Terms of Service

1. Agreement to Terms

By accessing or using NZ Trails ("the Site"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use the Site.

2. Description of Service

NZ Trails provides information about hiking and walking trails in the New Zealand, including trail guides, maps, user reviews, and trail condition reports. Our service is provided for informational and recreational purposes only.

3. User Accounts

3.1 Account Creation

Some features of the Site require you to create an account. You agree to:

• Provide accurate and complete information
• Maintain the security of your account credentials
• Promptly update any changes to your information
• Accept responsibility for all activities under your account

3.2 Account Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms or for any other reason at our discretion.

4. User Content

4.1 Content Ownership

You retain ownership of content you submit to the Site (reviews, photos, comments). By submitting content, you grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free licence to use, display, reproduce, and distribute your content on the Site.

4.2 Content Guidelines

You agree not to submit content that:

• Is false, misleading, or inaccurate
• Infringes on intellectual property rights
• Is defamatory, offensive, or harmful
• Violates any applicable laws
• Contains spam or advertising
• Includes personal information of others without consent

4.3 Content Moderation

We reserve the right to remove or modify any user content at our discretion. We are not obligated to monitor all user content but may do so.

5. Trail Information Disclaimer

Important: Trail information on the Site is provided for general guidance only. Conditions can change rapidly. Before heading out:

• Check current conditions with official sources (DOC, local councils)
• Assess weather conditions and forecasts
• Ensure you have appropriate gear and fitness level
• Tell someone your plans and expected return time
• Carry emergency supplies and communication devices

We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any trail information. You use this information at your own risk.

6. Assumption of Risk

Outdoor activities including hiking and walking involve inherent risks including but not limited to:

• Injury or death from accidents, falls, or natural hazards
• Exposure to weather conditions
• Encounters with wildlife
• Getting lost
• Physical exhaustion

By using this Site, you acknowledge these risks and assume full responsibility for your own safety during any outdoor activities.

7. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by New Zealand law:

• The Site is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, express or implied
• We are not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of the Site
• We are not liable for any injury, death, property damage, or loss arising from outdoor activities undertaken based on information from this Site

8. Intellectual Property

All content on the Site (excluding user-generated content) including text, graphics, logos, and software is owned by NZ Trails or our licensors and is protected by New Zealand and international intellectual property laws.

You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our written permission.

9. Third-Party Links

The Site may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the content or practices of these external sites. Accessing linked sites is at your own risk.

10. Advertising

The Site may display advertisements from third-party advertising networks. These advertisements are clearly distinguished from our content. We are not responsible for the products or services advertised.

11. Privacy

Your use of the Site is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

12. Prohibited Activities

You agree not to:

• Use the Site for any unlawful purpose
• Attempt to gain unauthorised access to the Site or its systems
• Interfere with or disrupt the Site's operation
• Use automated tools to scrape or harvest content
• Impersonate others or misrepresent your affiliation
• Upload malware or malicious code

13. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless NZ Trails, its operators, and affiliates from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your use of the Site or violation of these Terms.

14. Changes to Terms

We may modify these Terms at any time. Continued use of the Site after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms. We encourage you to review these Terms periodically.

15. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of New Zealand. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of New Zealand.

16. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

17. Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us.