Terms and conditions
Article 1 - Preamble
These Terms and Conditions of Sale (hereinafter “T&Cs”) apply to all services offered by AOA Polynesian Forests (hereinafter “AOA”), including:
– self-guided tours;
– guided tours;
– hikes; – cultural and educational workshops;
– immersion days;
– tailor-made VIP experiences;
– private activities and team building days;
– services including tree planting;
– contributions and sponsorship programs.
Any reservation made via www.aoa.pf, by email, or through a partner is binding on the Customer and constitutes unconditional acceptance of these T&Cs. AOA reserves the right to modify the T&Cs at any time; the applicable T&Cs are those in effect on the date of the order. AOA is a Polynesian initiative dedicated to the restoration of native forests, awareness-raising, education, and the preservation of natural heritage.
Article 2 - Description of services
AOA offers various tourist and educational services in the heart of the Mo'aroa Valley in Mataiea, including:
2.1 Educational forest
– Self-guided tour (educational, interactive, fun trail).
– Guided tour with a naturalist guide.
2.2 Guided hike
Supervised hike to the biodiversity sanctuary, including forest trails, river crossings, and discovery of Polynesian flora.
2.3 Cultural & educational workshops
Introductions to weaving, plant dyes, tapa, and mini-murals of the Tahitian valleys.
2.4 Immersion day
Hike, presentation of the ecological project, local lunch, planting of native species, and sponsorship certificate.
2.5 VIP experience – Tailor-made nature
Private tour with a dedicated guide, combining à la carte options: educational forest, hike, planting, workshops (optional).
2.6 Private activities, groups, companies
Organization of activities for groups, institutions, and companies: tours, hikes, workshops, team-building days (with or without meals).
2.7 Additional services
– shuttle service depending on location;
– local shop;
– rest areas, dry toilets;
– access to the educational forest included depending on the services provided;
– sponsorship certificate for activities including planting.
The duration, level of effort, prices, logistical details, and prerequisites are specified in the presentation documents, on the website, or in the quote sent to the Customer.
Article 3 – Ordering & Booking
Bookings can be made:
– via www.aoa.pf
– by email to contact@aoa.pf
Bookings are only confirmed upon receipt of a confirmation email sent by AOA.
Certain services require a minimum number of participants (e.g., workshops, private activities).
AOA reserves the right to refuse a reservation in the event of incomplete information, non-payment, or previous disputes.
Article 4 – Rates
The applicable rates are those indicated at the time of booking or specified in a personalized quote for private services.
Prices are in Pacific francs (XPF) and include all taxes.
Depending on the package, rates may include:
– snacks, meals;
– access to the educational forest;
– shuttle service;
– educational or cultural materials.
AOA may change its rates at any time; services already booked will retain the price applied at the time of booking.
Article 5 - Payment
Payment can be made:
– online via a secure system;
– by bank transfer or deposit payment for private services;
– on site in certain cases.
All orders are subject to payment.
Reservations are only considered final after receipt of the required payment or deposit.
Article 6 – Conditions of participation
AOA activities take place in the great outdoors, involving risks inherent to the forest environment. The Customer acknowledges:
– that they are in good physical and mental health;
– that they will wear appropriate clothing (walking shoes, water, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, towel, change of clothes);
– they will follow the safety instructions of AOA staff;
– they will supervise any minors in their care.
AOA reserves the right to exclude any participant whose behavior endangers the safety of others or the preservation of the site.
Article 7 – Cancellation & Weather Conditions
7.1 Cancellation by the Customer (general public activities)
Applies to non-private tours, hikes, workshops, and immersion days:
• Up to 72 hours before the activity: full refund.
• Between 72 hours and 24 hours before: 50% refund.
• Less than 24 hours or no-show: no refund.
Refunds will be made by bank transfer within 14 days.
7.2 Specific cancellation — Groups, companies, team building days
For any private service including a meal, the following provisions apply:
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In the event of unfavorable weather forecasts, AOA may cancel the service up to 48 hours in advance in order to avoid incurring non-recoverable meal costs.
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If the Customer wishes to cancel, they must give at least 48 hours' notice before the activity. Any cancellation less than 48 hours in advance will result in the full cost of meals already incurred and non-refundable by the service providers being charged.
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If AOA has to cancel less than 48 hours in advance for safety reasons or force majeure, only the cost of meals already incurred and non-recoverable may remain the responsibility of the Customer, unless the service providers agree to a postponement.
