Into the West 
Terms & Conditions, Bookings, Deposits & Cancellation Policy

1. Bookings & Deposits

• All bookings must be confirmed in writing (email or booking platform).

• A 30% non-refundable deposit is required to secure any booking.

• Bookings are not confirmed until the deposit has been received.

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Final payment due:

• Day trips: 7 days prior to departure

• Multi-day tours (3–5 days): 30 days prior

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Bookings made within these timeframes require full payment upfront.

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2. Cancellation Policy – Tours & Activities

Client Cancellations

• More than 30 days before departure: Deposit retained, remaining balance refunded

• 15–30 days before departure: 50% of total booking forfeited

• Less than 14 days before departure: 100% of booking forfeited

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No-shows or unused services are non-refundable.

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Operator Cancellations (Weather, Safety & Access)

Into the West operates in remote and weather-dependent environments where safety is the priority.

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Trips may be cancelled or adjusted due to:

• Weather conditions (sea, river, alpine)

• Helicopter or boat safety restrictions

• Access limitations or government regulations

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In these cases, clients will be offered:

• A rescheduled date, or

• A credit valid for 12 months

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Refunds may be considered where rescheduling is not possible.

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3. Helicopter & Boat Transport

• All helicopter and boat operations are subject to:

  • Weather conditions

  • Pilot/skipper discretion

  • Weight and load limits

• The helicopter provider operates under their own terms and safety regulations, which must be followed at all times.

• Delays or changes due to conditions are not grounds for compensation.

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4. Firearms & Hunting Regulations

• All hunting is conducted under fair chase / ethical hunting principles.

• Firearms are primarily guide-provided and controlled.

• Client-owned firearms may be used only by prior arrangement and must comply with all New Zealand legal requirements.

• All participants must:

  • Follow guide instructions at all times

  • Demonstrate safe firearm handling​

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Into the West reserves the right to:

• Refuse or stop participation if unsafe behaviour is observed

• Terminate a hunt without refund if safety rules are breached

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5. Fitness, Health & Responsibility

• Tours take place in remote, rugged, and physically demanding environments.

• Clients must:

  • Have an appropriate level of fitness

  • Disclose any relevant medical conditions prior to participation

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Into the West reserves the right to decline participation if safety is at risk.

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6. Accommodation

During Multi-Day Tours

• Accommodation may include:

  • Backcountry huts

  • Tents

  • Remote lodges

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Accommodation type is dependent on the trip and agreed upon prior to departure.

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Third-Party Accommodation (e.g. Airbnb)

• If accommodation is arranged through Into the West (e.g. Airbnb or similar providers),
  the same booking, deposit, and cancellation policies apply as outlined above.

• Into the West is not responsible for third-party accommodation provider issues beyond its control, but will assist where possible.

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7. Liability & Risk Acknowledgement

By booking, clients acknowledge that activities involve inherent risks, including but not limited to:

• Remote terrain and wilderness exposure

• Firearms use

• Hunting and wildlife encounters

• River, ocean, and alpine hazards

• Helicopter and boat transport

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To the fullest extent permitted under New Zealand law, Into the West is not liable for:

• Injury, loss, or damage incurred during participation

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All participants may be required to sign a liability waiver prior to departure.

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8. Insurance

• Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended.

• Insurance should cover:

  • Adventure activities

  • Helicopter transport

  • Trip cancellation and delays

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9. Itinerary Changes

• Itineraries may change due to:

  • Weather conditions

  • Safety considerations

  • Access restrictions

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These changes are part of operating in remote environments and do not entitle clients to compensation.

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10. Behaviour & Conduct

• Respect for guides, environment, and other participants is expected at all times.

• Responsible alcohol consumption only.

• No drugs permitted.

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Unsafe or inappropriate behaviour will result in removal from the tour without refund.

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11. Force Majeure

Into the West is not liable for cancellations, delays, or changes caused by events beyond control, including:

• Natural disasters

• Extreme weather

• Government restrictions or closures

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12. Media & Marketing

• Photos and videos may be taken during trips.

• By participating, clients agree these may be used for promotional purposes unless they opt out in writing prior to the trip.

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13. New Zealand Consumer Law

Nothing in these Terms & Conditions is intended to limit or exclude your rights under the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 or the Fair Trading Act 1986.

Where services are supplied for personal use, clients have rights under these Acts that cannot be excluded.

Where services are supplied for business purposes, the parties agree that the provisions of the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 may be contracted out of to the extent permitted by law.