Policies

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Outdoors Agents NZ LTD trading as Might Alps NZ

By paying the initial deposit the client agrees to the Ts & Cs outlined below. The client may also be required to sign a copy of these Ts & Cs prior to trip commencement.

These Ts & Cs give you the client confidence in the product that you're paying for by clearly outlining the parameters with which Mighty Alps NZ operates, that being said, please contact us if you have any queries.

Interpretation

0.1 “Mighty Alps NZ” refers to our business, which operates a hunting guide service under the umbrella of Outdoors Agents NZ LTD and includes its nominees, agents, guides or staff. Outdoors Agents NZ LTD is a Limited Liability Company registered in the official New Zealand Company Registry. Legally speaking "Mighty Alps NZ" is interchangeable with "Outdoors Agents NZ" and is covered by all legal statuses and protections offered to Outdoors Agents NZ LTD. You will see "Outdoors Agents NZ LTD trading as Mighty Alps NZ" on your invoices or other official documents.

0.2 “Client” refers to the person named on the contract or tax invoice and or their family, hunting companions and others who may or may not be listed as party members but accompany the client during their hunt.

0.3 The words “hunt” or '"trip" refer to those activities for which Mighty Alps NZ / Outdoors Agents NZ LTD offers. This includes hunting, fishing, helicopter flights, boating, ATV, horseback riding, general tour services and any other services that Mighty Alps NZ / Outdoors Agents NZ LTD may undertake for their client.

0.4 Mighty Alps NZ / Outdoors Agents NZ LTD services will be offered by a professional. This person will be referred to as the “guide”.

1. Booking and Payment

1.1 Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of 25% is required to secure the client's desired booking dates. The deposit must be paid no more than 7 days after an invoice has been issued.

1.2 Booking confirmation: Booking is only confirmed and dates are only secured upon receipt of 25% deposit and written confirmation from Mighty Alps NZ to the client, Mighty Alps NZ is under no obligation to hold the clients’ desired date until deposit has been received. Payment of the initial deposit is confirmation of acceptance of the terms and conditions laid out here.

1.3 Booking Changes: Any changes to trip duration, party size, dates or hunt package may incur administration fees and require re-quoting, in addition to any increase in price for new itinerary.

1.4 Final Balance: The remaining balance (75%) of the trip cost must be paid in full no later than 3 weeks (21 days) prior to the commencement of the hunt. The client may opt to pay for the hunt in full at the original time of booking.

1.5 Payment method: Mighty Alps NZ prefers direct debit ( bank transfer) but will also accept credit card via Stripe (third party merchant) and, when organised, Mighty Alps NZ will accept a cash payment before commencement of your trip.

1.6 Organising payment: Mighty Alps NZ invoices are made out as standard for direct debit bank transfers. The client will need to notify us prior to booking if they wish to pay via credit card or cash.

1.7 Additional charges: Credit card payments will incur a 3% additional fee from the third party provider. Mighty Alps recommends direct debit payments to avoid these fees.

1.8 Currency: All prices displayed on our website are in USD. Invoices will be made out in USD unless specified otherwise.

1.9 Price changes: Prices are subject to change based on currency exchange rates and GST (tax) rates prior to a deposit being received, but will not affect a secured booking.

1.10 Tips and Gratuities: Please come prepared if you plan on tipping your guide and/or staff. 15% of the hunt total is considered standard, however the amount is 100% at the discretion of the hunter or party. Guiding is a seasonal employment, tipping keeps many guides and staff in the industry. Mighty Alps NZ prefers cash for gratuities, however some clients choose to leave behind gear as a tip and this can sometimes be the most helpful/ meaningful tips guides receive.

1.11 Standard transport: Reasonable transport to and from the hunting area is included in the quoted price for the hunt. If plans are changed for unforeseeable reasons that incur greater travel costs, the client will be liable for at least 50% of the new travel costs.