7.3 Cancellation by AOA
In the event of adverse weather conditions, insufficient safety conditions, or force majeure, AOA may cancel or postpone an activity.
If postponement is not possible, the service will be refunded in full, with the possible exception of meal costs incurred for the private services mentioned above.
Article 8 – Liability
AOA cannot be held liable for:
– incidents related to the participant's physical condition or equipment;
– damage caused by failure to follow instructions;
– loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings;
– natural events inherent to the forest environment.
AOA's liability is limited to the amount paid by the Customer for the service concerned.
Article 9 – Personal data
AOA collects and processes the data necessary for:
– managing reservations;
– communicating with the Customer;
– administrative and statistical management.
Details of the processing are set out in the Privacy Policy available at www.aoa.pf.
Article 10 – Intellectual property
All content, photos, media, text, and visuals published by AOA are protected by intellectual property laws.
Any reproduction, modification, or distribution without written permission is prohibited.
Article 11 – Disputes
These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws applicable in French Polynesia.
In the event of a dispute that cannot be resolved amicably, the competent court shall be that of the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal of Papeete.
Article 12 – AOA Online Store
12.1 – Nature of Products
The AOA Polynesian Forests online store primarily offers locally manufactured physical products, including Polynesian handicrafts, souvenirs, accessories, textiles, and any other items offered for sale on a temporary or permanent basis.
All items are selected in line with AOA's values.
100% of the store's profits are donated to ecological restoration and the development of educational projects led by AOA.
12.2 – Product availability
Most of the products offered are made to order or in small artisanal batches.
Stock levels are not displayed on the website.
In the event of exceptional unavailability after an order has been placed:
• the Customer will be informed promptly;
• AOA may offer a replacement, a credit note, an extension, or a full refund, as appropriate.
12.3 – Prices
The prices displayed on the online store are in Pacific francs (XPF) and euros (EUR). They include all taxes (TTC).
Delivery costs are not included in the price and are calculated based on:
• the weight of the package,
• the destination (French Polynesia or international),
• the shipping method chosen.
Prices are subject to change at any time; products already ordered will be invoiced based on the price in effect at the time of confirmation.
12.4 – Order
The order is confirmed upon receipt of:
• full payment, or
• payment by bank transfer (confirmation after receipt in the AOA account).
AOA reserves the right to refuse an order in the event of an obvious error, incomplete address, payment problem, or suspicion of fraud.
12.5 – Payment
The following payment methods are accepted:
• Credit card (Visa, Mastercard), via a secure system;
• Bank transfer (details provided when ordering).
No products will be shipped until payment has been confirmed.
12.6 – Delivery
AOA provides delivery:
• in French Polynesia,
• internationally.
Shipping costs vary depending on:
• the weight of the package,
• the destination,
• the carrier.
Average delivery times are provided at the time of ordering; they may vary depending on the delivery location, the carrier, and the availability of handmade products.
AOA cannot be held responsible for delays related to transport, customs, or external events (strikes, bad weather, etc.).
12.7 – Receipt of the package
The Customer must check the condition of the package upon receipt.
In the event of a damaged package, it is the Customer's responsibility to:
• report it to the carrier,
• take photos,
• contact AOA within 48 hours.
Unless a complaint is made, the package is considered to have been accepted in good condition.
12.8 – Returns & Cancellation
The Customer has a period of 7 days from receipt to return a product, at their own expense, under the following conditions:
The product must be:
• unused,
• unopened,
• intact,
• in its original packaging.
The return costs are entirely at the Customer's expense.
After receipt and verification, AOA will either:
• issue a refund,
• or issue a credit note, depending on the Customer's request.
12.9 – Non-returnable products
The following items cannot be returned or refunded:
• unique handmade products,
• personalized products,
• products made specifically to order,
• perishable products,
• tickets, reservations, or participation in AOA activities (governed by Article 7 of the Terms and Conditions).
12.10 – Defective products or errors
If a product is delivered:
• defective,
• damaged,
• or does not correspond to the order,
AOA will replace it or refund the full amount, at no cost to the Customer, after proof has been provided (photos and description).
12.11 – Customs & International Taxes
For deliveries outside French Polynesia, customs duties or local taxes may apply. These costs, if any, are the responsibility of the Customer.
12.12 - Customer Service
For any questions regarding the online store: