LEGAL · LAST UPDATED 27 SEPTEMBER 2026
Terms & Conditions
In these Terms and Conditions, “we”, “us” and “our” mean Stewart Island Charters, a trading name of Aqua Diving Ltd (NZBN 9429030194571), and “you” means the client of Stewart Island Charters. By booking a charter with us or paying the deposit, you confirm that you have read, understood and accepted these Terms and Conditions, along with any other booking terms we give you in writing.
To confirm your booking, we require a deposit of 20% of the charter price.
The balance must be paid in full 60 days before departure. If you book less than 60 days before departure, the full amount is payable at the time of booking.
All prices are in New Zealand dollars (NZD) and include GST (Goods and Services Tax). Prices may change from time to time, but a change will not affect a booking that has already been confirmed.
We may cancel or reschedule any charter because of sea or weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. If we cancel, you can choose between a new booking of the same value or a full refund of everything you have paid, including your deposit.
Due to the nature of boating, we cannot guarantee that we will return to the wharf at a precise time, and we are not liable for any disruption to your travel plans.
This policy applies to all charters, including private charters shared by a group.
If you cancel more than 30 days before departure, we will refund everything you have paid, except the 20% deposit.
If you cancel 30 days or less before departure, no refund is given.
Refunds do not cover travel or accommodation expenses.
If you are late for your departure, we may leave without you, and no refund will be given.
A safety briefing is given at the start of every charter. You must follow the rules set out in the briefing and the skipper’s instructions at all times.
Smoking and vaping are allowed only at the crew’s discretion, in designated areas.
Boating can be adventurous when the wind and swell are up. Your skipper and crew know the conditions and how the boat will respond, so if you are asked to do something, please do as requested.
If at any time you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, tell your skipper. The trip can be adjusted so that everyone on board has a good time.
Children are the responsibility of their parent or guardian and must be supervised by an adult at all times during the charter and all activities. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
There are safety regulations for children that both we and you must follow. Thank you for respecting them.
Swimming and snorkelling are available only to competent open-water swimmers. These activities are not guided and our crew will not be in the water with you, so you are responsible for your own safety. Please stay within sight of the boat and crew at all times.
If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the crew before getting in the water. Children under 16 must be accompanied in the water by a parent or guardian who is a competent swimmer, and supervised at all times.
When ashore, you may have the option of a self-guided walk. It is your responsibility to stay on the walking tracks and return to the pick-up point at the agreed time. If you are late, you may be charged the cost of a search party.
All food is prepared on site. We can cater for special dietary requirements, but because all food is prepared in the same kitchen, we cannot guarantee that any item is completely free of allergens. If you have concerns about allergies or special diets, we recommend that you get in contact with us.
Stewart Island Charters has a BYO (bring your own) alcohol policy. We may restrict or limit alcohol consumption on board, and we may refuse boarding to anyone we believe is too intoxicated.
Heather has a bathroom with a marine toilet. Please do not flush sanitary items, wet wipes or rubbish, as they will block the system; use the bins provided. If you are unsure, please ask before use. If the system is blocked by prohibited items, you may be charged the cost of unblocking it.
We may remove any person who, in our opinion, is likely to endanger themselves or others. We may also end or cancel the charter if we become concerned for your safety or the safety of anyone else.
We hold appropriate liability insurance for events where we are at fault. To the extent permitted by law, we are not liable for personal injury, or for loss of or damage to your belongings, while on board, or for any disruption to your travel plans.
Nothing in these Terms and Conditions limits any rights you have under New Zealand consumer law, including the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Fair Trading Act 1986, where they apply.
We often take photos and video on board. We will only use images in which you can be identified on social media or in advertising if you tell us that’s okay. We will ask you on board, and you can change your mind at any time by letting us know.
We may update these Terms and Conditions from time to time. Changes will not apply to bookings that have already been confirmed. The version published on this page applies to new bookings.
If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions, message us on WhatsApp before booking. We’re happy to help.