Terms & Conditions

General

Taupo Hydrofoil Tours is a New Zealand-owned and operated tourism business providing guided hydrofoil experiences on Lake Taupō.

By making a booking or travelling with Taupo Hydrofoil Tours, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to these Terms & Conditions.

Safety

Passenger safety is our highest priority.

All passengers must follow the instructions of the skipper and crew at all times. The skipper has absolute authority regarding the safe operation of the vessel and may refuse boarding or terminate a tour if a passenger behaves in a manner that places themselves, other passengers, crew or the vessel at risk.

For safety reasons, passengers may be required to wear lifejackets or other safety equipment when directed.

All departures are subject to the skipper's discretion, weather and lake conditions, and applicable Maritime New Zealand safety requirements.

Assumption of Risk

While every reasonable precaution is taken to provide a safe experience, travelling on the water carries inherent risks, including but not limited to changing weather conditions, vessel movement, slips, falls, and unexpected manoeuvres.

By participating, passengers acknowledge these inherent risks and accept responsibility for participating in the tour.

Nothing in these Terms & Conditions limits or excludes any rights you have under New Zealand consumer law.

Medical Conditions

Passengers should ensure they are physically able to participate in the tour.

Please advise us before departure if you have any medical condition, injury, mobility limitation, are pregnant, or have any other condition that may affect your safety or comfort during the experience.

The skipper reserves the right to refuse boarding if participation is considered unsafe.

Children

Children are welcome but must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.

Any minimum age, height or weight requirements applicable to a particular tour will be clearly advised during the booking process.

Passenger Conduct

For the comfort and safety of everyone on board, passengers agree to:

  • Follow all crew instructions.

  • Remain seated when instructed.

  • Keep hands, arms and personal belongings inside the vessel unless advised otherwise.

  • Treat the vessel and equipment with care.

  • Respect other passengers and crew.

The following are not permitted:

  • Smoking or vaping onboard.

  • Illegal drugs.

  • Excessive intoxication.

  • Dangerous or abusive behaviour.

  • Interference with the operation of the vessel.

Passengers who fail to comply may have their tour terminated without refund.

Weather & Operational Conditions

Lake conditions can change rapidly and hydrofoil operation requires suitable weather and water conditions.

Taupo Hydrofoil Tours reserves the right to delay departures, modify tour routes or durations, or cancel tours where weather, lake conditions, operational requirements, or safety considerations make it necessary.

As the hydrofoil experience is the product being offered, tours will not operate if conditions are unsuitable for safe hydrofoil operation.

If Taupo Hydrofoil Tours cancels a tour due to weather, lake conditions, mechanical issues or any other operational reason, customers will be offered either:

  • A full refund; or

  • The opportunity to transfer their booking to another available departure.

Cancellations & Changes

Customer cancellations:

  • More than 72 hours before departure: Full refund.

  • Between 24 and 72 hours before departure: 50% refund.

  • Within 24 hours of departure: No refund.

Changes to bookings are subject to availability and should be requested at least 24 hours before departure.

Failure to arrive before the scheduled departure time may result in the booking being treated as a no-show and no refund being provided.

Personal Property

Passengers bring personal belongings onboard at their own risk.

Taupo Hydrofoil Tours accepts no responsibility for loss, theft or damage to personal property unless required by New Zealand law.

We recommend securing phones, cameras and other valuables during the tour.

Photography & Media

Photographs and video may occasionally be taken during tours for promotional purposes.

By participating, you consent to the use of images that may include you unless you advise our crew before departure.

Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by New Zealand law, Taupo Hydrofoil Tours is not liable for any indirect or consequential loss arising from participation in the tour.

Nothing in these Terms & Conditions excludes or limits any rights available under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, the Fair Trading Act 1986, or any other applicable New Zealand legislation.

Gift Vouchers

Gift vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase unless otherwise stated. (Founding Passenger Fares do not expire.)

Extensions are at the sole discretion of Taupo Hydrofoil Tours.

Contact

If you have any questions regarding these Terms & Conditions, please contact Taupo Hydrofoil Tours before your scheduled departure.