TERMS & CONDITIONS


Bookings & Deposits
A deposit is required to secure each booking.  The deposit is 20% and non-refundable*.

For Full Day Private or  Group Fishing Charters, a non-refundable* 20% deposit is required in advance.

Please contact us directly to book your Full Day Charter.

Contact NZ:
M|  +64 22 2782462 E|  cptnbucko@xtra.co.nz


Cancellation Policy
You may cancel your booking at any time either by phone call (022 278 2462) or by email.  Cancellation will be effective the day it is received by us and we require notification no less than 48 hours prior to the departure time.

We will attempt to give you as much notice as possible of a cancellation due to weather, and will send notification via text message to the number provided when making the booked (either online or via phone/email) – it is your responsibility to contact us prior to your departure to see if your charter is still going ahead.
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Confirmation of Departure
We will make all efforts to contact you the day prior to your trip.  However, experience shows we often have difficulty reaching some customers. This is especially common with overseas customers.  Please make sure you have given us a working contact number for New Zealand or a phone number for your holiday accommodation.


Cancellation by Captain Bucko
If, due to circumstances beyond our control (which includes the following below in bullet points) we find it necessary to cancel the trip/trips, we will notify you as soon as possible and we will refund your moneys paid in full. We reserve the right to cancellations/changes to your trip that we deem necessary, at any time up to, and following, departure.
These may be due to, but are not limited to;

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  • unfavourable/unpredictable weather conditions

  • mechanical issues

  • skipper unavailability/sickness

  • insufficient customers booked (a minimum of 2 persons required for shared Kingfish charters  and 3 persons required for shared for Snapper charters)


Cancellation after Departure
Unfortunately, there may be occasions due to sudden changes in conditions when we are forced to cancel directly before the trip, or even shorten the trip while in progress. If we must shorten your trip due to bad weather or boat malfunctions, we will refund a proportion of the cost of the trip, based on the remaining trip time. It is up to you to ring our office to arrange the refund if this is the case. Refunds will not be given on board.


Alcohol/Smoking & Drug Policy
We have no issue with limited alcohol consumption on board except when it starts interfering with the safety of everyone on board, or the comfort of other passengers. Where excess consumption of alcohol does jeopardize safety, Captain Bucko reserves the right to terminate the trip with no refund due – or to safely remove any affecting passengers wherever we see suitable. We have a strict NO SMOKING & DRUGS policy!


Sustainable Fishing
We love fishing, and we want to preserve the enjoyment of New Zealand’s fishing for future generations. We wholeheartedly support sustainable and responsible fishing.


Fish Filleting
Fish filleting is free of charge and the days catch will be portioned out to each customer to ensure everyone goes home with some quality fish for dinner. We can arrange for your fish to be smoked and vacuum packed by one of our local smoke houses at an additional cost.


Photos & Video
Staff of Captain Bucko's Charters may take photos and/or video of you fishing.  These are the property of Captain Bucko and we can use them on any medium to promote our business such as on our web site or in social media.  You will need to contact us in writing prior to the trip if you do not want pictures of yourself used on any medium.
We are not responsible for photos and/or videos taken by our other customers.  You will need to manage this circumstance yourself should you not want your image recorded. You are welcome to take as many photos/videos as you like for your own collection.


Damage & Loss of Gear
You must pay for any damage you cause to the boat or its fittings, or any rods and reels that you damage or lose overboard, even if accidentally. You are not liable for any normal wear and tear or gear failures, such as reels jamming etc.


Safety on Board the Vessel
You must follow the skipper’s instructions always while on-board. Our primary concern is for your safety, and you must comply with any instructions from the skipper immediately and without argument. This includes donning life-jackets when asked to, due to unsafe weather conditions.
Please notify the skipper immediately when you feel unwell and cannot continue with your trip, as a courtesy to other passengers and your own well-being. If you think you are prone to sea sickness we recommend the purchase of seasickness tablets from the local pharmacy prior to departure. This is your responsibility. We are not legally allowed to provide any such medications to clients.


Limitation of Liability
Not withstanding anything else expressed or implied in these terms and conditions except where a statute requires otherwise, Captain Bucko shall not be liable whether in contract, tort or otherwise for:
(a) any injury to persons or damage to property; or
(b) any direct, indirect, consequential, financial or economic loss or damage to property arising out of any act or omission of Captain Bucko's Charters
On booking with Captain Bucko the Customer shall be deemed to have read, understood and accepted these terms, conditions and policies. Captain Bucko reserves the rights to review and change these terms and conditions and policies at any time.


These Terms and Conditions (“Our Terms and Conditions”) apply to any charter booking (herein referred to as “charter” or “trip”) made with Captain Bucko and must be carefully read and understood.