1.12 Third party transport: Unless otherwise discussed, extra transport such as water taxis or helicopter pick up/ drop off are paid in addition to the quoted price of the hunt. In order to secure a booking slot with these third party providers - extra transport costs are to be paid in full at the time of booking with Mighty Alps NZ.

1.13 Accommodation: Accommodation on site ( Private land /estate) is included in your hunt’s quote, all additional third party accommodation (hotels/motels) prior or after your hunt, are to be paid for by the client unless otherwise discussed.

2. Cancellation and Refunds

2. Client Cancellation: Cancellations made more than 90 days prior to the start date: Deposit is forfeited, but remaining balance (if paid) is refundable.

2.1 Cancellations made within 90 days of the start date: No refund of the 25% deposit or further funds paid at that point will be provided unless the party re-books for new dates or another party can be found to fill the original dates. Mighty Alps NZ strongly recommends comprehensive travel insurance to cover unforeseen cancellations. Rescheduled bookings will receive priority for their dates of preference over new clients.

2.2 Operator Cancellation: If Mighty Alps NZ must cancel due to extreme weather, safety concerns or personal reasons, Mighty Alps NZ will offer a reschedule or a refund (minus unrecoverable costs).

2.3 Force Majeure/ “Acts of God”: Mighty Alps NZ shall not be liable for any interruption, delay or cancellation of the hunt which may arise as a result of sickness or death, riots, wars, acts of God, flight cancellations, acts of any government, road conditions, weather conditions, attacks by wild animals, mechanical breakdown, accidents or any other unforeseen reasons beyond the control of Mighty Alps NZ. The client shall have no claims against Mighty Alps NZ in respect to these or any associated matters. The client agrees to take out adequate travel and cancellation insurance against all relevant risks and contingencies at their own expense. Neither party will be held responsible for these circumstances and a refund / rescheduled booking will be organised as appropriate.

2.4 Mandatory last minute changes: In the event of any of the unfortunate circumstances listed above, Mighty Alps NZ will do everything within our power to review the plan for the trip and if possible will modify it to allow it to proceed in a safe and pragmatic way. However, if this is not possible, Mighty Alps Nz will not be liable for unrecoverable costs or new costs incurred.

2.5 Third party refunds: Refunds for cancelled third party accommodation, transport, taxidermy, shipping services and other recreational activities are subject to that third party provider’s refund policy.

2.6 No shows or late arrival: Failure to arrive on the scheduled start date without proper communication of delays and / or good reason, may result in forfeiture of the deposit or full package cost. Mighty Alps NZ has discretion over the final decision.

3. Risk Disclosure and Safety (High-Risk Activity)

3. Inherent Risk: Hunting involves remote locations, dangerous terrain, wild animals, unpredictable weather, firearms and risks associated with travel such as helicopters, planes and boats. The client acknowledges these risks and, by paying, has agreed to the inherent risks thereof and will be required to sign a waiver confirming this agreement.

3.1 Guide Instruction: Clients must follow all reasonable instructions from their guide in the interests of safety. Failure to follow the guide’s instructions, specifically regarding safety may result in the immediate termination of the hunt without refund.

3.2 Physical Fitness: The client warrants they, and all other members of the party whom it applies to, have the physical fitness required for the specific terrain discussed during booking. If a client has misrepresented their physical capabilities and the hunt is affected or unsuccessful as a result, Mighty Alps NZ is not responsible for the outcome.

3.3 Failure to follow third party providers’ instructions & policies: Third party providers including but not limited to; Water taxis, Helicopter transport, Hotels, Motels, lodges and land owners have their own policies for safety and best practise. Clients are subject to these in addition to Mighty Alps NZ policies. Failure to comply with third party providers’ instructions or policies may result in additional costs, and/or immediate cancellations without refund.

3.4 Medical disclosure: Clients must disclose to Mighty Alps NZ any medical conditions, concerns, injuries or limitations that may affect the health and wellbeing of the individual, party or cause changes to the trip plan to accommodate these conditions. Failure to do so is a grievous health risk and may result in trip cancellation or incur extra costs to facilitate a successful trip. Any extra costs thereof will be wholly the responsibility of the client.

