Terms & Conditions
Snow Monkeys Ltd – Terms & Conditions
1. Introduction & Definitions
1.1. These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern all bookings you make with Snow Monkeys Ltd (“we”, “us”, “our”, “the Agency”). By booking a trip with us, you (“the Client”, “you”, “your”) agree to be bound by these Terms.
1.2. Definitions:
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Active Holiday: A travel itinerary involving physical activities such as, but not limited to, skiing, ski touring, mountaineering, trekking, hiking, and other adventure sports.
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Supplier: Any third-party provider of services, including but not limited to airlines, accommodation providers, tour guides, activity operators, transport companies, and equipment hire facilities.
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Itinerary: The detailed plan of the trip, including dates, destinations, services, and activities.
2. Booking & Payment
2.1. Booking: A booking is confirmed once we receive your completed booking form and the non-refundable deposit, and we issue a booking confirmation invoice.
2.2. Deposit: A deposit of 50% of the total trip cost per person is required to secure your booking. This deposit is non-refundable, as it covers administrative costs and commitments to Suppliers.
2.3. Final Payment: The full and final payment must be received no later than 30 days before the departure date. If the booking is made within 30 days of departure, full payment is required immediately upon booking confirmation.
2.4. Failure to Pay: If we do not receive payment by the due date, we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled by you, and our cancellation charges will apply.
3. Prices & Inclusions
3.1. Price Fluctuation: All prices are quoted in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Prices are subject to change due to currency fluctuations, changes in Supplier costs, fuel surcharges, taxes, or other unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. We will absorb the first 2% of any price increase, and you will be liable for the remainder. You may cancel without penalty if the total increase exceeds 10% of the trip price.
3.2. Inclusions: The trip price includes services as specified in your confirmed itinerary (e.g., accommodation, meals as listed, guided activities, internal transport).
3.3. Exclusions: The trip price typically excludes international airfares, travel insurance, visas, vaccinations, meals not specified, beverages, personal expenses, gratuities, and any items of a personal nature.
4. Client Responsibilities & Fitness to Travel
4.1. Travel Insurance: It is a mandatory condition of your booking that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance. This insurance must include cover for medical expenses, injury, death, repatriation, cancellation, curtailment, and personal liability. For active holidays, it is essential that your policy specifically covers the activities you will be undertaking (e.g., off-piste skiing, backcountry ski touring, high-altitude trekking). You must provide proof of this insurance to us before departure.
4.2. Fitness & Health: You acknowledge that the nature of an active holiday is physically demanding. You are responsible for assessing your own fitness, health, and skill level to ensure you are capable of participating in the booked activities. You must inform us of any pre-existing medical conditions, physical or mental, that may affect your participation.
4.3. Passports & Visas: You are responsible for ensuring you have a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity beyond your return date) and all necessary visas, vaccinations, and travel documents required for your destination(s).
4.4. Conduct: You agree to comply with the laws and regulations of the countries you visit and to follow the instructions of our guides and Suppliers. We reserve the right to terminate your holiday, without refund or liability, if your behaviour is deemed to be disruptive, dangerous, or a hazard to yourself or others.
5. Cancellations & Changes by the Client
5.1. Cancellation by You: All cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellation charges are as follows:
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More than 30 days before departure: Loss of deposit of 50% of the total trip cost
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Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of total cost.
5.2. Changes by You: If you wish to change your booking change of departure date or destination, we will do our best to assist. An amendment fee of NZD $100 will be charged, plus any additional costs imposed by Suppliers.
6. Changes & Cancellations by the Agency
6.1. Force Majeure: We will not be liable for any failure or delay in performing our obligations where such failure or delay results from events beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, war, terrorism, pandemics, natural disasters, or any government restrictions that make travel impractical or unsafe.
6.2. Cancellation by Us: We reserve the right to cancel a trip for reasons such as, but not limited to, insufficient numbers or Force Majeure events. In such a case, you will be offered a full refund or the option to transfer to an alternative trip. We will not be liable for any additional costs you may have incurred (e.g., visas, vaccinations, non-refundable flights).
6.3. Itinerary Changes: While we endeavour to operate all trips as advertised, we reserve the right to alter itineraries, accommodation, or activities due to weather conditions, safety concerns, Supplier changes, or other operational reasons. Any significant changes will be communicated to you as soon as possible. No refunds will be given for minor changes.
7. Limitations of Liability & Assumption of Risk
7.1. Role of the Agency: Snow Monkeys Ltd acts as an agent for the various Suppliers (transport, accommodation, activity operators, etc.). We exercise care in the selection of Suppliers but we do not have direct control over them.
7.2. Assumption of Risk: You acknowledge and accept that participation in an Active Holiday involves inherent risks and dangers. These can include, but are not limited to, the risk of injury, illness, permanent disability, or death; forces of nature; accidents in remote locations without immediate medical facilities; and the actions or negligence of other participants or third parties. You voluntarily assume all such risks.
7.3. Limitation of Liability: To the fullest extent permitted by New Zealand law, our liability to you is limited. Where we are found liable, our maximum liability to you (whether in contract, tort, or otherwise) will be limited to the amount paid for the trip. We will not be liable for any indirect, consequential, or incidental damages, including loss of enjoyment.
7.4. Consumer Guarantees Act 1993: These Terms are subject to, and do not seek to exclude or limit, any non-excludable guarantees provided under the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
8. Complaints
8.1. If you have a problem during your trip, you must inform both the local Supplier and our Agency representative immediately, to allow us the opportunity to resolve it.
8.2. If a complaint cannot be resolved locally, you must submit it to us in writing within 30 days of the completion of your trip.
9. Privacy
9.1. We collect personal information from you to process your booking. We will handle your information in accordance with the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020 and our Privacy Policy, which is available on our website. We may need to disclose your information to our Suppliers to facilitate your travel arrangements.
10. Governing Law
10.1. These Terms and any disputes arising from them shall be governed by the laws of New Zealand, and you submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New Zealand.