Cancellation Policy

Payment Terms

  • A 25% deposit is required at the time of booking.
  • Full payment is required 21 days before the start date of the course.
  • All prices are charged in New Zealand Dollars (NZD) and include 15% GST. We accept direct bank transfer, Visa, and Mastercard. A 2.9% transaction fee will be required for credit card payments.

Cancellations

It is strongly recommended that you have comprehensive travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances that may affect your travel plans. If you cancel, you will be charged a cancellation fee based on a percentage of the total price of the course as set out below:

  • Cancellation notified more than 21 days before the course: Canterbury Kayaking will retain 25% of the total course cost.
  • Cancellation notified between 20–14 days before the course: Canterbury Kayaking will retain 50% of the total course cost.
  • Cancellation notified 13 days or less before the course: No refund, credit, or reschedules.

Reschedules

Rescheduling your booking may be possible, subject to course availability as publicly listed on Canterbury Kayaking's website. A Reschedule Request from you is only considered valid if it contains the new dates requested. You may be charged a rescheduling fee based on the amount of notice provided, as set out below:

  • New date requested more than 21 days before the course: No additional fee.
  • New date requested between 20–14 days before the course: 25% fee based on the total course cost.
  • New date requested 13 days or less before the course: No refund, credit, or reschedules.

Transfers

Bookings may be transferred to another eligible person up to 7 days before the course start date.

  • A $40 admin fee applies.

Weather, River Flows, and Unforeseen Events

If weather, river flow, or any unforeseen events require Canterbury Kayaking to alter the original course itinerary, we will find another alternative where conditions are more favorable. Every effort will be made to ensure you can safely enjoy paddling as planned.

If your course cannot proceed at all, Canterbury Kayaking may offer complimentary rescheduled days. If no suitable rescheduled date is available—or if you are unable to attend—the course is considered complete. In this situation, no further reschedules, credits, or refunds are offered.

Partial Attendance

If you arrive late, leave early, miss any sessions, or are removed from the course for safety reasons, no refunds, credits, or reschedules will be issued for the unused portion of the course.

Participant Requirements

All participants must meet the fitness, skill, equipment, and safety requirements for the course. If you are unable to safely participate or if you are removed from the course for any safety-related reason, no refunds, credits, or reschedules will be issued.

Infectious Illness

For the safety of all clients and staff, anyone with an infectious or contagious illness (e.g., COVID-19, influenza, gastroenteritis, norovirus, conjunctivitis) must not attend their course. No refunds or credit notes will be issued.

A complimentary reschedule may be granted only when a valid medical certificate or doctor’s note confirms you were infectious during your booked course dates. Medical certificates must be supplied before or within 48 hours of the missed start date.

Insurance

It's always good to be prepared for any unforeseen incidents, so please arrange travel insurance for your course. In addition to medical/accident cover, we highly recommend purchasing cancellation travel insurance. There are a number of providers who offer great options for international clients as well as domestic. Many also offer cover for "weather interruption" or "cancellation for any reason".