Wild Fiordland Terms and Conditions
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Health, safety and wellbeing are Wild Fiordland’s primary concern. Detailed risk management and strict safety procedures are observed, however there still remains an element of risk. Risks in Fiordland include extreme weather and rapidly changing water conditions, cold water and limited landing sites. All passengers must follow instructions and adhere to safety requirements
New Zealand has a ‘no fault’ government-backed medical injury treatment scheme administered by the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC). Under ACC legislation, clients are prevented from suing the operator for any mishap or misadventure. Should there be a medical incident or injury Wild Fiordland Ltd will do everything in its power to organise prompt medical assistance. In the case of injury the cost of that assistance will be borne by the ACC scheme. The nearest medical centre is in Te Anau (at least 45 minutes by helicopter)
All clients who travel with Wild Fiordland must:
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Act in a safe and reasonable manner
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Cooperate with, and observe all instructions from Wild Fiordland staff
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Follow all signs and notices
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Not interfere with or use emergency equipment except in an emergency
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Not behave in an unsafe, noisy, violent or antisocial manner
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Not litter or tamper with or damage any property of Wild Fiordland
LIABILITY AND INDEMNITY
Passengers travel at their own risk (to the extent permitted by law). Wild Fiordland accepts its legal responsibilities but cannot be held responsible for personal injury or loss, theft or damage to client’s belongings outside of any legal liability. Wild Fiordland cannot absolutely guarantee client safety. All clients will be required to read and agree to our risk agreement form to this effect before commencing an adventure. All agreements are governed by New Zealand law, with exclusive jurisdiction in the New Zealand Courts.
Without limiting the foregoing, the following conditions apply:
In respect of all clients, Wild Fiordland is not liable for any loss, damage or delay caused by or arising from an event beyond the control of Wild Fiordland, including any act of God, inevitable accident, riot, civil commotion, strike, lock-out, stoppage or restraint of labour, regardless of the cause and whether partial or general.
Wild Fiordland is not liable to a client or any other person for any loss or damage as a result of a cancellation or any variation of the time of arrival or departure from any stop of any vehicle, for damage to any property of a client or for the death of any client or other person or for injury, harm, disease or damage to health, whether physical, behavioural, mental or otherwise (including mental or nervous shock or distress) suffered by a client or any other person. The client indemnifies Wild Fiordland Ltd at all times against any loss, damage or cost suffered or incurred by Wild Fiordland as a direct or indirect result of a breach by the client of its obligations under these terms and conditions.
INSURANCE
All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip delays due to weather, cancellation, evacuation, possible loss of personal belongings & medical cover. In a medical emergency, any; evacuation, vessel relocation, medical or other expenses are the financial responsibility of that passenger. It is the passengers responsibility to ensure their insurance policy covers all potential activities.
PAYMENTS
Prepayment and subsequent confirmation by Wild Fiordland Ltd is accepted as confirmation of your booking. A 20% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm any adventure. Full payment is required 60 days prior to departure, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Prices are quoted, invoiced, and paid in New Zealand Dollars (NZD)
Curated Adventure bookings are accepted on a provisional basis until minimum passenger numbers are confirmed.
CANCELLATIONS
Wild Fiordland reserves the right to cancel any trip at any time due to unsafe weather conditions, unforeseen vessel maintenance or for any other reason such as minimum numbers not reached for any adventure. In the event of a trip being cancelled by Wild Fiordland Limited prior to departure, clients will receive the option of an alternative sailing or a full refund. If a charter is cancelled during an expedition due to unforeseen circumstances, adverse weather affecting client safety and comfort, unforeseen operational reasons or any other issue, clients will receive a partial refund. Full refunds will only be given when a charter is cancelled by Wild Fiordland prior to departure.
Wild Fiordland needs to be notified in writing of all cancellations. We realise circumstances can change and we will work with you through any situation that might arise but the standard cancellation and refund policies will be the default.
REFUND POLICY
Wild Fiordland needs to be notified in writing of all cancellations. We realise circumstances can change and if you cancel we will work with you but the standard cancellation fees are as follows:
20% (your deposit) is principally non-refundable and bound by your booked date range
Up to 60 days prior to departure 20% cancellation fee (deposit)
Less than 60 Days prior to departure 100% cancellation fee
There will be no refund of any part of your trip cost should you fail to arrive at a scheduled trip departure time. Refunds processed internationally may be subject to exchange rate variations and bank or card fees, for which Wild Fiordland Limited accepts no liability.
CHANGES
We reserve the right to change locations, prices, vessels, transport and itineraries due to unforeseen circumstances and without notice, but with full consideration of your safety and your circumstances. We may vary, cancel wholly or vary the point at which Wild Fiordland will pick up and set down clients. The skipper determines the vessels location and itinerary, depending on weather conditions, technical issues, client interests, and comfort.
