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Booking Terms & Conditions

Booking T&Cs

TERMS & CONDITIONS

 

These Terms & Conditions are designed to ensure clarity, safety, and fairness for all guests travelling with S.E.A Fiordland. By making a booking, you agree to the following terms.

1. PAYMENT POLICY

  • A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm any Private Charter or Shared Adventure Charter ("the Charter").

  • Full payment is required 60 days prior to departure, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

  • Bookings are confirmed only once the deposit has been received by S.E.A Fiordland.

Currency & Pricing

  • Prices may be quoted, invoiced, and paid in either New Zealand Dollars (NZD) or United States Dollars (USD), depending on the booking arrangement.

  • Where payment is made in a currency other than NZD:

    • Exchange rates are determined at the time of invoicing or payment processing

    • Any exchange rate fluctuations, international bank fees, or card processing charges are the responsibility of the guest

    • S.E.A Fiordland accepts no liability for variations between the invoiced amount and the final amount charged by a guest’s bank or card provider

2. TRAVEL INSURANCE (STRONGLY RECOMMENDED)

All passengers are strongly advised to arrange comprehensive private travel insurance, including cover for:

  • Trip cancellation or interruption

  • Weather-related delays

  • Medical expenses and evacuation

  • Loss or damage to personal belongings

It is the passenger’s responsibility to ensure their insurance policy covers all activities undertaken.

In the event of a medical emergency, any evacuation, vessel relocation, medical treatment, or related expenses are the responsibility of the passenger.S.E.A Fiordland strongly recommends all guests read their insurance policy carefully prior to travel.

3. CANCELLATION POLICY

We understand that circumstances may change.

Guest Cancellations

  • All cancellations must be made in writing via email to hello@seafiordland.com.

  • Notification time is based on New Zealand Standard Time (NZST).

60 days or more prior to departure

  • The 25% deposit is non-refundable

  • The remaining balance paid will be refunded (75% of the full charter price)

Less than 60 days prior to departure

  • The full charter cost, including deposit, will be forfeited

  • If another group is able to fill the cancelled dates, a refund of up to 75% may be offered at S.E.A Fiordland’s discretion

The earlier S.E.A Fiordland is notified of a cancellation, the greater the likelihood of securing a replacement booking and a potential refund.

Failure to Arrive

  • No refunds will be given if a passenger fails to arrive by the scheduled Charter departure time.

  • Charter departures will not be delayed due to passenger circumstances, including airline delays, medical issues, or weather.

  • Any alternative transport required to reach the vessel due to late arrival will be at the passenger’s own cost.

4. CHARTER CHANGES & OPERATIONAL CONDITIONS

S.E.A Fiordland reserves the right to:

  • Amend timetables

  • Cancel or alter Charter departures

  • Substitute vessels or equipment

These decisions may be made for safety or operational reasons, including adverse weather or unforeseen vessel maintenance.

Due to the remote and weather-dependent nature of Fiordland:

  • Routes, activities, anchorages, and schedules may change

  • Certain activities cannot be guaranteed

Such changes do not constitute grounds for refunds, discounts, or compensation.

Operator Cancellations

  • If a Charter is cancelled before departure by S.E.A Fiordland, guests may choose to:

    • Reschedule, or

    • Receive a full refund of the Charter portion only (excluding transport already undertaken)

  • If a Charter is delayed due to weather or conditions beyond our control, no refunds will be provided

  • If a Charter is cancelled after departure, guests may receive a partial refund at S.E.A Fiordland’s sole discretion, depending on circumstances

5. LIABILITY & INDEMNITY

Passengers travel at their own risk to the extent permitted by law. S.E.A Fiordland is not responsible for loss, damage, delay, injury, or death arising from participation in the Charter.

S.E.A Fiordland is not liable for events outside its control, including:

  • Adverse weather

  • Acts of God

  • Mechanical failure

  • Civil unrest or labour disruption

S.E.A Fiordland is not liable for:

  • Missed connections or delays

  • Loss or damage to personal property

  • Injury, illness, or death (physical or psychological)

Where contributory negligence applies, liability will be limited in accordance with New Zealand law.

Guests agree to indemnify and hold harmless S.E.A Fiordland against any loss, damage, or cost arising from a breach of these Terms & Conditions.

6. HEALTH & SAFETY

Passenger safety and comfort are paramount.

Upon boarding the Tasman Explorer, the skipper will provide mandatory safety briefings. All passengers must follow crew instructions at all times.

New Zealand operates a no-fault accident compensation scheme (ACC). Under ACC legislation, passengers cannot sue the operator for personal injury. Medical assistance will be arranged where required, with costs covered by ACC where applicable.

All passengers must:

  • Act safely and responsibly

  • Follow all crew instructions and signage

  • Refrain from unsafe, violent, or antisocial behaviour

  • Not interfere with safety equipment unless in an emergency

  • Avoid alcohol prior to water activities, hunting, or helicopter operations

7. ACTIVITIES & RISK AWARENESS

All activities involve inherent risks that cannot be completely eliminated.

Land & Water Activities

(Kayaking, hunting, walking, tender use, etc.)

  • Approved life jackets and safety equipment must be worn when required

  • Activities are weather-dependent and at the skipper’s discretion

  • Children under 16 may participate with guardian and skipper approval and supervision

S.E.A Fiordland takes all reasonable safety precautions but cannot guarantee absolute safety.

8. FISHING POLICY

Fish and seafood may be taken only to supplement onboard meals or for personal take-home use, in compliance with current fisheries regulations.

Methods, locations, and quantities are determined at the skipper’s discretion.

9. SCUBA & FREEDIVING POLICY

Diving is permitted under specific regulatory conditions:

  • All scuba divers must hold valid certification and be medically fit

  • Divers are fully responsible for their actions and equipment

  • Guests must supply their own serviced regulators

  • Dives are not guided

Weights and tanks may be supplied by S.E.A Fiordland where permitted.

10. ALCOHOL

Guests must supply their own alcohol.

Alcohol consumption is prohibited prior to:

  • Water activities

  • Hunting excursions

  • Helicopter operations

11. MEDIA & MODEL RELEASE

S.E.A Fiordland may capture photos and video during Charters for marketing and promotional use.

Guests grant unrestricted rights to use this media unless prior written notice is given requesting exclusion.

12. GOVERNING LAW

All agreements are governed by New Zealand law, with exclusive jurisdiction in the New Zealand Courts.

Refunds processed internationally may be subject to exchange rate variations and bank or card fees, for which S.E.A Fiordland accepts no liability.

13. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISK & WAIVER

By participating, guests acknowledge and accept the inherent risks involved and release S.E.A Fiordland, its staff, contractors, and agents from liability to the extent permitted by law.

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