavours to ensure that prices of activities and attractions are correct when going to print, but reserves the right to charge the correct Retail Price for the date booked in the unlikely event of a retail price change/increase by the Operator. If an activity is cancelled by the activity operator you will be refunded in full. If you cancel an activity be aware that operator cancellation policy fees may apply.   

SPMT holds a range of quality motorcycle clothing and accessory products which can be pre-booked at any time up to and including the time of motorcycle hire subject to availability.  Side bags/hard side luggage, and top box/Ventura Pack/Roll Bags are provided for hire free of charge with any motorcycle hire if required.  Inner-bags for side-panniers may also be available free of charge on request.  Any hired equipment that is damaged or lost will be covered by your Insurance Excess.

You must be 21 or over in order to satisfy our insurance terms and conditions. However, if you are under 25, special terms apply,  please see insurance options and enquire for further details.

 

By signing the rental agreement, The Hirer acknowledges and accepts that they have read and understood the agreement to hire a rental vehicle and our full terms & conditions herewith. 

These full terms & conditions can be requested at anytime and provided to The Hirer via email. The agreement to hire rental vehicle and our full terms & conditions may be updated anytime. It is advised that The Hirer reads our terms & conditions again at the time of signing their Rental Agreement.
Rider competency: The Hirer agrees to acknowledge their competency in riding the size and engine capacity of motorcycle chosen and are physically able to operate their selected motorcycle.

A 20% deposit is normally required when The Hirer makes a booking. Our confirmed receipt of this will secure your booking.  The remainder of the costs are payable 30 days before the commencement of hire (or immediately if bookings are made less than 30 days)

See also Cancellation Fees, Cancellation Policy and Payments

If you break down phone Head Office 0064 3120066 and we'll work with you to get you up and running as quickly as possible.

So long as you are not in breach of our Terms and Conditions, SPMT will make all endeavours to repair, recover or replace the motorcycle and/or accessories to enable you to continue your journey quickly and safely.  We have full AA Roadservice & Breakdown Assistance cover should we need to use their services.

Sorry but time lost in carrying out such repairs and replacements cannot be compensated by way of refund or extra days hire.

Written cancellation notice received:

Greater than 60 days from hire or tour* commencement date:- The cancellation fee is 10% of deposit amount

60 days or less from hire or tour* commencement date:- The cancellation fee is 20% of total booking amount (e.g. the loss of your deposit)

30 days or less from hire or tour* commencement date:- The cancellation fee is 100% of payments made (e.g. the loss of the full balance amount)

* The tour commencement date is the date of the first booking arrangement that South Pacific Motorcycle Tours has made on your behalf (e.g. transfer, lodgings, activity)

Once your hire or tour has commenced we are unable to offer any refund or part refund under any circumstances and there is no refund on any part of the tour which you may not have used. 

Cancellation due to COVID-19
Our cancellation policy applies. Should  COVID-19 Border restrictions or Border closures  prevent you from travelling to New Zealand or picking up your motorcycle, we can defer your dates subject to availability. We will work with you on this to make sure you don't miss out on your trip of a lifetime. We treat your booking as a flexible credit to be used when you can travel safely.  This deferment can only be made once.

The Hirer can cancel their tour/rental and request a refund or part refund (see Refunds) at any time. The cancellation date is the date you tell us in writing (email) and cancellation fees apply. The tour start date is your first night of accommodation or activity in New Zealand booked by us. Please see our  Cancellation Fees. 

Personal Travel Insurance is recommended (see Insurance). Although highly unlikely, we reserve the right to cancel a tour or booking at any time, at which time any monies paid to date will be refunded in full. We promise to make every effort in providing an alternative solution (eg providing an escorted tour or a self-guided tour instead of a fully guided tour if numbers deem the tour unprofitable).

Cancellation Fees

Written cancellation notice received:

Greater than 60 days from hire or tour* commencement date:- The cancellation fee is 10% of deposit amount 

60 days or less from hire or tour* commencement date:- The cancellation fee is 20% of total booking amount (e.g. the loss of your deposit)

30 days or less from hire or tour* commencement date:- The cancellation fee is 100% of payments made (e.g. the loss of the full balance amount)

* The tour commencement date is the date of the first tour booking arrangement that South Pacific Motorcycle Tours has made on your behalf (e.g. transfer, lodgings, activity)

Once your hire or tour has commenced we are unable to offer any refund or part refund under any circumstances and there is no refund on any part of the tour which you may not have used. 