3.5 Companions: Any and all companions (Spouses, children, friends or other relatives) may be subject to all of the same risks as the primary client and will incur additional fees to include in the trip.

3.6 Drugs and Alcohol: Substances other than recreational alcohol and prescription medication are strictly forbidden on all Mighty Alps NZ trips. Consumption of such substances ( narcotics, opiates etc), misuse of prescribed medication or irresponsible consumption of alcohol will result in immediate cancellation of the trip and forfeit of all funds paid to Mighty Alps NZ and third party providers.

3.7 Client questionnaire: The client pledges that the information given concerning health, fitness, equipment, shooting skill, etc in correspondence with Mighty Alps NZ and in the questionnaire form is true and correct to the best of their knowledge. Mighty Alps NZ is not liable for any poor outcomes as a result of false or misrepresented information in the questionnaire or direct correspondence.

4. Firearms and Equipment

4. Operator Licensing: All Mighty Alps NZ guides are legal firearms license holders of New Zealand, and are therefore legally responsible for all firearms activities under their supervision. Firearms are used at the discretion of Mighty Alps NZ staff and under our strict direction, failure to follow reasonable instructions concerning firearm usage will result in the immediate termination of the hunt without refund.

4.1 Consumption of Alcohol: While reasonable consumption of alcohol at day’s end is allowed, Mighty Alps NZ has a zero tolerance policy for consumption of alcohol consumed during the day - Unless discussed and approved of by Mighty Alps NZ staff, in the event the day’s hunting is concluded etc.

4.2 Visitor Firearms License: International clients wishing to use their own firearms must obtain a New Zealand Visitor Firearms License and an Import/Export Permit prior to arrival. Mighty Alps NZ recommends this process to be started 5-7 months prior to your arrival in New Zealand. Mighty Alps NZ is not held responsible for any failures to acquire the necessary permits for a client to bring and utilise their own firearms.

4.3 Client Equipment: If using your own equipment (firearms, optics, boots, packs or sleeping system), Mighty Alps NZ is not liable for equipment failure or damage in transit, or during your hunt. The client's property is their responsibility and regular wear and tear during the hunt should be expected.

4.4 Operator Equipment: Any damage to equipment provided by Mighty Alps NZ or third party providers (including but not limited to; rifles, vehicles, GPS, tents, cookers, sleeping systems and optics) beyond reasonable wear and tear will be charged to the client in proportion with the damage inflicted. Loss of or destruction of equipment beyond regular operation and wear/tear will incur full replacement fees.

4.5 Client Equipment: Clients are expected to have equipped themselves for their trip. Personal items, toiletries, medication, packs, sleeping systems and most importantly suitable clothing are all the responsibility of the client unless otherwise discussed. Failure to follow the gear list provided to the client is not the fault of Mighty Alps NZ, and is therefore not responsible for any issues that might arise from the client being poorly equipped or unprepared.

4.6 Provided Equipment: Unless otherwise discussed, your guide will provide the following; Tents/Shelters, Cookers and gas, Spotting scope and tripod, Eating utensils, butchery and caping tools, hearing protection (when required), rifles and ammunition (extra charges may apply), first aide etc.

4.7 Hire Equipment: Certain hire equipment is available at extra cost. Mighty Alps NZ will list in writing equipment included and equipment hired on the client's invoice(s) or additional documents to ensure the client is aware of what they must bring themselves, and what is being provided for their hunt.

4.8 Ammunition limits: Clients are entitled to 30 cartridges of ammunition to practise with and harvest their animals. Use of additional ammunition will incur additional fees.

5. ACC and Liability

5. NZ Law: Any claims, disputes or litigations which may arise from these terms and conditions shall be subject to, governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of New Zealand. The client hereby irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of the High Court of New Zealand in respect of any claim, dispute or litigation which may arise from this agreement or its termination.

