Tipping
 

I understand that tipping in general in Australia and NZ is unnecessary. However, my group of 4 will be having a private day long wine tour in the Barossa Valley and a 5 day private tour in New Zealand. Is tipping anything above the tour cost recommended in either of these cases? Thank you

Although tipping is not particularly widespread in either NZ or Australia there is a tendency to regard Americans as cheapskates if they do not tip for tours such as the ones you are doing and also in up market restaurants for good service, especially in larger cities.

Any guidelines/recommendations on a percentage or amount? The per person cost of the 1 day tour is $300 and the cost of the 5 day NZ tour is probably closer to $3500 each

It is really up to you and the quality of the service. You are already paying extra for the personalised service. If you feel they have done an extraordinary job, then a tip would be appreciated, as to how much - no idea. I don't think it would be expected. They may well give hints.

How rich are you and what can you afford would be more of a guide. Your guides will be on a reasonble wage (nothing flash but not poverty striken either)

I think Australia and New Zealand are different around the tipping issue, in restaurants at least. In Australia in urban centres for good service in a good restaurant, 10% is typical.

New Zealand friends suggest tipping is not as common even in urban areas like Wellington or Auckland.

Yes, if you want to tip - in better restaurants it's pretty standard - then 10% or round up the bill. Same with taxis - if the service has been good, then round up the bill.

Lavandula

At $1200 for 4 people to visit The Barossa for the day, I would be looking for a discount never mind giving them a tip.

I'm with Geordie - it seems like you're paying a pretty fair price and I wouldn't be tipping. The tour operator is probably in for some kickbacks anyway from the wineries and I doubt very much that they would be expecting any tips.

The wineries will be expecting some sales though! :)

I live in Auckland and tipping definitely is not expected, even by cabbies.

We understand from our family who lives in Western Australia that employees in the service and tourist industry are much better paid than the norm in North America, so tipping is not part of the culture to the same extent. Their higher wages mean higher prices for meals, etc. so if you do tip, don't go overboard and spoil it for the rest of us.

I just returned from Australia a couple of weeks ago, and none of the guides solicited, hinted at, or expected tips. In fact, I did ask several tourism reps I met with, and all of them said no one really expected tips except in fancy restaurants (and then really only in big cities). Double that for New Zealand; no one there expects a tip, even from an American.

Why should there be different expectations for Americans? Travelers of all nationalities should do as the locals do.

I totally agree with you Melnq8, when in Rome and all that. But I guess what so often happens is that Americans tip where it isn't customary and that sets a precedent and then unfortunatley an expectation.

And that really torks my jaw Susan. People who insist on tipping in countries where it isn't customary just ruin it for everyone else. Leave those bad habits at home.

Oops, I meant torques. That what happens when I use my southern ma's country expressions...I can't spell them!

Don't tip - it isn't necessary here and we don't want any precedents started.

tipping in Australia...I agree with the other posts. Definatley not expected. I used to work in the hospitality sector. Although not expected its was a lovely surprise when it did happen, I worked mainly in casual restaurants (not upscale or five star) and deli-style cafes as well as clubs. Although I can not comment on tour operators. A 'thank you' or a praise will be a nice 'tip' and if you feel strongly that the tour operator has 'made you day' even better then do remember the driver as well and make mention of this or perhaps advise as a 'team tip'. or post a review on their website - write a letter etc this will help the employee even more!!

no percentage but depending on the service and/or the time spent with you a few gold coins to $5 to $10 would be appropiate. reme,bering to take into account exactly how that person has influenced you holiday and your mood.

surprisealot stated, "or post a review on their website - write a letter etc"

Hear Hear! One could also post a review here or some other travel fora.

About the amount: I feel that no tip but grateful thanks is better than a small tip. [I do not mean just saying not to worry about the change, which I think is different as it may be as much for my convenience as that of the service provider.] My experience is that service industry people in Australia do not give extra service with the aim of a tip but because it gives them job satisfaction. A miserly tip is an insult.

My experience in NZ is that tipping is really not expected. From anyone.

PLEASE DO NOT TIP. It is not customary either in NZ or Australia, and overseas visitors should respect the local customs.