Cancellation due to COVID-19
Our cancellation policy applies. Should  COVID-19 Border restrictions or Border closures  prevent you from travelling to New Zealand or picking up your motorcycle, we can defer your dates subject to availability. We will work with you on this to make sure you don't miss out on your trip of a lifetime. We treat your booking as a flexible credit to be used when you can travel safely.  This deferment can only be made once.

If for reasons beyond control the booked motorcycle is not available at the time of hire, South Pacific Motorcycle Tours reserves the right to substitute a comparable or superior motorcycle at no extra cost to The Hierer  If a comparable or superior motorcycle cannot be provided, a pro-rated refund for the difference in models will be paid. The above shall not constitute a breach of contract and does not entitle the participant to any additional refund.

Rates and conditions may be subject to change. Some motorcycles may have different specifications to those shown. All measurements and volumes shown are approximate and based on manufacturers specifications.

Changes to the contract (ie your Rental Agreement) are only valid in writing; verbal changes are invalid.

Cancellation due to COVID-19 

Due to the current health situation around the world we understand that your travel plans can be uncertain and changeable at this time. 

Our usual cancellation policy applies, however if  COVID-19 border restrictions or closures prevent you from travelling to New Zealand or picking up your motorcycle, we can defer your dates (subject to availability). We will work with you on this to make sure you don't miss out on your trip of a lifetime. We treat your booking as a flexible credit to be used when you can travel safely.  

 

SPMT reserves the right to repossess a motorcycle and terminate hire if the motorcycle is damaged and The Hirer has not complied with the terms and conditions of the Rental Agreement. The termination of the hire under the authority of this clause shall be without prejudice to the other rights of the owner and the rights of The Hirer under this Agreement or otherwise. Please see Insurance terms and conditions for further information.

South Pacific Motorcycle Tours is fully insured to cover vehicle damage and accessories, loss and theft.

In the event of any incident involving the hired vehicle, regardless of whether there is damage or who is at fault, The Hirer agrees to advise SPMT at the earliest opportunity. SPMT reserves the right to deduct an appropriate amount up to the full insurance excess amount pledged from the credit card account as supplied by the Hirer. When the Hired Vehicle and/or Accessories are returned, they will be inspected by SPMT Staff in the Hirer’s presence to compare new Damage with any pre-existing Damage, as highlighted on the Damage Check-Off Sheet Form (which is signed by both Parties at the time of hire).

For further information see Insurance (Damage, Incidents, Repair)  

SPMT requires an initial deposit of 20% to confirm your tour or rental booking. The remaining amount is due on or before 30 days prior to the commencement of  your tour or rental.  Pay by direct bank credit or credit card, we'll guide you through the payment process (there's a 2.5% credit card fee for Visa or MasterCard, and 3% for Amex)

If you opt to pay your deposit by direct bank credit you will still be asked to provide credit card details but this will be for insurance purposes only. 

In the case of 3-6 day hires, a distance charge of 45cents per kilometre will apply when more than 350 kms per day total is travelled.

A valid and full motorcycle driving licence is required for The Hirer to go on tour or hire a bike from SPMT.

The Hirer's motorcycle driving licence should be either valid from the country you come from or a valid International Licence. In other words if your motorcycle driving licence is valid and allows you to ride the motorcycle chosen in the country you come from, then we will accept it at SPMT.

We will check your driver’s licence details (validity, date of birth, expiry date etc) when you complete the booking form, and again when you collect your motorcycle.

All riders must be 21 years of age or older. If the licence is not legible or in another language other than English, a translated licence will need to be sighted before you arrive. SPMT can assist you with this.

Failure to produce a valid motorcycle drivers licence that meets these requirements by law will mean your contract will be terminated.

GST is New Zealand's Government Sales Tax, and currently set at 15%.  All prices quoted include GST. In most cases throughout New Zealand the price you see advertised is the total price to be paid and includes GST.

This is between December and March inclusive.

See Insurance.

Insurance - Medical (Accident)

Under New Zealand law it is extremely unlikely that you will be able to sue anyone if you are insured. Whilst travel insurance is strongly recommended, New Zealands Accident Compensation (ACC) Scheme provides injured visitors with assistance.  CLICK HERE for further information.

