Activity Eligibility And Restrictions
When it comes to enjoying our diverse range of outdoor adventures, ensuring the safety and well-being of our guests is a top priority. Whether you’re embarking on a thrilling rafting expedition, guided walk, or any other activity, we have certain requirements to ensure every participant is fully prepared and able to enjoy the experience safely.
Factors such as physical ability, medical conditions, age, and language comprehension are important considerations for several of our activities. Please review the specific requirements for each adventure to make sure it’s the right fit for you, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Safety and enjoyment go hand in hand with our unforgettable experiences.
White Water Rafting:
Embarking on a white-water rafting adventure on the Shotover or Kawarau Rivers in Queenstown offers an exhilarating experience through stunning landscapes. However, it's important to be aware of the inherent risks associated with these thrilling activities.
Both rivers present unique challenges, including rapidly changing water levels, hidden obstacles, and strong currents. While experienced guides mitigate these risks, unexpected weather events can significantly impact river conditions.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, participants should have a reasonable level of physical fitness and be comfortable in water. It's crucial to follow all safety guidelines provided by the guides and to communicate any concerns or limitations beforehand.
Swimming Capability:
Before embarking on our white-water rafting adventure, it's essential to be aware of the required swimming capability. Participants should possess the ability to swim at least 25 meters unassisted. This swimming capability is crucial for your safety, as there may be instances where you are required to swim due to unexpected circumstances, such as a flipped raft or falling into the water. Swimming in white water rafting conditions can be akin to swimming in heavy surf at the beach, with strong currents and turbulent waters. Therefore, being confident in your swimming abilities is imperative before engaging in this activity.
Understanding English:
Understanding English instructions during white water rafting is crucial for safety and effective communication. It ensures participants can promptly respond to commands, navigate rapids safely, and coordinate with their team. This comprehension is vital for quick reactions in emergencies and enhances the overall enjoyment of the adventure.
Age Restrictions:
Children under the age of 13 years old cannot go white-water rafting.
13-, 14- and 15-year-olds need to be accompanied by a guardian.
16- and 17-year-olds can go unaccompanied if they have been signed off by a guardian.
18-year-olds are deemed adults and can self-register and act as guardians.
Weight Limits:
Due to safety concerns, our company policy prohibits individuals under 40kg / 67 lbs from participating in white water rafting activities. This weight limit also ensures proper fitting and wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as life jackets and helmets.
Due to safety concerns, our company policy prohibits individuals over 120kg / 264 lbs from participating in white water rafting activities. This weight limit also ensures proper fitting and wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as life jackets. Additionally, it enables participants to be safely pulled back into the raft if it flips, minimizing the risk of injury from extended swims or being unable to re-enter the raft in case of an emergency.
Pregnancy:
Unfortunately, our company policy prohibits pregnant individuals from participating in white water rafting activities due to safety concerns. The nature of white-water rafting, with its potential for bumps, collisions, and exposure to cold water, poses significant risks to both the expectant mother and her unborn child. We prioritize the well-being of all participants and encourage pregnant individuals to explore alternative, safer activities. Thank you for your understanding.
Heart Surgery, Coronary Disease, Cardiac Arrest, or Heart-Related Medication (excluding blood pressure medication):
Unfortunately, our company policy prohibits individuals who have undergone heart surgery, have coronary disease, experienced cardiac arrest, or are taking heart medication for conditions other than blood pressure from participating in white water rafting activities due to safety concerns.
The potential effects of cold water (10 degrees Celsius / 50 degrees Fahrenheit), especially with a high likelihood of swimming, can have a significant impact on the body, particularly on the cardiovascular system. Cold water immersion can trigger a 'cold shock response,' leading to rapid changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing patterns. We prioritize the safety of all participants and do not wish to expose anyone to these potential dangers. Thank you for your understanding.
High or Low Blood Pressure:
It's crucial to be aware of the potential effects of cold water on the body, particularly on the cardiovascular system. Cold water immersion can indeed trigger the 'cold shock response,' which includes rapid changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing patterns. For individuals with underlying heart conditions or those taking heart medication, these physiological responses can pose serious risks.
Rafting in cold water between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius, especially with a high chance of swimming, requires careful consideration, particularly for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions. Consulting with your healthcare professional before engaging in such activities is strongly advised to assess individual risk factors and determine whether it's safe to participate.
Neck or Back Injuries:
Rafting is an active participation sport with inherent risks. Individuals with pre-existing neck or back issues may find these conditions exacerbated during a rafting trip, whether from being thrown from the raft, colliding with obstacles, landing improperly after a jump, or overexertion while paddling. We strongly recommend consulting with your healthcare professional for personalized advice on how rafting may affect your injury. It's essential to consider the potential exposure to cold water if swimming becomes necessary.
Other Previous Injuries:
Rafting is an active participation sport with inherent risks. If you have any pre-existing physical injuries, they can be exacerbated during the rafting trip, whether from being thrown from the raft, colliding with obstacles, landing improperly after a jump, or overexertion while paddling. As such, we recommend consulting with your healthcare professional for specific advice on how your injury could be affected by white water rafting, especially considering the potential exposure to cold water if swimming becomes necessary.
