Conditions | Booking and Cancellation

This page details Alpine Guides reservation and cancellation conditions. If you book online it is assumed you have read, and accept these conditions. Your booking form is a legally binding document.

These conditions apply to all bookings from 28 February 2010.

Transparency: disclosure of information

All participants on Alpine Guides mountaineering programs must be as honest and transparent as possible about their mountaineering experience and fitness prior to booking. Information provided for each Alpine Guides program details a minimum level of experience required. In the case of a private guiding program if the participant(s) fails to meet minimum experience/fitness requirements alternate objectives will be arranged.

In a group instruction situation, if a participant’s lack of fitness/ability severely affects the running of the program the participant(s) will be asked to remain at the hut or other location for certain activities. Arrangements may be made to evacuate the participant(s) at their own cost. The guide is the final arbiter in these decisions.

Deposit

Bookings will be confirmed on receipt of NZ$1,0001 deposit per person and a completed booking form.

Balance of Payment

The balance of fees is due 60 days2 prior to the start of your trip. In the event of a booking made inside 60 days, the full amount is payable when booking.

Booking for Private Guiding

Bookings for private guiding programs must be made for specific dates. The period of time booked is the period that must be paid for, regardless of weather and/or other circumstances that may alter the itinerary. For example, if your booking is for 4th to 10th January inclusive, the guide fee applicable is 7 days.

Involuntary Extension of your trip

If a trip is involuntarily lengthened by bad weather (the guided party being unable to safely leave the mountain venue), a standby rate of 75% of normal guiding rates may be charged.

Refunds

A. Private Guiding programs: No refunds are due for trips voluntarily reduced in length, except in exceptional circumstances. If weather and/or conditions require the trip itinerary to be modified no refund is due. Some trip costs may be returned if they have not been incurred.

B. Scheduled Courses: No refunds are due for leaving the trip for medical or fitness reasons. We recommend travel insurance to cover this contingency ›

Cancellations

We strongly recommend travel insurance, to cover against cancellation and potential loss of payment/deposits. We accept no responsibility for illness or personal accidents, or evacuation costs if necessary. Accident Compensation may cover some accidents, but not illness ›

For cancellations received prior to commencement of your Alpine Guides trip, the following conditions apply:

  • A. Cancellation received 30 days or less prior to commencement, no refund will be made.
  • B. Cancellation within 31 - 60 days prior to commencement, a full refund of fees paid, less a cancellation fee of NZ$1,000.
  • C. Cancellation 61 or more days prior to commencement, a refund of fees paid, less a cancellation fee of NZ$500.

Severe Weather Effects

If a trip is severely affected by weather, a credit may be allowed on a future trip, at Alpine Guides discretion. No refund will be made.

Modification of Itineraries

Alpine Guides (Aoraki) Ltd reserves the right to alter or modify itineraries, accommodation or transportation if necessary, due to circumstances beyond our control.

Scheduled courses are based on an economic minimum. If fewer bookings are received, courses will be shortened as per the specific trip information provided ›

Local Transport and Air Access

The cost of road transportation within the Aoraki/Mount Cook area, or local area of the trip, is included. Where a trip may require extensive road transport, the costs involved are explained in the specific trip information. Read more on local transport ›

Aircraft access and egress details, where included, are clearly stated in each set of trip information. Read more about Air Access ›

Price Changes

Prices are subject to change without notice. Some cost increases (e.g. aircraft costs) are not under our control.

Special Conditions

For ascents of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, special conditions apply because of the severity, length, and serious nature of these climbs. These are detailed in the specific trip's detailed information ›

Exceptions

Exceptions for Winter Mountain Skills Course, Backcountry Course and Arrowsmith Range Ski Tours, with regard to deposits and cancellation policy above

  • 1. Deposit is NZ$500. The deposit is non-refundable.
  • 2. Balance of fees is due 30 days prior to the start of the trip.
  • 3. Cancellation received 14 days or less prior to commencement, no refund will be made.
  • 4. Cancellation received 15-29 days prior to commencement, a full refund of fees paid, less a cancellation fee of NZ$1000.

Definitions

Travel Insurance for your Alpine Guides Trip

You don't need insurance specifically for mountaineering, but we strongly recommend standard travel insurance.

This may help cover you if you have to cancel your trip at the last minute. Read more ›