Impact Destinations

Booking Conditions

The trips featured are operated by Hands Up Holidays Ltd, registered in New Zealand under company number 6395073, trading as Impact Destinations. These Booking Conditions form part of your contract with the Company.

1. Definitions

Key terms include:

  • Agent: An authorized Company representative
  • Booking Form: Document completed by the Traveller to secure a booking
  • Confirmation Receipt: Receipt confirming a booking
  • Commencement Date: When the encounter begins upon arrival in the destination
  • Philanthropic Encounter: Time included in the itinerary during which the Traveller meets with, learns from, and directly observes the work of the local experts, conservationists, or communities whose work is funded by the Company's philanthropic contribution on the Traveller's behalf. A Philanthropic Encounter does not require the Traveller to perform hands-on work.
  • Force Majeure: Unusual circumstances beyond Company control (war, terrorism, natural disasters, etc.)
  • Third Party Contractor: Inbound tour operator providing services in the destination
  • Traveller: A person with a confirmed booking and issued Confirmation Receipt
  • Trip Price: Land-only package cost, excluding flights

2. Interpretation

The contract is governed by New Zealand law, with both parties submitting to New Zealand court jurisdiction.

3. Your Contract with Impact Destinations

  • A non-refundable 20% deposit secures bookings (or full payment if departure is within 60 days)
  • A booking becomes a contract only when the Company issues a written Confirmation Receipt
  • Full payment is due 60 days before departure
  • Communications are sent to the first person named on the Booking Form unless otherwise specified

4. Validity

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.

5. Cancellation by the Traveller

Cancellation penalties depend on timing:

  • 60+ days before departure: 20% loss of Trip Price
  • 30–59 days before: 50% loss of Trip Price
  • Less than 30 days: 100% loss of Trip Price

All cancellations must be in writing to: 5/21 Wiles Ave, Remuera, Auckland, New Zealand, or cancel@impactdestinations.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.

6. Re-booking Following Cancellation

Cancellation and rebooking are subject to standard cancellation terms. The Company may transfer some or all payments to an alternative booking at its discretion.

7. Cancellation by the Company

  • The Company may cancel trips before guaranteeing a run (when minimum bookings are reached)
  • Trips may be cancelled due to terrorism, natural disasters, political instability, war, or Force Majeure
  • In such cases, only the Trip Price is refunded
  • If a guaranteed trip is cancelled for reasons other than Force Majeure or low bookings, the Company offers alternative arrangements or a full refund plus compensation

8. Booking Amendments by the Customer

Amendments are generally possible but may not be feasible within 10 days of departure. Amendment fees include:

  • 60+ days before departure: USD50 per person per change
  • Within 59 days: Cancellation fees apply

Additional charges from hotels, operators, or airlines may apply.

Amendments to other arrangements (hotels, transfers) incur a USD50 administration fee per booking.

9. Amendments by the Company

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:

  • More than 42 days' notice: USD20 per person
  • 29–42 days' notice: USD30 per person
  • 15–28 days' notice: USD50 per person

10. Insurance

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.

11. Price Policy

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@impactdestinations.com

12. Passports, Visas and Vaccinations

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.

13. Responsibilities

The Company contracts with various Third Parties (tour operators, government agencies, conservation and philanthropic organizations, 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.

14. Excursions

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.

15. Data Protection and Privacy

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 philanthropic encounters and special offers. Opt out by notifying at booking time. Personal details are never divulged to third parties for marketing.

16. If You Have a Problem

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.

17. Illness or Disability

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.

18. Age, Fitness and Participation

Most trips are designed for adult travellers. Persons over 75 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 trip leader authority. If health or conduct endangers the trip's progress, exclusion without refund may occur. For ill-health, the Company may arrange treatment and recover costs from the traveler.

19. Photography Rights

Trip 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.

20. Participation Form

Signing a Participation Form is required on or before the Commencement Date. The form states:

"I understand that travelling with Impact Destinations may involve risks above and beyond those encountered on a more conventional holiday, and that I am undertaking a 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 the Company's representatives. I accept these risks and obligations and I fully assume the risks of travel. I release Hands Up Holidays Ltd (trading as Impact Destinations) and its representatives from any liabilities connected to these risks to the maximum extent permitted by law."

21. Severability

If any Booking Condition provision is rendered void or unenforceable by law, this does not affect the enforceability of the other provisions.

22. Non-Waiver

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.