The trips featured are operated by Hands Up Holidays Ltd, registered in New Zealand under company number 6395073. These Booking Conditions form part of your contract with the Company.
Key terms include:
The contract is governed by New Zealand law, with both parties submitting to New Zealand court jurisdiction.
Prices are indicative, based on prevailing costs and exchange rates at publication time. The Company reserves the right to alter prices and modify trip details before accepting bookings.
Cancellation penalties depend on timing:
All cancellations must be in writing to: 5/21 Wiles Ave, Remuera, Auckland, New Zealand, or cancel@handsupholidays.com
No refunds apply if you voluntarily leave after the trip commences, though the Company may refund at its discretion for involuntary departure. Illness-related departures are considered voluntary but may receive discretionary refunds.
The Company reserves the right to eject participants for: not signing the Participation Form, breaching local laws or guide instructions, or lacking required visas or immunizations. No refund applies in these cases.
These conditions apply only to the in-country portion; different fees may apply to airline tickets.
Cancellation and rebooking are subject to standard cancellation terms. The Company may transfer some or all payments to an alternative booking at its discretion.
Amendments are generally possible but may not be feasible within 10 days of departure. Amendment fees include:
Additional charges from hotels, operators, or airlines may apply.
Amendments to other arrangements (hotels, transfers) incur a USD50 administration fee per booking.
The Company makes every effort to operate trips as advertised but reserves the right to modify details, including itinerary order and prices. After a Confirmation Receipt is issued for a guaranteed trip, changes may still occur due to Force Majeure, weather, or unavailable services.
The Company does not accept responsibility for losses resulting from changes beyond its control.
For substantial accommodation downgrades (over 20% of trip length), travellers receive three options: accept the modification, change to another trip, or cancel for a full refund plus compensation based on notification timing:
Insurance is highly recommended, covering personal accident, death, medical expenses, emergency repatriation, personal liability, delay, cancellation, curtailment, missed departure, legal expenses, and baggage loss. Special insurance may be required for scuba diving or other higher-risk activities.
Travellers may need to sign indemnity forms absolving the Company of liabilities due to inadequate insurance. Ensure your coverage includes activities on the trip and all destination countries.
Trips are payable in GBP, USD, CAD, EUR, NZD, and AUD, with USD as the reference price. The Company reserves the right to notify of price increases or decreases before accepting bookings.
After a Confirmation Receipt is issued, surcharges may apply for transportation costs, fuel variations, exchange rate changes, or new taxes. The first 2% variation is absorbed by the Company.
If a surcharge increases the price by 15% or more, travellers may cancel within 7 days for a full refund.
Alternatively, paying in full at booking time fixes the price. Notice of full payment must be sent within 7 days of the Confirmation Receipt to: 5/21 Wiles Ave, Remuera, Auckland, New Zealand, or bookings@handsupholidays.com
Travellers must carry valid passports valid for 6 months beyond trip duration, with at least two blank pages. Obtaining correct visas is the traveller’s responsibility. The Company is not responsible for entry refusal due to incorrect visa documentation.
Travellers must ensure they have all required vaccinations and medical certificates for the entire trip.
The Company contracts with various Third Parties (tour operators, government agencies, charities, NGOs, individuals) to assist operations. The Company does not own or manage transportation, hotels, or suppliers. All services are subject to supplier terms and local laws.
The Company acts as an agent for Third Parties and is not liable for injury, damage, loss, delay, or irregularities caused by these parties. Third Parties are similarly absolved of liability.
The Company does not accept liability for travellers who contravene local laws or regulations.
Travellers are responsible for booking and paying for flights (packages are land-only). The Company is not responsible for missed flights due to late check-ins, nor does it offer refunds for unused components.
The Company’s maximum liability is limited to a refund of amounts actually paid.
Local excursion bookings contract directly with local organizations, not the Company. The Company has no legal liability for excursion-related issues, and claims must be made against the local provider.
If a Community Development project involves assisting children, the Company requires a police check from your home country. Sex offense convictions prevent booking such trips. Other criminal convictions may also prevent entry to foreign countries, and travellers must verify their legal eligibility to enter trip destinations.
The Company complies with the Privacy Act 2020 regarding personal data handling and security. The Company may use contact information to share details about new trips and special offers. Opt out by notifying at booking time. Personal details are never divulged to third parties for marketing.
Disputes should first be resolved through good faith discussions within 14 days. If unresolved, disputes proceed to arbitration under the Arbitration Act through a single arbitrator (if agreed) or two arbitrators with an umpire.
Persons with illness, disability, or medical conditions must declare their true nature at booking and arrange necessary medications. Failure to disclose results in exclusion and forfeiture of all payments.
For cruises or swimming activities, inability to swim must be declared at booking. This does not prevent participation but enables additional safety precautions.
Most tours are designed for ages 18-60. Persons over 60 may need to provide medical fitness evidence. No one under 18 may participate unless accompanied by a parent or guardian accepting full responsibility.
Travellers agree to accept tour leader authority. If health or conduct endangers the tour’s progress, exclusion without refund may occur. For ill-health, the Company may arrange treatment and recover costs from the traveller.
Tour leaders and representatives may photograph clients for advertising and brochure production without further consent. The Company may use client comments from questionnaires in future promotional materials.
Website maps and photographs are for general information and may not reflect actual routings or services.
Signing a Participation Form is required on or before the Commencement Date. The form states:
“I understand that travelling with Hands Up Holidays may involve risks above and beyond those encountered on a more conventional holiday, and that I am undertaking an adventure trip with inherent dangers. I understand that I am travelling to geographical areas where, amongst other things, the standard of accommodation, transport, safety, hygiene, cleanliness, medical facilities, telecommunications and infrastructure development may not be of the standard I am used to at home or would find on a conventional holiday. I have read and understood the description of the trip I am undertaking and have provided details of any pre-existing medical conditions that I have to Hands Up’s representatives. I accept these risks and obligations and I fully assume the risks of travel. I release Hands Up Holidays and its representatives from any liabilities connected to these risks to the maximum extent permitted by law.”
If any Booking Condition provision is rendered void or unenforceable by law, this does not affect the enforceability of the other provisions.
If the Company does not enforce these conditions or grants indulgence, this does not constitute waiver of that term or the right to enforce it later.