Other Medical Conditions:
It's crucial to be aware of the potential effects of cold water on the body, particularly on the cardiovascular system, as cold-water immersion can trigger the 'cold shock response,' resulting in rapid changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing patterns. Rafting in cold water between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius, especially with a high chance of swimming, requires careful consideration, particularly for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. We strongly recommend consulting with your healthcare professional for personalized advice on how rafting may affect your medical condition. Additionally, rafting involves physical exertion, and individuals should be mindful of their fitness level and capabilities. It's essential to consider the potential exposure to cold water if swimming becomes necessary. Consulting with a healthcare professional before engaging in such activities is strongly advised to assess individual risk factors and determine whether it's safe to participate.
Impairment Drugs, Alcohol or Other Medications:
Being unimpaired during white water rafting is essential for quick reactions and clear judgment in navigating unpredictable river conditions. Impairment dulls cognitive and motor skills, increasing the risk of accidents for oneself and others.
Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Guest abilities play a crucial role in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. While the journey may present challenges, such as manoeuvring through an entrance with restricted access, limited lighting, and boarding punts/vessels, participants should have a basic level of fitness for the activity. Our experienced guides will provide assistance and support throughout the excursion, but it's essential for guests to communicate any concerns or limitations beforehand.
Mobility Impairment:
The cave system, characterized by its low entrance and numerous steps, presents significant accessibility challenges, making it unsuitable for mobility-impaired guests. Navigating these physical obstacles requires a certain level of agility and strength, as confined spaces and uneven terrain can pose risks for those with limited mobility. The steep steps and tight passageways further complicate safe movement, making it difficult for individuals who rely on mobility aids or who have difficulty walking to fully experience the cave without discomfort or hazard.
Age Restrictions:
Although there are no formal age restrictions for visiting the cave system, it is important to consider that in an emergency situation, such as a major earthquake that compromises the cave entrance, access in and out of the cave may be significantly disrupted for an extended period.
Stewart Island / Rakiura Nature Walks
Age & Supervision:
- Wild Kiwi Experience: suitable only for participants aged 15 years and older.
- All other walks have no strict age limit, but children must be actively supervised by a responsible adult.
Physical Ability:
- Participants must be able to walk on uneven terrain, maintain balance, and manage steps and natural surfaces for the full duration of their chosen walk.
- Participants must be able to follow guide instructions, stay with the group, and safely navigate vessel decks or bus boarding/disembarkation.
Medical Conditions & Allergies:
- Disclose any relevant medical conditions (e.g., asthma, heart conditions, fainting history, injuries, chronic conditions).
- Participants with severe allergies must carry essential medication (e.g., EpiPen).
Pregnancy:
- Most walks are suitable depending on terrain and personal comfort.
- Participants should consider their fitness level and seek medical advice if unsure.
Clothing & Footwear:
- Sturdy, closed footwear is required.
- Weather-appropriate clothing and warm layers are essential.
- Avoid loose clothing or accessories that may catch on vegetation.
Behaviour & Compliance:
- All participants must follow guide instructions.
- Unsafe behaviour or participation under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited.
- Guides may remove participants if behaviour or ability creates a risk to themselves or others.
Operational Changes:
- Walks may be altered or cancelled due to weather, track conditions, wildlife behaviour, or guide assessment.
Walter Peak Horse Trekking
Horse trekking at Walter Peak takes place in a natural high-country environment with uneven terrain and large animals. Safety requires a basic level of fitness, balance, and the ability to follow guide instructions at all times.
Age, Height & Weight Requirements:
- Minimum age: 7 years
- Minimum height: 120 cm
- Maximum weight: 95 kg
- Children under 14 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Rider Suitability & Physical Ability:
- Suitable for riders of all abilities, including first-time riders.
- Riders must be able to mount and dismount unaided.
- Riders must maintain balance and control while the horse is moving.
- Horse trekking is not suitable for participants with injuries, mobility limitations, or conditions that impair safe riding.
Pregnancy:
- Horse trekking is not recommended during pregnancy due to risk of falls and impact.
Medical Conditions & Allergies:
- Participants must disclose relevant medical conditions (e.g., heart conditions, fainting, epilepsy, recent surgeries).
- Participants with severe allergies should carry essential medication (e.g., EpiPen).
- Walter Peak is a remote location with limited emergency access.
Clothing, Footwear & Gear:
- What to Bring: Covered shoes/boots (non-slip), long trousers, warm clothing/jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, and personal medication.
- Safety helmets and wet-weather clothing are provided.
- Long pants are recommended. Avoid loose clothing, scarves, or accessories that could catch on equipment or the horse.
Behaviour & Compliance
- Riders must follow all guide instructions and maintain control of their horse.
- Unsafe behaviour or participation under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted.
- Guides may remove participants if behaviour or ability creates risk.
Operational Changes
- Treks may be modified or cancelled due to weather, horse behaviour, or guide assessment.
