Risk Disclosure and Activity Terms

Off Roading – Quad Biking and Buggy tours Inherent risks of the activity include (but are not limited to):

1) RISK OF ROLLING QUAD/BUGGY AND FALLING OFF
We will put you through a test track to ensure you are competent with driving. You will follow a guide AT ALL TIMES who will choose the best possible path to reduce risk of Rolling.

2) RISK OF HYPOTHERMIA
Hypothermia is a risk at any time of year in this climate. The risk is especially high during WINTER. It is up to you to bring WARM LAYERS on your tour. ASK US if you’re dressed appropriately.

3) RISK OF BROKEN BONES/FRACTURES
We will provide adequate training and assessments prior to departure and during the tour. Full safety equipment will be provided. A guide will be with you at all times. Speed limits will be enforced to reduce risk of incidents.

4) LOSS OF PERSONAL ITEMS
We provide a lock up container that you can leave personal items in. We provide FREE photos on the tour so the need to bring a phone or camera is strictly at your own desire. All personal items MUST be secured correctly by yourself if you decide to take it. IT IS YOUR OWN RISK TO TAKE PERSONAL ITEMS

5) RISK OF HEAD INJURY/CONCUSSION
We will provide Safety Standard Quad Bike helmets which MUST be fitted correctly, you MUST ask a guide if you feel your helmet does not fit correctly. Helmets MUST be worn at ALL times.

6) RISK OF DEATH OR OTHER SERIOUS INJURY
We will provide all safety equipment, safety instructions, safety pre trip training, a fully trained guide who is trained in first aid. During the tour you will be monitored and given extra safety instructions. YOU MUST listen and follow your guides INSTRUCTIONS at ALL TIMES.

OTHER KEY ACTIVITY TERMS & CONDITIONS: 

Franz Josef Wilderness Tours staff reserve the right to terminate the tour / your participation at any time that your safety becomes compromised.

Pre-tour consumption of DRUGS or ALCOHOL is strictly forbidden.

Communication: The spoken language of our tour guides is English and we require that all participants are able to comprehend important safety briefings.  If there’s concerns about safety communication, our guides have the right to terminate the tour for these individuals, in which case the participants will be provided a full refund.

A combined weight restriction of 220kg applies on our Double Quad Bikes.  If participants exceed this limit they may be requested to ride a Single Quad or Buggy option. 

Quad Bike drivers must be 17 years or older.  Drivers with passengers must be 18 years or older.  

Children must be a minimum of 8 years and/or have full contact with the footrests and arm to be a passenger on a double quad bike.  Children must be a minimum of 4 years old to be a passenger on our buggy. 

For further information on Quad Bike Tour or other tours please visit our Frequently Asked Questions Page.

Boating & Guided Hiking on Lake Mapourika – activity include (but are not limited to):

1) PERSON OVERBOARD
Your skipper will provide safety briefings and provide instructions around lifejackets storage, location and how to remain safe on the vessel.  Please listen to your skippers instructions at all times. 

2) VESSEL LOSS OF STEERING AND/OR PROPULSION
Our tour boat is maintained regularly and undergoes a Maritime New Zealand vessel survey, though mechanical issues may still arise.  Your qualified MNZ skipper is equipped with a radio and further safety equipment to ensure that contact can be kept with our base operations at all times. 

3) STRICKEN VESSEL
Lake Mapourika is a deep and fairly calm body of water, and though these events are unlikely there’s still remains a risk of collision or boat capsize on the Lake.  

4) LOSS OF PERSONAL ITEMS
All personal items MUST be secured correctly by yourself if you decide to take it, our tour boat is fully covered with comfortable seating and personal items are more than welcome to be onboard. It is at your own risk to bring any personal items on your tour. 

5) RISK OF SLIPS, TRIPS & FALLS
Walking and movement on the boat is permitted during the tour, though there remains a risk of falling over or tripping on the boat.  There is a first aid kit on-board, and seats for all passengers are available. 

Our walking track has some rough areas with uneven ground and routes.  We provide walking poles, and guided assistance is available for the track.  If your skipper doesn’t think the walk is suitable for you, he may request that you remain on the boat (enjoying a hot drink) while the other passengers are on the track.

If you’re not sure about our walking track, please get in touch! 

6) RISK OF DEATH OR OTHER SERIOUS INJURY
We will provide all safety equipment, safety instructions, and a fully trained maritime NZ skipper who is trained in first aid. 

Franz Josef Wilderness Tours staff reserve the right to terminate the tour / your participation at any time that your safety becomes compromised.