Main Lake Hire

Backpaddock Lakes Main Lake Terms & Disclaimer

Details:

• Single-person hire is NOT permitted; a minimum of 2 adults is required per booking.
• USE AT YOUR OWN RISK!
• Boats OR recreational users (paddleboard, kayak users) can book.
• The “Participant” is a group (minimum of 2 adults). 
• RECREATIONAL user groups can consist of up to 6 people – BYO equipment and ensure it is safe and suitable.
• BOAT user groups can bring one other family to the booking to share your time slot for observation, etc. (ONLY one boat per “Participant/Group” booking. If you want to bring 2 boats, you will need to book 2 “Participant/Group” hire slots if available.
• There will be two time slots per day to book: Dawn till 1 pm, then 1 pm till Dusk.
• There will be a maximum of 2 available “Participant/Group” hire slots if available during each of these time slots.
• No Backpaddock Lakes staff will be present to greet you; this is a self-hire experience at your own risk.
• Availability will be as per the booking calendar, but you can book only approx. 1 month ahead of time, on www.backpaddocklakes.co.nz. A VIP email list will be emailed when new timeslots are created for the next month ahead on the booking platform, email to join: info@backpaddocklakes.co.nz
• Bookings will be $100 for the 7-hour slot (subject to change, and discount codes may be available).
• For health & safety records, we need to know who is on-site for the booking.
• This is for private use only. Any events must be booked separately; contact: info@backpaddocklakes.co.nz.
• An online disclaimer will be required to be signed with each booking.
• Children under the age of 16 years (minors) must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.
• All users must have a supervisor.
• Be familiar with the Maritime rules: Whether you have a kayak, personal watercraft, waka, sail, or powerboat, you must know the rules, have the right equipment, and be a responsible skipper. https://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/recreational/rules-on-the-water/
  

Booking details and other facilities at Backpaddock Lakes:

• Anyone booking the accommodation can book the main lake separately, and anyone booking the main lake can book the accommodation separately, provided there is availability on the booking calendars for each option.
• We reserve the right to cancel any Lake Hire bookings, but will refund if this is required.
• Backpaddock Lakes is private land beside a working farm, so everyone must respect this and be aware of hazards at all times. There are many hazards like open water, drains, electric fences, rabbit holes, etc. Please keep children under close adult supervision at all times.
• Main lake hire does not include access to the accommodation, barn, kitchen, bar, courtyard, river, bike trail, farm, walking trail, silo bar, games, cable park etc.
• TOILETS: Please use toilets along the fence line as you drive in, between the silver boat shed and the lake house villa.
• PARKING - DO NOT PARK on the front lawn; this is protected for weddings and events. Do not park in front of the Villa house. Do not park in front of the accommodation. Parking is behind the driveway, on the farm side by the marina.
• Backpaddock Lakes often takes photographs and videos at the Lake for marketing purposes. If you do not wish to be included in any public photos/videos, please let us know; otherwise, we assume we have your permission.
• All rubbish must be taken away with you.
• No DOGS or PETS are permitted.

Acknowledgment of Risks:

• Please read this disclaimer carefully. By purchasing your Backpaddock Lakes Main lake hire, you effectively become the Participant referred to as 'I' in this document. As the ‘Participant,’ you will take full responsibility for all people in your group when visiting the Lake and utilizing your booking.
• As a Backpaddock Lakes user, you will take part in activities where there are obvious and inherent risks. We need you and your group's help, cooperation, and common sense, so we can all have a safe and great time.
• So, I (that's you) acknowledge that in using Backpaddock Lake’s facilities, I'm responsible for my safety and the safety of any and all persons in my group. All activities are “at our risk,” in the same manner as is the usage of any public body of water in New Zealand.

Safety Requirements:

• All users must be familiar with the current NZ Maritime Act rules and regulations (This covers further information about life jacket use, ages, give-way rules, etc).
• Avoid alcohol.
• Tell others where you are heading; do not rely on Backpaddock Lakes for your safety.
• By signing the document, I'm acknowledging that I am personally responsible for my safety and the safety of my group. I acknowledge that I and all users in my group will abide by all signage, rules, and water safety regulations, including but not limited to the following:
• All site hazards must be observed, avoided, and reported.
• Children under the age of 16 years (minors) must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times. All users must have a supervisor.
• I and my group agree to wear approved personal flotation devices (life jackets) while participating in any activity in the water.

Recreational Paddle Board/Kayak Rules & Requirements:

• All users must be familiar with the current NZ Maritime Act rules and regulations (This covers further information about life jacket use, ages, give-way rules, etc). Also, more safety details: www.nzsup.org.
• If using Paddleboards and Kayaks when powered boats are using the Lake, please stay well clear of the main Boat Lane through the centre of the Lake and keep to the side of the Lake.
• Life jackets must be worn at all times.
• Single-person hire is NOT permitted; a minimum of 2 adults is required per booking. Children under the age of 16 years (minors) must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times. All users must have a supervisor.
• If boats are operating on the Lake DO NO go around the island.

Boating Rules & Requirements:

• Only one boat may operate at a time.
• BOAT user groups can bring one other family (Only 1 boat per group) to your booking to share your time slot for observation, etc.
• All boats must be clean, dry, and completely free of didymo and other pests and weeds before entering Backpaddock Lakes.
• Even though no license is required to operate a pleasure boat in New Zealand, ignorance of any maritime rules or regional bylaws is not accepted as an excuse. Failure to comply can lead to instant fines or prosecution.
• Wear your life jackets. Have one life jacket in the right size and type for everyone onboard, and ensure they’re worn at all times.
• There must only be one boat operating on the lake at a time. Other boats are to wait clear to the side until their "turn." A "Turn" is usually up and back 2-3 times as a courtesy to other users when multiple boats are on-site.
• All boats must carry an observer; i.e., it takes at least three to waterski (skipper, skier, observer) – the minimum age for an observer is 12 years old.
• All users must be familiar with the current NZ Maritime Act rules and regulations (This covers further information about life jacket use, ages, give-way rules, etc).
• The skipper is legally responsible for everyone on board and must ensure that all users of his or her party have read and understood the contents of this document.
• No biscuit riding over 10 knots.
• When not using the slalom course, stay well away from the buoys, and if you knock off a buoy, put it back on or let us know it is damaged.
• All boats should go around the island counterclockwise. Direction of travel is counterclockwise.
• Skiers and wakeboarders must stay between the boat wakes around the island to avoid shallow edges.
• Powered boats should give way to non-powered boats.
• No power turning for picking up skiers.
• Jet skis are permitted to be used for wakeboarding/skiing and must follow the same rules as powerboat users. Backpaddock Lakes is not suitable for general Jet Ski use – sorry!

YOU MUST Fully Understand the Terms & Conditions in This Agreement!