Terms and Conditions
Bike, Kayak & SUP Hire, Shuttle Services & Guided Bike & Kayak Tour Cancellation & Weather Policy
Cancellations
Cancellations made more than 48 hours prior to the scheduled hire, tour, or shuttle will receive a full refund.
Cancellations made within 48 hours of the scheduled hire, tour, or shuttle for services provided directly by Riverside Adventures Waikato are non-refundable.
Weather & Rescheduling
Bike, kayak and SUP hire, shuttle services, and guided bike and kayak tours operate in most weather conditions. Weather-related changes do not automatically qualify for a refund. Where possible, we are happy to offer rescheduling to an alternative date (subject to availability).
Riverside Adventures Waikato is not responsible for adverse weather conditions during your hire or tour. Refunds will only be considered in exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of Riverside Adventures Waikato.
If you need to change your booking due to weather, your payment can be transferred and held as credit toward a rescheduled date, subject to availability
Please note that late cancellations affect availability for other guests who may have missed the opportunity to book.
Multi-day and overnight Packages Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made more than 14 days prior to the scheduled hire or tour date will receive an 80% refund, with the remaining 20% retained as a non-refundable booking deposit. This deposit may be used as credit toward a future booking, valid for 6 months from the original booking date.
Cancellations made 7–14 days prior to the scheduled hire or tour date will receive an 80% refund. The 20% deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Cancellations made within 7 days of the scheduled hire or tour date are non-refundable.
The 20% booking deposit is non-refundable in all circumstances.
Third-Party Services
Where a booking includes third-party or external services, those operators’ cancellation policies apply. Riverside Adventures Waikato is not responsible for refunds governed by third-party terms.
Changes/amendment fees: Any changes requested after the 20% non-refundable deposit has been paid will incur a $75 administration fee, plus any additional operational or third-party costs.
Payment: All prices are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD).
For group bookings, one person will make payment on behalf of the group and act as the primary contact.
A $25 late fee per booking applies to missed payment dates.
Weather: Given the nature of our tours/hires being outdoors, we operate in all weather conditions and recommend that you dress appropriately for the weather. Riverside Adventures Waikato can not be held responsible for any adverse weather conditions while you are on tour/hire with us and as such any refunds are at our discretion and we are under no obligation to do so.
Luggage: One bag per person, maximum 15kg.
Timber Trail: 7kg max.
Hauraki Rail Trail: up to 20kg, split across multiple bags.
Itinerary changes during trip: No refunds are given for unused services once a trip has commenced. Any additional changes or arrangements are at the client’s expense.
Bike Ts & Cs
Hire charge continues until equipment returned to RAW (Riverside Adventures Waikato) base and no refund for early return.
On booking Hirer agrees to the following terms and conditions:
1. Hirer warrants that all members of the party are suitably fit and experienced to use the equipment hired and RAW shall not accept any responsibility in the event that the hirer and or any member of the hire party is unable to use the equipment for the full hire period.
2. If hirer requires shuttle pick up due to not completing their hire, there will be an additional charge.
3. Hirer responsible for the safe return of all equipment specified above undamaged and in the same good condition as upon commencement of hire.
4. Hirer responsible for ensuring that all members of the hire party use the equipment properly and safely and in compliance with good safe practice and the laws of New Zealand including use of safety equipment.
4a. Hirer agrees to always wear the provided bike helmet when riding (provided by RAW).
4b. Hirer agrees to always wear closed toe footwear.
4c. Hirer agrees to follow New Zealand road driving rules.
5. Children under 15 years to be accompanied by an adult at all times.
6. Hire will be refused or revoked at any time in the event that RAW determines at its sole discretion that the Hirer or any member of the hire party is under the influence of drink or drugs. (In that event no refund will be given).
7. Any damage, loss or injury to property/equipment/person not covered by New Zealand Accident Compensation or RAW insurance shall be the personal responsibility of the hirer for the whole of the hire party. In the event of late return, damage or loss to equipment hired the Hirer authorises RAW to charge the cost of additional hire charges and/or remedying loss or damage of equipment to the Hirer’s nominated credit card.
