We want you to be happy with your shopping experience and delighted with your purchase.
Please contact us with any queries and we will reply within 24 hours.
Can I have a gift delivered with personalised card?
Absolutely. Please browse the cards in the bookshop section, add your choice to the cart and at check-out you will be able to include your message. We will then write it in the card you have chosen (in our very best handwriting) and it will be sent with your gift in the most sustainable of gift wrapping - a FREE reusable cloth bag. You will be given the option to enter a separate mailing address from your own at check-out.
Is this site secure?
We realise how imperative it is that your credit card details are kept secure so we’ve enlisted the global leader in online payment systems, Paypal. With more than 153 million accounts worldwide, PayPal is a safe and easy way to pay online. Paypal handle your credit card details and they are transmitted immediately to your credit card agency for processing. Southern Rata is never privy to this sensitive information.
The page where you enter your credit card details is on a secure SSL enabled server. All information that is passed between your computer and this server is encrypted for your protection.
PayPal has received more than 20 awards for excellence from the internet industry and the business community - most recently the 2006 Webby Award for Best Financial Services Site and the 2006 Webby People's Voice Award for Best Financial Services Site.
Are my details kept private?
We are committed to protecting your privacy and since you are entering personal information like your name, telephone number, mailing address, email address and credit card details we take responsibility to keep this information confidential. All sensitive information is encrypted by SSL to protect against third party access.
We promise you that we will not sell, distribute, or otherwise publish your personal information to anyone else. We request email addresses only to confirm your purchase and respond to your emails.
If you subscribe to become a member you will receive quarterly newsletters and the option to unsubscribe at any time is always available.
How can I pay for my purchase?
By Credit Card – we accept all major cards. ‘Southern Rata’ will appear on your bank statement and the purchase will be in New Zealand dollars (NZD). Your Credit Card details are encrypted on an SSL secure server and deleted once your order has been processed.
Conversion from foreign currencies will be at the current rate (updated every two hours).
If you are in New Zealand you can direct debit into our bank account. Your purchase will be sent when funds have been credited. Bank account details are provided at check-out.
You are most welcome to post a cheque made out to Southern Rata provided it is from a New Zealand bank account. This option is available at check-out. Please be aware it may take up to 7 days for funds to clear.
How much postage will I have to pay?
This depends on the weight and size of your purchase. Postage will be added at check-out and to give you an indication:
| Destination |
Cost (NZD) |
Example* (NZD) |
| New Zealand |
From $5 |
$7 |
| Australia |
From $6 |
$8 |
| South Pacific |
From $7 |
$12 |
| East Asia and Nth America |
From $7.50 |
$14 |
| UK and Europe |
From $8 |
$15 |
| Rest of World |
From $10 |
$17 |
* Calculation based on parcel size 200mm x 200mm x 150mm d, 500gm
How long will delivery take?
We promise to despatch your purchase within 24 hrs, and delivery times are based on New Zealand Posts’ guidelines:
| Destination |
Delivery time |
| New Zealand |
From 1 to 3 working days |
| Australia |
From 3 to 6 working days* |
| South Pacific |
From 6 to 10 working days* |
| East Asia and North America |
From 6 to 10 working days* |
| UK and Europe |
From 6 to 10 working days* |
| Rest of the World |
From 6 to 10 working days* |
* International airmail delivery times
Can I specify special delivery instructions?
Yes you can. No signature is required for New Zealand or international deliveries and your parcel will be delivered to your door or post box. If you have any special instructions (e.g where to leave parcel), please specify these at check-out.
As some products may have duty payable on arrival in some countries, you may wish to check with your customs department if additional fees apply.
What is your returns policy?
We realise that one of the main barriers to shopping online is that you can't see, touch or smell the product. So we have gone to great lengths to present the products exactly as they are.
But if for any reason you are not happy with your purchase we offer a full refund or exchange on any product returned within 7 days as long as it in unused and re-saleable condition. We don’t mind what the reason is but we’d really like to know all the same.
If the product is in any way defective or supplied incorrectly, we will of course pay for any shipping costs incurred. Please contact us within 48 hours if this is the case.
The first step is to email us at louise@southernrata.co.nz with all the details.
We will reply within 24 hours. Or alternatively, you can post the product back to us with a note explaining why.
Southern Rata
19 Goldleaf Hill
Goldfield Heights
Queenstown 9300
South Island
New Zealand