Insurance - Motorcycle

Our Motorcycle Insurance Policy is simple. All riders must be 21 years or age or over. We insure all of our motorcycles to cover vehicle and accessories damage, loss and theft.  Before you take your motorcycle you will be requested to complete and sign a Rental Agreement and decide which Insurance Options you wish to take:-

Insurance Option  Standard - NZD 0  charge and included in the rental rate, Standard Maximum Excess NZD5000

Insurance Option A - NZD $25 per day - Covers loss of keys, flat battery, puncture repair, kea parrot damage

Insurance Option B - NZD $50 per day - Standard Excess Reduction

Insurance Option C - NZD $75 per day - Includes cover of Option A and B - Reducing the Standard Excess to NZD 800 and covering minor damage (only available for 6+ days rental)

Insurance - Damage, Repair, Incident

South Pacific Motorcycle Tours is fully insured to cover vehicle damage and accessories, loss and theft. In the event of any incident involving the hired vehicle, regardless of whether there is damage or who is at fault, the Hirer agrees to advise SPMT at the earliest opportunity. SPMT reserves the right to deduct an appropriate amount up to the full insurance excess amount pledged from the credit card account as supplied by the Hirer. When the Hired Vehicle is returned it will be inspected by SPMT Staff in the Hirer’s presence to compare new Damage with any pre-existing Damage, as highlighted on the Damage Check-Off Sheet Form which is signed by both Parties at the time of hire). 

Where there is NO new damage to the hired vehicle or accessories hired, or if there is damage but it can be ascertained that the Hirer is not at fault, both parties will sign the Return Portion of the Damage Check-Off Sheet in agreement. No further fees or charges will apply, and any excess amount previously deducted will be refunded.

When there IS new damage to the hired vehicle or accessories hired, the damage will be identified on the Damage Check-Off Sheet Return Portion, and both Parties will sign the Return Portion in agreement, and a copy provided to the Hirer.    Costs to repair the vehicle, accessories, and associated third party vehicles and its accessories where the Hirer is also at fault, will then be sought by SPMT Staff as soon as possible, by way of quote or invoice from the appropriate suppliers. SPMT pledge to seek quotation for repair and/or recovery costs at fair unit prices and to communicate with the Hirer in a timely manner, prove a fair total repair cost amount to the Hirer if required, and, if applicable, refund the appropriate insurance excess amount.

In the unlikely event that The Hirer or a qualified member of SPMT Staff is unavailable to sign the Damage Check-Off Sheet, SPMT reserves the right to make final judgement on the condition of the hired vehicle and to deduct an appropriate amount up to the full insurance excess amount pledged, charging the appropriate damage costs to the Hirer.   

If the vehicle or accessories are not returned to South Pacific Motorcycle Tours premises within the agreed date and time allowed, appropriate costs up to the full excess amount may also be deducted.  A breakdown of repair and recovery costs will be made available to the hirer upon request. This does not apply to damage or loss resulting from fire or from the theft or conversion or attempted theft or conversion of the motorcycle.

Insurance - Cars & Minibus Hire

A NZD5000 Standard Maximum Excess applies for all car and minibus hires. Option B is not available 

Insurance - Travel

SPMT is unable to give a refund once a tour or hire has started, under any circumstances (see refunds). Should you wish to be insured for this eventuality to cover items such as lost luggage or loss of motorcycle excess etc, travel insurance is recommended. Whilst every effort will be made to replace or repair a damaged motorcycle so that you can continue your tour, this cannot be guaranteed.  Should you wish to be insured for this eventuality travel insurance is highly recommended.

Insurance - Personal

Should you suffer an accident and you want private care you should arrange the appropriate insurance. SPMT will refund or part refund payments only if a tour is cancelled before the commencement date in accordance with our terms and conditions. Should you wish to be insured for this eventuality, check with your personal insurer that cancellation insurance is added to your policy.

Insurance - Third Party Damage

Any Third party costs for damage or cleaning from other interested parties (such as hotels or any other accommodation) will be passed on to the hirer and must be settled and the end of the agreement.  Should this occur the hirer will be informed immediately.

See One-way/Relocation Fees

Low Season is between April and November inclusive.

Our minimum rental duration is 1 day and our motorcycle rentals are hired on a 24 hour basis, all prices are shown as per day rates in NZ Dollars unless stated otherwise. The per day rates decrease as the rental periods increase, special rates may apply for multiple bookings or long term rental periods. All prices shown include GST.

Motorcycle Pick-up Christchurch - complimentary transfer from airport or hotel
Motorcycle Drop-off Christchurch - complimentary transfer to airport or hotel
Motorcycle Drop-off All Other Locations - by negotiation

In accordance with New Zealand Land Transport Safety Authority regulations, SPMT is a transport service licence holder, and authorised to operate a rental service.  We must ensure that all of our motorcycles are properly maintained and that any normal legal requirements are met. This includes paying all fees, and having the motorcycles available for inspection by the authorities at any time.  All motorcycles available for hire are regularly serviced and maintained to a quality standard by experienced motorcycle technicians.