5.1 Personal Injury: Under New Zealand law, the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) scheme provides cover for personal injury. Consequently, you cannot sue for damages for personal injury in NZ. Overseas visitors are covered by this scheme for medical treatment and certain rehabilitation assistance within New Zealand. The scheme does not cover any form of illness.

5.2 Limit of Liability: To the extent permitted by law, our liability for any loss (including loss of trophies or property) is limited to the total price paid for the hunt.

5.3 Client travel insurance: Mighty Alps NZ expects all clients to arrange their own comprehensive travel insurance for the duration and value of their trip, from the time they leave their home, until the time they return. Mighty Alps NZ has no part in organising or supplying this coverage, unless discussed otherwise.

5.4 Proof of travel insurance: Mighty Alps NZ may require proof of your comprehensive travel insurance policy and is entitled to request that you provide proof of policy at any time after booking.

6. Trophy Preparation and Export

6. Third party trophy preparation / shipping: While Mighty Alps NZ takes the utmost care in field dressing and storage, Mighty Alps NZ is not responsible for the actions of third-party taxidermists or shipping agents. Exporting trophies is subject to MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) regulations.

6.1 Shipping game meat: Mighty Alps NZ will attempt to assist the client in retaining as much game meat as possible, and, when requested, assist the client in taking game meat home with them. Import / Export of game meat is subject to MPI regulations, as well as those of the client’s home nation. Mighty Alps NZ is not responsible for any failures to secure shipping and import/export permits for game meat.

7. Trophy fees & Entitlements

7. Trophy Entitlement:

Trophy Hunts: On a public land trophy hunt, the client is entitled to harvest the best mature specimen available. If the guide determines a younger animal is the best option present, the client may take it. The guide will always honestly inform the client regarding an animal's status as a trophy (or lack thereof), allowing the client to make an informed decision on whether or not to take the animal.

Private land trophy hunters will harvest the animal class they have booked for, or the best available - Whichever is applicable in that situation.

Adventure Hunts: On a “Public Land Adventure Hunt”, clients are not entitled to shoot immature trophy animals (e.g. a 4-year-old stag that should be left to mature). Clients are only entitled to harvest females or juvenile males (2 years old or younger) as meat animals, with a skull or skin taken as a memento/trophy if applicable. If a genuine trophy class animal is located (7+ years old) the client may have the opportunity to take it, given proper circumstances - The guide has final decision.

Clients are not entitled to harvest immature trophies or animals deemed as unsuitable for any reason - Guides reserve the right to veto any harvest they deem unsuitable for the hunt type booked or situation.

7.1 Private land trophy fees: Private land animals are owned by the landowner and incur a fee additional to accommodation and guide’s fees. These trophy fees are included in your hunt’s quote unless otherwise discussed.

7.2 Discount trophy fees: Trophy fees paid for in full at the time of booking may qualify for a discount of up-to 10%. Depending on circumstances, please ask us for more info when booking.

7.3 Additional trophy fees: A client may harvest as many animals as they wish, (provided the party has the permission of the land owner to do so) in addition to the animal(s) originally booked and paid for. These additional trophy fees are not subject to a discount unless otherwise discussed and will be invoiced for at the end of the trip.

7.4 Forfeit of trophies: Failure to pay for additional trophies at the conclusion of the trip will result in all trophies ( including those paid for prior to trip commencement) being withheld until proper payment, and possibly forfeited by the client. Unless otherwise discussed, Mighty Alps NZ will retain withheld trophies for no longer than 90 days before forfeit of trophies is final.

7.5 Fees of late / non payment: Mighty Alps NZ has the right to charge up-to 25% interest per month on top of any outstanding funds at the conclusion of the client's trip.

7.6 Recouping lost fees: In the event the client has not paid the outstanding funds and incurred interest at the conclusion of the 90 day window, unless proper and reasonable attempts have been made by the client, Mighty Alps NZ has the right take measures including but not limited to, selling the client's trophies in order to recoup costs incurred by third party providers such as land owners, taxidermists and shipping agents.

