sueaussie

Thank you so much for your response Brent.  I will certainly keep your company in my Favourites for when I am next in New Zealand.  Kind regards, Sue

On our recent New Zealand cruise we had booked and paid for the Eastern Bays Scenic Mail Run shore excursion in Akaroa.  Unfortunately weather conditions on the day meant that our ship (the Noordam) couldn't take us to port and our stop in Akaroa had to be cancelled.  I rang the Mail Run company from the ship to let them know what had happened as a courtesy.  Unfortunately they did not afford us the same courtesy when we followed them up with an email requesting a refund.  They did offer us the same tour within 12 months but refused us a refund because we did not give them 24 hours notice, which of course was impossible.

With all other private shore excursions that I we have booked, if the ship doesn't make it to shore then a refund is given.  However, this was not included in their paperwork (our mistake for not checking) but in the interest of good tourist relations it's not good form at all.  

So if you are cruising to New Zealand and are stopping in Akaroa be aware that if you book this excursion and the ship doesn't get into shore you will forfeit your payment.