Terms & Conditions

These Terms & Conditions apply to all trips and charters operated by Te Moana Ltd. By making a booking, you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions.

1. Departure Points

Rarotonga: Avarua Wharf, Avatiu Harbour
Aitutaki: Arutanga Harbour

Please arrive 10–15 minutes prior to departure.

2. Contact Information

At the time of booking, you must provide accurate local contact details (phone number, email, or accommodation details including room number if applicable) so we can contact you if required in case of changes to your booking. If not available at time of booking, please advise us as soon as the information is available.

3. Safety

All passengers will receive a safety briefing prior to departure.
Te Moana Ltd reserves the right to require passengers to wear lifejackets at any time.
Passengers must follow all instructions given by the captain and crew.
Guests are responsible for ensuring they are medically fit to participate in the trip.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Te Moana Ltd accepts no liability for incidents arising from failure to follow safety instructions or from pre-existing medical conditions.

Guests acknowledge that boarding and disembarking vessels, including transfers between vessels or shore, may involve inherent risks. All passengers must follow crew instructions at all times during these activities.

4. Water Activities

Participation in water activities (including but not limited to swimming, snorkeling, water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing) is undertaken entirely at the participant’s own risk.

Participation is subject to the approval and direction of the captain and crew.
Te Moana Ltd reserves the right to refuse participation where safety is a concern.
Guests are expected to be competent and experienced in the activities they choose to undertake.
Participation is subject to environmental and operational conditions, and may be restricted or cancelled at the captain’s discretion.
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Te Moana Ltd accepts no liability for any injury, loss, or damage arising from participation in these activities.

5. Wildlife & Marine Life

Wildlife sightings (including whales and other marine life) cannot be guaranteed.
All wildlife interactions are conducted in accordance with local regulations and animal welfare guidelines.

6. Weather

All trips are subject to suitable weather conditions.

Te Moana Ltd may cancel or modify any trip at their sole discretion due to weather or safety concerns.
We will attempt to contact you in advance where possible; however, conditions may change at short notice.
If a trip cannot proceed and rescheduling is not possible, a full refund of any deposit paid will be issued.
Departure times, trip duration, and routes may be adjusted at the captain’s discretion due to weather or sea conditions.

7. Bookings & Payment

Bookings generally operate Monday to Saturday. However, trips may operate on Sundays and public holidays at the discretion of Te Moana Ltd.
A 25% deposit is required to confirm a booking.
Deposits are non-refundable within 48 hours of departure. Outside this period, refunds are at the discretion of Te Moana Ltd.
Full payment must be made prior to departure.
Payment may be made online, via bank transfer (NZ or Cook Islands accounts), or on the day (cash or card).

Surcharges:
Te Moana Ltd reserves the right to apply a surcharge for bookings operating on Sundays or public holidays. This is due to increased staffing and operational costs.

The application of any surcharge is at the sole discretion of Te Moana Ltd and may vary depending on staff availability and operational requirements.

The person making the booking is responsible for full payment for all passengers included in the booking

8. Discount Coupons

Coupons must be applied at the time of booking or during online checkout.
Coupons are valid only for specified services and within their validity period.
Coupons are non-transferable, not redeemable for cash, and cannot be combined unless stated.
Only one coupon may be used per transaction.
Lost or expired coupons will not be replaced.
If a booking using a coupon is refunded, the coupon value is not refundable or reusable.

9. Cancellations

Cancellations by Te Moana Ltd due to weather, safety concerns, or mechanical failure will be rescheduled or refunded.
Customer cancellations within 48 hours of departure are non-refundable.
Failure to attend a booking (no-show) will result in no refund.

Te Moana Ltd is not responsible for cancellations caused by third parties, including but not limited to:

Cruise ship itinerary changes
Flight cancellations or delays
Accommodation or transport provider changes

No refunds will be issued in these circumstances. Guests should seek compensation directly from the third party.