UN-FORSEEN EVENTS & FORCE MAJEUR
Except where otherwise expressly stated in these conditions Wild Fiordland will not be liable or pay any compensation if contractual obligations to our clients are affected by unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances which Wild Fiordland could not avoid even taking all reasonable measures. These events can include but are not limited to war, the threat of war, civil strife, terrorist activity and its consequences or the threat of such activity, disease and pandemics, riot, the act of any government or other national or local authority including port or river authorities, industrial dispute, lock closure, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, chemical or biological disaster and adverse weather, sea, ice and river conditions and all similar events outside our or the supplier(s) concerned control. Wild Fiordland will advise all parties concerned of the cancellation of a departure due to unavoidable, extraordinary circumstances as soon as we can.
ACTIVITIES
Wild Fiordland reserves the right to cancel or modify any activity such as Kayaking, Walking, Paddle-boarding, Snorkelling or Tender trip due to unsafe weather conditions. In the event of an activity being cancelled by Wild Fiordland, clients will not receive a refund. We will just go and find another location or try again when the weather allows. While Wild Fiordland supplies equipment and facilitates activities, clients are expected to be able to undertake activities independently and unguided.
CRUISING
Cruise activities, and desired locations, are not guaranteed by Wild Fiordland, they remain at all times at the discretion of the Skipper. In order to transfer our vessel to different locations within New Zealand, we require clear and safe weather passage on both inbound and outbound journeys. If this is not possible Wild Fiordland reserves the right to alter the location, without warning and without recompense to clients/agents.These decisions are made in the interest of safety for our guests, crew and vessel, and are not taken lightly. They are not grounds for pricing alteration, discount, or compensation.
FISHING/FREE DIVING EXTRACTION POLICY
We are passionate about Fiordland and protecting this special part of Fiordland for generations to come. The taking of sea-life (Paua, scallops, crayfish, mussels and fishes), as well as being within the fisheries regulations, will only be taken to supplement meals for passengers whilst aboard the Breaksea Girl. The amount of fish taken for this purpose, and the locations fished from, is solely at the Skipper's discretion. Our aim as a company is to protect the Fiordland local fisheries, and also to ensure sustainable practice, whilst sharing this stunning location with our guests.
HUNTING
Hunting activities may be available as part of certain charter programmes, subject to skipper discretion, weather conditions, and applicable regulations. All guests bringing firearms must comply with New Zealand Police licensing requirements and MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) regulations. Guests are solely responsible for ensuring their firearm(s) are legally transported and declared in accordance with New Zealand law. All firearms must be declared to Wild Fiordland Limited at the time of booking.
Wild Fiordland Limited accepts no liability for any incident arising from a guest’s use, handling, or transportation of a firearm. Guests assume full personal liability for any damage, injury, or legal consequence arising from their firearm or hunting activities.
ALCOHOL
No alcohol may be consumed prior to water activities, hunting excursion or helicopter interactions i.e. common sense. It is your responsibility to supply your own alcohol, as Pure Salt NZ does not supply alcohol.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS & FOOD ALLERGIES
Wild Fiordland will make reasonable efforts to accommodate dietary requirements and food preferences. All guests are required to complete the Wild Fiordland Guest Information Form prior to departure, which includes a section for dietary requirements and food intolerances or allergies. It is the guest’s responsibility to accurately disclose any allergies, intolerances, or foods they do not eat on this form.
While every effort will be made to accommodate declared requirements, Wild Fiordland cannot guarantee a fully allergen-free environment onboard. Guests with severe or life-threatening allergies should carry appropriate medication (e.g. EpiPen) at all times and inform the skipper upon boarding.
CHILDREN AND INFANTS
We ask that all children are identified (name and age) to Wild Fiordland at time of booking. Children aboard the Breaksea Girl must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
We are family friendly. Please contact us to discuss. We welcome your enquiry.
MODEL RELEASE
This section is simply to outline that we may take photos and video during your charter for marketing reasons. Wild Fiordland Ltd and or the photographer/videographer hold unrestricted right to use and publish photographs of your trip (in which you may be included), for editorial, trade, advertising, and any other purpose and in any manner and medium; and to alter and composite the same without restriction and without you inspection or approval. While we will take all practical steps to consult with you prior to publishing any imagery that you feature in, this cannot be guaranteed. Please advise us in advance if you do not wish to be photographed or filmed.
PRIVACY POLICY
Wild Fiordland Limited is committed to protecting the privacy of its guests in accordance with the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020.
Information.
We Collect
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Personal details including name, contact information, and date of birth
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Health and dietary information provided on the Customer Information Form
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Payment information processed in accordance with applicable financial regulations
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Photos and video captured during the charter
How We Use Your Information
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To process bookings and communicate with guests regarding their booking
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To comply with legal and regulatory obligations
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To anticipate your needs & provide the safest possible experience in a remote environment
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To be able to contact someone of your choice in an emergency and other emergency services as re
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To provide the helicopter company in advance of your names and weights to comply with their regulations and assist with flight load management.
Guests have the right to request access to, or correction of, any personal information held by Wild Fiordland Limited. Wild Fiordland Limited will not sell or share personal information with third parties except as required to operate the adventures(e.g. helicopter operators, emergency services) or as required by law.
Changes to deposit, payment, cancellation and terms/conditions are all subject to change without notice.