8. Hosted and Hybrid Hunts

8. Hosted Hunts: "Hosted Hunt” means a support service where the client and their party conduct a do-it-yourself (DIY) hunt. Mighty Alps NZ provides logistical, administrative, and on-ground support services only. The Host does not act as a professional hunting guide, does not lead the hunt, does not make hunting decisions, and does not supervise or direct the Client’s hunting activities or safety in the field.

“Host” means the representative of Mighty Alps NZ who provides the support services described in the Hosted Hunt package.

“Client” includes the person named on the booking, all members of their hunting party, and any companions.

All other definitions from the general Mighty Alps NZ Terms and Conditions apply where relevant.

8.1 Arrangement: This is explicitly a support and concierge-style service. The Client retains full responsibility for:

Planning and executing the hunt
All decisions regarding hunting locations, methods, timing, and tactics within the permitted areas
Firearm handling, safety, and compliance with all New Zealand firearms laws including drug and alcohol laws
Personal and group safety during their entire trip including hunting activities and travel
Success or failure of the hunt (including harvesting animals or obtaining trophies)

8.2 The Host’s role : The host is limited to behind-the-scenes and logistical assistance, such as organising travel, permits, access to land, transportation, camp setup, meals, basic game processing, and similar support as agreed in the booking. Exact services and requirments of the host will be agreed upon in writing prior to hunt commencement.

Mighty Alps NZ assists with permits and land access but does not guarantee success in obtaining them and is not liable for any failure or delay by government agencies or landowners.

The general Mighty Alps NZ Terms and Conditions regarding deposits (25% non-refundable), final payments, booking changes, cancellations, Force Majeure, and third-party services apply, unless otherwise agreed in writing for a specific Hosted Hunt package.
Due to the support-only nature of Hosted Hunts, rescheduling or refunds may be more flexible where the Host’s logistical role has not yet commenced, but the deposit remains non-refundable.
To the fullest extent permitted by New Zealand law, Mighty Alps NZ’s total liability under a Hosted Hunt is limited to the total amount paid for the Hosted Hunt service

8.3 Client acknowledgments: The client acknowledges that this is not a guided hunt and that they are participating in a self-directed hunting experience.

The client is responsible for ensuring they have all necessary personal equipment suitable for a self-directed hunt.
The client is responsible for arranging their own visitors' firearms license, rifle import export permits and firearms travel ( Mighty Alps NZ will assist whenever possible.)
The client(s) acknowledges that all hunting members of their party must obtain a visitors' firearms license prior to their trip commencing or undertake their hunt as an archer. (even if they plan to hire Mighty Alps NZ firearms)
They and all members of their party are experienced, competent, and physically fit to undertake a self-directed hunt in the terrain and conditions involved.
They accept full responsibility for their own safety, the safety of their party, and compliance with all laws (firearms, hunting regulations, land access, etc.).
Depending on the activity, the client acknowledges that the host may or may not be certified in undertaking that particular activity e.g. Diving, snorkeling, boating etc. The client acknowledges that they participate in these activities at their own risk and Mighty Alps NZ and their staff or representatives are not liable in any way for outcome, accident or injury.

9. Hybrid Hunts

9. Hybrid hunts: Mighty Alps NZ takes no responsibility for the client during their self guided portion and is not in any way liable for the outcome, permits, travel, client safety, planning, preparation or giving advice.

Mighty Alps NZ is only responsible for the client during the guided portion of their trip to New Zealand, where all standard Ts & Cs (Outlined herein) apply.

10. Marketing and Digital property

10. Digital marketing: Mighty Alps NZ retains the right to use any photos and videos taken while on the hunt for our websites, social media accounts or other marketing. Clients must opt-out in writing, prior to hunt commencement if they do not wish images or videos taken during their hunts to be used in this fashion.

By paying the initial deposit the client agrees to the Ts & Cs outlined above. The client may also be required to sign a copy of these Ts & Cs prior to trip commencement.

These Ts & Cs give YOU the client confidence in the product that you're paying for, by clearly outlining the parameters with which Mighty Alps NZ operates.