SECTION 1: BOOKING & CANCELLATION AGREEMENT

1.1 Scope of Agreement: This Rental Agreement and its associated terms apply to all guests staying at Matakana Retreat, regardless of the booking channel (direct via matakanaretreat.com, Airbnb, Riparide, or other agency). Acceptance of these terms is mandatory for check-in.

1.2 Cancellation Policy & Platform Bookings:

• Direct Bookings: For reservations made directly via matakanaretreat.com, the cancellation policies specified in Clauses 1.3 and 1.4 apply.
• Platform Bookings (Airbnb, Riparide, etc.): For bookings made via a third-party platform, the cancellation and refund policy set by that platform will govern the monetary penalty and refund process. The Guest is still bound by all other clauses of this Agreement (e.g., property use, damages).

1.3 Direct Booking Cancellation Deadlines (PEAK SEASON: December, January, February):

Fee Calculation Base: All cancellation fees are calculated based on the TOTAL VALUE OF THE ORIGINAL BOOKING, inclusive of all charges and taxes, regardless of the amount prepaid. Cancellations are considered received after 2:00 PM NZDT for deadline calculation.

• 21 days or less before check-in: A cancellation fee of 50% of the total booking value will be charged.
• 14 days or less before check-in: A cancellation fee of 75% of the total booking value will be charged.
• 7 days or less before check-in: A cancellation fee of 100% of the total booking value will be charged.

1.4 Direct Booking Cancellation Deadlines (STANDARD/OFF-PEAK SEASON: March through November):

Cancellations are considered received after 2:00 PM NZDT for deadline calculation.

• 14 days or less before check-in: A cancellation fee of 0% of the total booking value will be charged (100% refund).
• 7 days or less before check-in: A cancellation fee of 50% of the total booking value will be charged.
• 6 days or less before check-in: A cancellation fee of 100% of the total booking value will be charged.

1.5 No-Show and Refunds:

• No-Show: If the Guest fails to arrive on the scheduled check-in date, a fee of 100% of the total booking value will be charged.
• Refunds and Agency Fees: All refunds processed (regardless of booking channel) will be net of any non-refundable third-party booking agency fees or commissions that were incurred by Matakana Retreat on the original reservation.

SECTION 2: PROPERTY USE & GUEST RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1 Occupancy and Use: The number of guests must not exceed the maximum occupancy stated for the accommodation. The property is strictly rented for private vacation purposes only. Parties, events, or commercial activities are prohibited without prior written consent.

2.2 Check-in and Check-out: Check-in time is 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM. Unauthorized late check-out may incur an additional fee.

2.3 Damage and Security Deposit: The Guest is responsible for any damage, loss, or misuse of the property and its contents. The Guest agrees to payment authorization for a security deposit to cover any such damages or excessive cleaning costs.

2.4 Off-Grid/Eco Rules: Guests must strictly adhere to instructions regarding the property's septic system and power usage, given its unique off-grid location.

SECTION 3: LIABILITY AND DISCLAIMER

3.1 Limitation of Liability: The Guest acknowledges that Matakana Retreat is set on 50 acres of bush and forest. The Guest agrees to use the property and surrounding areas at their own risk. Matakana Retreat is not responsible for accidents, injuries, or illness that occur while on the premises.

3.2 Personal Belongings: Matakana Retreat is not responsible for the loss of personal belongings or valuables left at the property.