What is your policy on Fitness, Health & Safety?
Participants must be moderately fit e.g. be able to go bush walking or skiing for a day. They should not be heavily overweight or suffer from serious health problems such as heart complaints or significant back complaints.
All medical issues must be declared when checking in and also when asked by your guides. In most cases, minor medical issues will not preclude participation. However, it is important that the booking staff and activity guides are made aware of any issues prior to commencement of the activity.
Rescue underground is a slow & difficult process. There is a risk that complications such as hypothermia will make any rescue scenario more dangerous than the same injury sustained above ground.
Can I wear my eye glasses?
Customers please note that we DO NOT recommend the wearing of eyeglasses during our adventure activities - unless impaired vision will affect safety. The reason is that the glasses may be scratched, broken or become lost.
However, it is completely possible to wear glasses during these activities provided appropriate care is taken. If a client does wear glasses they must ensure that they are securely tied on to themselves at all times. They must also accept full responsibility for them.
We strongly recommend that customers carry their own insurance for losses of this kind. Waitomo Adventures Ltd will not be held liable for any damage to eyeglasses.
Can children take part?
Yes, they are welcome but please note that all children under 15 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or mature adult known to the child and aged 18 years and over.
Are there minimum numbers for the activities to take place?
All trips must have at least 2 customers to depart.
What about your Guides & Equipment?
ALL equipment is supplied including helmets; lights; specialist vertical gear; overalls or wetsuits (as appropriate) and PVC plastic gumboots. All safety equipment is amongst the best available often manufactured specifically for these applications.
Thick socks are a good idea but optional - if you elect to bring them, they will get muddy.
GUIDE ratios are high - ranging from 1:4 to 1:6 - depending on the activity. All guides are trained to the highest relevant standard for this type of work: NZQA 5489 & NZQA 5490. GUIDES in training are ALWAYS under close supervision by a qualified instructor.
Do I need to book in advance?
Bookings are definately recommended as our trips are very popular - especially in Summer months. So it pays to book as early as you can and secure the most suitable departure time(s).
Can I take photographs during the trip?
For Safety & Simplicity, NO PHOTOGRAPHY is permitted during any of these activities. However, there is a photographic service provided by the company. The guides take pre-set photos during the activity. Sorry - they cannot take extra photos - since this will impact on the quality of other client's trips. Clients may choose whether or not to purchase photographs at their own option at the completion of the activity. Photos/CD's are not included in the activity price.
What is the policy on pricing, booking & cancellations?
Prices include GST (tax) plus everything required for the activity except those items listed under 'You Need'. Customers must supply a credit card number to secure their activity booking. In the event of client failure to check in at the scheduled time or cancellation within 24 hours of departure, this credit card will be charged 25% of the booking value. In the event of clients making a booking and then simply not turning up - they will be charged 100% of the booked trip value.