 $795
21 days + no charge
 

Motorcycle Pick-up and Drop-off  is usually between 9.00am and 4.00pm. Our only closed day is Christmas Day.  Sales enquiries are welcome at any time.  Motorcycles can be picked up or dropped off outside of office hours by special arrangement only. Please check our local time (Wellington, New Zealand).

We require 20% to confirm your tour or rental booking. The remaining amount is due on or before 30 days prior to the commencement of  your tour or rental.  Pay by direct bank credit or credit card. If you pay by credit card there's a 2.5% credit card fee for Visa or MasterCard (3% for Amex). 

Please note if you're paying by direct bank transfer our booking system will still ask you to enter your  credit card details. This is for insurance purposes only.

The payment process is easy and we will guide you through each stage.

Christchurch - Pick-up and drop-off your bike at our Christchurch Base. between 9am and 4pm. We offer a complimentary transfer from/to any Christchurch hotel or the airport.  
Any other Location Auckland - by arrangement only. 

When you check out your motorcycle it will be presented to you with a full tank of petrol. 

Please return the motorcycle with a full tank of 95 octane fuel. There's an NPD Petrol Station (self-serve) just around the corner from the SPMT Christchurch Base, and very close to our Auckland and Queenstown bases. If you don't return the bike full of gas that's fine but we will need to charge you an appropriate amount for re-fuelling on your behalf.  

We appreciate that there may be circumstances beyond your control, which mean you require a refund or a part refund, and you may cancel with us at any time. The cancellation date is the date you tell us in writing including email. Once the hire/tour has actually commenced we are unable to offer any refund or part-refund under any circumstances and there is no refund on any part of the tour which you may not have used. SPMT also reserves the right to cancel a tour, in this case any monies paid to date will be refunded in full. We recommend taking out appropriate travel insurance when booking your motorcycle tour/rental. (see Travel insurance & Personal insurance)
 

Written cancellation notice received:

Greater than 60 days:- The cancellation fee is just 10% of deposit amount 
60 days or less:- The cancellation fee is 20% of payments made (eg loss of your deposit)
30 days or less:- The cancellation Fee is 100% of payments made (eg loss of full balance amount)

Once your hire or tour has commenced we are unable to offer any refund or part refund under any circumstances and there is no refund on any part of the tour which you may not have used. 

Cancellation due to COVID-19 

Due to the current health situation around the world we understand that your travel plans can be uncertain and changeable at this time. 

Our usual cancellation policy applies, however if  COVID-19 border restrictions or closures prevent you from travelling to New Zealand or picking up your motorcycle, we can defer your dates (subject to availability). We will work with you on this to make sure you don't miss out on your trip of a lifetime. We treat your booking as a flexible credit to be used when you can travel safely.  

One way hires incur a relocation charge of  NZD 795.00
No charge for 21+ days hire

As the holder of a Rental Service Licence, SPMT and the Hirer, must enter into an Agreement for the hire of the vehicle which is in the terms set out in the Annex to these rules in the Transport Services Licensing Act 1989.

Days are based on a twenty-four (24) hour period. A two hour grace period is allowed for late returns.  Unless special arrangements have been made in writing, a daily rate of NZ$500 may be charged if the motorcycle is not returned within the stipulated time (see Return of Motorcycle)

See ‘Damage, Incident, Repair' under Insurance.

You can spend up to NZ$100 on any motorcycle maintenance required without having to contact SPMT, for example oil, light bulbs etc. Keep your receipt and we will reimburse you if appropriate.

For anything else, including flat battery, flat tyre, lost or broken keys, vehicle recovery etc, phone SPMT on 0064 3 3120066 first and we will tell you what to do.
 

SPMT does not assume responsibility or is liable for delays,bodily injury nor for any damage or loss to personal effects, this exclusion is subject to any rights or remedies you may have under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993. We reserve the right to change or alter the Tour Plans at any time for the convenient operation of the tours and to change accommodation at any time for any reason. SPMT is responsible for providing the services listed in the tour descriptions, supplying a motorcycle in good mechanical condition with current registration and certificate of fitness as required by the New Zealand Government and Land Transport Safety Authority for rental vehicles. We are not responsible, nor liable for speeding and or parking fines issued to hirers by the authorities, anything caused by weather, acts of God, nor any other circumstances beyond its control. SPMT is not responsible or liable for delay, loss, damage or injury to persons or property and illness incurred during their stay in connection with or relating to the supply or omission of air, sea, land transportation services, vehicle hire or of accommodation, meals, facilities, entertainment or other services arranged by SPMT.

