The safety and well-being of our guests is extremely important to us. We have stringent health and safety policies in place, which we actively adhere to, but as with any travel and accommodation experience, there will always be certain risks involved.
Please take a moment to read the following Risk Disclosure Statement before finalising your reservation and/or staying with us. This Risk Disclosure Statement forms part of the Fiordland Eco-Retreat Booking Terms & Conditions.
Property Risks
While we strive to maintain a safe environment, accidents and unforeseen incidents may still occur. These could include slips, falls, property damage, or equipment malfunctions. We encourage guests to exercise caution and follow all posted safety guidelines while on the premises.
Our property is located in a rural environment. Guests may encounter uneven surfaces, gravel areas, steps, wildlife, insects, changing weather conditions and other natural hazards. The Lookout accommodation’s access path between its car parking area and the accommodation is designed to be fully accessible, although it may still become slippery during wet, frosty, or winter conditions.
Outdoor lighting is intentionally limited to preserve the dark sky environment, so guests should take additional care when moving around the property after dark or in adverse weather conditions, and use any provided lighting where available.
Natural Disasters & Weather Conditions
Natural events, such as earthquakes, storms, or floods may occur without warning. Although the property is designed to withstand such events, some risks remain. We recommend that guests familiarise themselves with emergency exits and evacuation procedures, which can be found in the Guest Information folder, and on the wall of the Kitchenette.
Fire Safety
Our fire safety protocols include smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher, located in the kitchenette’s pantry. Nevertheless, fire can still pose a risk. Guests are urged to be cautious when using cooking / heating appliances and to only smoke outside. Cigarette butts must be extinguished thoroughly. The use of candles is not permitted on the premises.
Guests must not interfere with, modify, or operate the wood-fired sauna heater except in accordance with the instructions provided.
Outdoor Fire Pit
An outdoor fire pit may be available as an optional extra during your stay, by prior agreement. It may also be used as part of selected stargazing experiences. Use of the fire pit is only permitted when no fire ban or fire restriction is in place.
Before using the fire pit, all users must read and follow the provided safety instructions at all times.
The fire pit must:
- Be positioned on a stable, level, non-flammable surface such as gravel, concrete, or a suitable metal tray.
- Not be placed within 3 metres of any building, hedge, shelter belt, vegetation, outdoor furniture or other combustible material.
- Not be moved while alight.
- Be supervised by at least one responsible adult at all times while burning.
- Be fully extinguished before being left unattended.
A suitable means of extinguishing the fire, such as a bucket of water, must be kept readily available while the fire is in use. Embers must be allowed to cool completely before disposal.
Guests must follow any instructions provided by Fiordland Eco-Retreat hosts or guides regarding the use, location, lighting, and extinguishing of the fire pit.
Recreational Activities & Amenities
Use of recreational facilities and amenities, including the hot tubs and wood-fired sauna, involves inherent risks. Guests must use all facilities responsibly, within their personal limits, and in accordance with all instructions provided. Misuse of facilities may result in serious injury or death.
Before using the hot tubs or wood-fired sauna, guests must read and follow all operating instructions and safety signage provided at the accommodation.
The wood-fired sauna involves high temperatures, hot surfaces, steam, fire and combustible materials. Guests must exercise caution around the sauna heater, chimney, internal surfaces and surrounding areas to avoid burns or injury.
The wood-fired sauna is strictly for guests aged 16 years and over. Children younger than 16 must not enter or use the sauna under any circumstances.
Guests should only use the sauna if they are medically fit to do so. Those who are pregnant or who have cardiovascular conditions, epilepsy, low or high blood pressure, or other relevant medical conditions should seek medical advice before use.
Guests should not use the hot tubs or sauna while under the influence of alcohol or any substance that may impair their judgement, balance, awareness or ability to respond safely.
During stargazing tours, guests must follow their guide’s instructions at all times. As these activities take place outdoors in cold, dark conditions, guests are responsible for wearing appropriate clothing and taking reasonable care for their own safety.
We endeavour to recommend activity providers that maintain appropriate health and safety standards. However, third-party operators are independent businesses and remain responsible for the delivery and safety of their own activities.
Medical Emergencies
In the event of a medical emergency, we will assist in contacting emergency services and provide reasonable assistance where possible.
For emergencies (Police, Fire or Ambulance), dial 111.
The property is located at:
111 Ramparts Road, Te Anau
A first aid kit is available within the accommodation.
The nearest publicly accessible Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is located in Te Anau township. Guests can locate nearby AEDs using the AED Locations website (https://aedlocations.co.nz/) or mobile app.
We recommend downloading the AED location app in advance of your arrival:
Click here to download it on Apple devices.
Click here to download it on Android devices.
Security & Personal Belongings
We provide security measures to safeguard your belongings, but we are not responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to personal items. Guests are advised to lock doors and report any suspicious activity to the accommodation’s owners, who live in the main house.
By confirming your booking and staying at Fiordland Eco-Retreat, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Risk Disclosure Statement and agree to follow all safety instructions provided during your stay. While we take reasonable steps to provide a safe environment, some risks are inherent in accommodation and outdoor recreation and cannot be completely eliminated. If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Statement last updated: 3 August 2026