Any decision to provide a refund outside of the conditions outlined above is entirely at the sole discretion of Te Moana Ltd.

10. Privacy

Client information (including contact and payment details) is used solely for operational purposes and will not be sold, shared, or distributed to third parties.

11. Refund Policy

Subject to Section 8 (Cancellations):

No refunds will be issued once a trip has commenced.
If a passenger requests to return early due to illness or dissatisfaction, the captain will decide whether to terminate or modify the trip.
Fishing results are not guaranteed, and no refunds will be given if no fish are caught.

12. Fish & Catch Policy

Te Moana Ltd crew will always make their best efforts to provide a successful charter and maximise opportunities for guests to catch fish. However, fishing is a sport of chance and catch cannot be guaranteed.
All catch remains the property of Te Moana Ltd at all times.
A fair share (sufficient for a meal per paying participant) may be provided, subject to the day’s catch.
Te Moana Ltd reserves the right to provide no fish if catch is insufficient.

Additional Catch:
Any catch beyond a standard fair share is distributed at the sole discretion of Te Moana Ltd.

If you have a special occasion (such as a wedding, event, or group function) and are hoping to receive additional fish, please contact us prior to your charter to discuss options.

In some circumstances, Te Moana Ltd may offer additional fish for purchase at a discounted rate compared to standard market prices. This is not guaranteed and is subject to availability and operational considerations.

Guests are expected to participate in the experience with an understanding of the unpredictable nature of fishing.

13. Treatment of Staff

Staff must be treated with respect at all times.
Te Moana Ltd reserves the right to cancel any trip or remove individuals (without refund) if staff are subjected to abuse, harassment, or inappropriate behaviour.

14. Behaviour

Customers must behave respectfully at all times, including at departure locations.
Unruly or unsafe behaviour may result in cancellation of the trip without refund.
Customers are liable for any damage caused to vessels or equipment through negligence or misuse.

The captain’s decision is final in all matters relating to behaviour and safety.

15. Drugs & Alcohol

Alcohol may be consumed on board in moderation.
No illegal drugs are permitted on board at any time.
Any inappropriate or unsafe behaviour resulting from alcohol or drug use will result in the trip being terminated immediately without refund.
Te Moana Ltd reserves the right to refuse boarding to any person suspected of being intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
Te Moana Ltd accepts no responsibility for loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings brought on board.
Guests are responsible for protecting themselves from sun exposure and staying hydrated during the trip.
The captain’s decision is final in all matters relating to safety and behaviour.

16. Customer Care

We aim to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests.

Toilet facilities are available on selected vessels only.
Guests are advised to use shore facilities prior to departure if required.
Smoking is not permitted on board any vessel.

17. Social Media & Marketing

Photos and videos taken by Te Moana Ltd may be used for marketing purposes unless customers request otherwise in writing prior to the charter.

18. Children

Children under 15 must be accompanied by a responsible adult unless otherwise arranged.
Children may be required to wear lifejackets at the captain’s discretion.

19. Spirit of Fishing

For fishing charters, fishing is a sport of chance. While our crew will always do their best, catch cannot be guaranteed.

Guests are encouraged to enjoy the overall charter experience, including the environment, scenery, and time on the water, regardless of catch.

20. General Provisions

Indemnity: Guests agree to indemnify and hold harmless Te Moana Ltd, its directors, employees, and affiliates from any claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses arising from participation in any charter, activity, or related services.
Assumption of Risk: Guests acknowledge that participation in all activities is undertaken at their own risk.
Severability: If any provision of these Terms & Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
Insurance: Guests are strongly advised to obtain personal travel and medical insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances. Te Moana Ltd does not provide insurance coverage for guests.
Force Majeure: Te Moana Ltd shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to severe weather, natural disasters, government actions, public health events, or mechanical breakdowns.

21. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Cook Islands. Any disputes arising under or in connection with these Terms & Conditions shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Cook Islands.

LAST UPDATED: 05 April 2026