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:

• Act in a safe and reasonable manner

• Cooperate with, and observe all instructions from Wild Fiordland staff

• Follow all signs and notices

• Not interfere with or use emergency equipment except in an emergency

• Not behave in an unsafe, noisy, violent or antisocial manner

• Not litter or tamper with or damage any property of Wild Fiordland

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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.

 

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.

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PAYMENTS

Prepayment and subsequent confirmation by Wild Fiordland Ltd is accepted as confirmation of your booking.

 

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.

 

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:

6 weeks prior to departure                                                20% cancellation fee

Less than 6 weeks prior to departure                               100% cancellation fee

if you can arrange another group to book your dates     100% refund

If we can arrange another group to book your dates      80% refund

 

There will be no refund of any part of your trip cost should you fail to arrive at a scheduled trip departure time. Trip departures may not be delayed due to passenger circumstance including events beyond your control, medical problems, airline delays, weather e.t.c. If other transport is required to get you to the vessel due to you not arriving before the scheduled trip departure time, this will be at your cost. This should be covered by your travel insurance and includes inability to travel due to positive COVID-19 test results and related disruptions.

 

20% (your deposit) is principally non-refundable and bound by your booked date range 

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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.No alcohol may be consumed prior to water activities or hunting excursion i.e. common sense. Intoxicated persons are a recipe for disaster in this remote environment.

 

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.

 

SCUBA DIVING

Due to the new adventure activity regulations, we can only offer diving from the vessel under special new rules.  Please contact us for further information.

 

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.

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