Check the agreed Return Date & Time on your Rental Agreement. 

• Please check the agreed return date and time on your Rental Agreement.
• Please return your motorcycle with a full tank of 95 Octane fuel (there's a gas station just around the corner from the SPMT Christchurch base. Allow time for your onward travels!)
• If you are late returning the motorcycle, SPMT reserves the right to apply a pentalty charge of NZD100 per hour following the agreed return time, and NZD500 per day after this, until the motorcycle is returned to our premises undamaged. 
• If you return your motorcycle in a dirty condition, preventing staff to perform a proper check-back, SPMT reserves the right to charge a NZD50 cleaning fee. 
• These penalty charges will be deducted from the security excess amount pledged.

There is always an element of risk when riding a motorcycle or driving a vehicle.  The risks undertaken when hiring a motorcycle from SPMT may include personal injury, injury to others, even death, damage to the motorcycle, and damage to other vehicles and property belonging to others. The Staff and Management of SPMT try to limit these risks and will try to minimise possible dangers. We ask that you follow our instructions at all times and are familar with New Zealand's Laws and Road Code BEFORE riding your motorcycle or vehicle. SPMT reserves the right to withdraw our services from any person who in our opinion, is likely to endanger themselves or others. We also reserve the right to cancel the hire agreement  at any time during its currency for example part way through a guided tour if we become concerned for any reason for your safety or that of any other person.  To the extent permitted by law, all our liability for damage to your property, disruption of travel plans or mental injury is excluded. This exclusion is subject to any rights or remedies you may have under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993. 

SPMT's rental motorcycles may only be ridden on public roads. You are not permitted or insured to ride 'off-road' and this includes adventure riding, crossing rivers etc.   

Driving any rental vehicle on the following roads is also prohibited by Law:-

• Tasman Valley Road (Mt Cook)
• Nevis Canyon Road (Otago)
• Skipper's Canyon (Queenstown)
• Ninety Mile Beach (Northland)
• Any unformed roads, including beaches
• Through streams, dams, rivers, or flood waters, on flood prone roads or any roadway where the Police or any other Government authority have issued a warning, caution or severe storm warning.

Failure to abide by these terms constitutes a breach of the rental agreement and the renter would be fully liable for any damage or recovery costs to the South Pacific Motorcycles vehicle or Third party property occurring as a result. In the event of a road closure please phone 03 312 0066 for alternative routes. Should this restriction be violated in any way, full costs to repair and recover the vehicle and accessories will be borne by the hirer.

Note: The hirer is fully liable and uninsured for any damage to the South Pacific Motorcycle or third party property if:

a.        The terms of the rental contract are breached
b.        Damage to the motorcycle is caused by careless, wilful or reckless driving
c.        Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
d.        Driving on restricted road

We are realistic and know that you may encounter some gravel roads whilst travelling in New Zealand to access some parts of the country or because of road works, but we do not expect our customers to seek out un-made roads as the main path of travel.
 

From time to time we run special offers which promote bike relocations, bookings for tours, groups and early bookings, our special offers can be used with our full retail rates only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Your fully guided motorcycle tour of New Zealand is guaranteed so you can book your flights with confidence. However, in the extremely unlikely event of only 1 or 2 motorcycles confirmed at 30 days prior to departure date,  the tour will run with one tour guide motorcyclist only.

The motorcycle rider is responsible for all traffic fines. If the hirer does not comply with New Zealand traffic laws, the contract can be cancelled by South Pacific Motorcycle Tours at any time and the motorcycle must be returned with immediate effect. Any Traffic fines can be deducted from your credit card excess to pay New Zealand Police or other authorities and a $50 administration fee will apply. To avoid this we suggest you pay your fine at the nearest Westpac Bank. Any claims or legal action in connection with the provision of our services to the client will be governed by the laws of New Zealand. Any claim or legal action against the suppliers is likely to be subject to the terms and conditions of our contract with them.
 

We will provide a complimentary transfer for the Hirer between Christchurch Airport OR Christchurch City Lodgings and the Christchurch SPMT Base free EXCEPT in the case of one and two day hires when we ask you to make your own way.  We are unable to provide a free shuttle service between the airport and your lodgings but happy to arrange this for you, please ask to see our Extra Products List for prices.

For transfers at all other locations we can assist - let us know your plans.