8. At our sole discretion, RAW will endeavour to accommodate delays or changes to the period of hire and/or tour due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, however, RAW is under no obligation to do so.
The Hirer is personally responsible for the safe and undamaged return of all equipment hired.
Kayak/Paddle Board Ts & Cs
Hire charge continues until equipment returned to RAW (Riverside Adventures Waikato) base and no refund for early return.
On booking Hirer agrees to the following terms and conditions:
1. Hirer warrants that all members of the party are suitably fit and experienced to use the equipment hired and RAW shall not accept any responsibility if the hirer and or any member of the hire party is unable to use the equipment for the full hire period. If hirer requires shuttle pick up due to not completing their hire, there will be an additional charge.
2. Hirer responsible for the safe return of all equipment specified above undamaged and in the same good condition as upon commencement of hire.
3. Hirer responsible for ensuring that all members of the hire party use the equipment properly and safely and in compliance with good safe practice and the laws of New Zealand including use of safety equipment (lifejackets etc -supplied by RAW). Kayaks/SUP’s are not to be used after half an hour after sunset unless on a guided Glowworm Tour.
4. Children under 15 years to be always accompanied by an adult.
5. Hire will be refused or revoked at any time if RAW determines at its sole discretion that the Hirer or any member of the hire party is under the influence of drink or drugs. (In that event no refund will be given.)
6. Any damage, loss or injury to property/equipment/person not covered by New Zealand Accident Compensation or RAW insurance shall be the personal responsibility of the hirer for the whole of the hire party. (Terms of RAW insurance available upon request). In the event of late return, damage or loss to equipment hired the Hirer authorises RAW to charge the cost of additional hire charges and/or remedying loss or damage of equipment to the Hirer’s nominated credit card.
7. At its sole discretion RAW will endeavour to accommodate delays or changes to the period of hire and/or tour due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, however, RAW is under no obligation to do so.
The Hirer is personally responsible for the safe and undamaged return of all equipment hired.
Twilight Kayak Glowworm Risk Disclosure
· I understand there is an acceptable risk of injury whilst taking part in these activities.
· I understand that I may get wet while participating in this activity.
· I understand that I am completely responsible for my own safety. Staff are available on shore to assist should the need arise.
· I understand that there is a risk I may fall in the water, and with that there is the risk of drowning. Kayaking has inherent risks and can be dangerous. Detailed risk management and strict safety procedures are observed; however there remains an element of risk.
· I understand that my behaviour and conduct must not endanger any other participants on the hire.
· I understand that I may not participate in the activities if under the influence of any drugs or alcohol. Any persons found under such influences will be denied access to the tour or hire.
· I am responsible for the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) supplied by Riverside Adventures and may be liable to pay any costs caused by the misuse or damage caused to the equipment.
· I acknowledge that Riverside Adventures are not liable for any direct or indirect loss, damage or injury arising or in connection with the activities, with exception to death or injury caused by the negligence of Riverside Adventures and its staff.
· I declare that I am of a moderate fitness level, and I have no medical issues which may cause any incident to anyone including myself whilst taking part in the activities at Riverside Adventures. People with medical issues should seek professional medical advice before taking part in the activities, and disclose any special needs.
· I give my authority for photographs to be taken of myself/child participating in activities run by Riverside Adventures that may be used for future promotional use. I understand that Riverside Adventures has no financial or obligation regarding the use of these photographs.
· I agree to follow any relevant safety instructions at all times when directed, especially with regards to safety.
· I agree all the above risk acknowledgements are applicable to the participant/s on this form. I also understand that once the briefing is complete, I am not eligible for a refund.
Ø Participants under the age of 18:
· As the parent/guardian, I hereby declare that I am of 18 years or over and that I have read, understood and accept the terms and conditions above on behalf of the participant.
· I declare that I am the adult responsible for the health and safety of the participant (younger than 18) listed, and give my consent for them to take part in the activities at Riverside Adventures.
· If I am not the legal parent or guardian of these children I have been given the authority to sign this form.

