How to cancel OS Maps and protect your new zealand consumer rights
What OS Maps is and why new zealanders use it
OS Maps, created by Ordnance Survey, is a digital mapping and navigation application designed for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers and travellers across New Zealand and beyond. You access detailed topographic maps, plan custom routes and download offline map coverage so you can navigate even without mobile reception. The service combines precision cartography with practical route-planning tools, making it a popular choice among New Zealand's outdoor community.
Core features included with your subscription
Your subscription unlocks access to OS Explorer and Landranger map layers, powerful route creation and recording tools, and the ability to download maps for offline use across New Zealand and globally. Whether you're planning a weekend tramp through native bush or navigating backcountry terrain, OS Maps provides the precision mapping tools outdoor adventurers rely on. The offline functionality proves particularly valuable in remote areas where cellular coverage is unreliable.
When you might decide to cancel
You may decide to cancel if you've switched to a free alternative, don't use the app regularly enough to justify the cost, or simply want to pause your subscription temporarily. Whatever your reason, you have clear legal rights as a New Zealand consumer. Yafee is here to walk you through every step of the cancellation process with precision and clarity.
Your consumer rights in new zealand for digital services
Before you cancel, understand exactly what protections New Zealand law gives you when you subscribe to digital services like OS Maps.
Consumer guarantees act protections
Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, goods and services supplied to you must meet guaranteed standards. The supplier cannot exclude or limit these guarantees, which cover acceptable quality, fitness for purpose and supply of services with reasonable care and skill. This legislation is administered by Commerce NZ and applies to all consumer transactions in New Zealand.
If OS Maps fails to meet these standards, you have remedies available. For a major failure, you can request a replacement or cancel and receive a refund of the unused portion. For a non-major failure, you can request a repair, replacement or compensation. The onus falls on the supplier to prove the service meets the required standard, not the other way around.
The 14-day cooling-off period and renewal cancellation
If you purchase OS Maps directly from the OS Shop or through a Digital River reseller, you have the right to cancel within 14 days of purchase for change of mind, provided you haven't used the service or downloaded maps during that period. This is your strongest refund lever if you change your mind immediately after buying. The clock starts from the date your subscription begins, not the date you clicked purchase.
For auto-renewal charges, you must cancel at least 2 working days before your renewal date to avoid the next billing cycle. If you're charged and haven't used the service during the 14 days following renewal, you can request a refund of that charge under the Consumer Guarantees Act framework. Yafee advises documenting your cancellation request with the date and time sent, as this creates a clear audit trail if a dispute arises.
Your legal position: You are protected by New Zealand consumer law regardless of where OS Maps is based. The fact that Ordnance Survey operates from the United Kingdom does not diminish your rights as a New Zealand resident. If the company refuses to honour your cancellation or refund request, you can escalate to Commerce NZ or seek assistance through the Disputes Tribunal for claims under NZD$15,000.
OS Maps pricing in new zealand
Understanding what you're paying helps you decide whether cancellation makes sense for your budget and usage patterns.
Current subscription plans and rates
| Plan |
Price (NZD) |
Billing period |
Best for |
| Monthly subscription (OS Maps Premium) |
NZD $6.99 |
Monthly auto-renewal |
Casual users or trial period |
| Annual subscription (OS Maps Premium) |
NZD $39.99 |
Annual auto-renewal |
Regular outdoor adventurers (saves approximately NZD $4 per year) |
| Free tier (OS Maps Essentials) |
Free |
No commitment |
Casual map viewing without downloads |
Both paid plans auto-renew automatically unless you cancel. The annual plan works out to approximately NZD $3.33 per month, making it better value if you use OS Maps regularly throughout the year. The free tier provides basic mapping functionality but restricts offline downloads and advanced route features.
How to cancel OS Maps on your device or account
Your cancellation method depends on where you originally purchased your subscription and which device platform you use.
Cancel through apple app store (iOS)
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap your Apple ID name at the top of the screen.
- Select "Subscriptions".
- Find and tap "OS Maps Premium" in the active subscriptions list.
- Select "Cancel Subscription" and confirm your choice.
- Apple will generate a cancellation confirmation email to your registered Apple ID address within minutes.
- Retain this confirmation email as proof of cancellation.
Your access continues until the end of your current billing period. Yafee recommends completing this step at least 2 working days before your renewal date to ensure the cancellation processes before the next charge.
Cancel through google play store (Android)
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
- Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Select "Manage your Google Account".
- Navigate to the "Subscriptions" tab at the top of the screen.
- Tap "OS Maps Premium" from your active subscriptions.
- Select "Cancel subscription" and follow the on-screen prompts.
- Google will send a cancellation confirmation to your registered email address.
Your subscription remains active until the end of your current billing period. Google Play processes cancellations immediately, though the confirmation email may take a few minutes to arrive. Keep this email as documentation of your cancellation request.
Cancel through the OS shop website
- Visit the OS Shop website and log into your account using your registered email address and password.
- Navigate to "My Account" or "Account Settings" in the main menu.
- Locate the "Subscriptions" or "Active Plans" section.
- Select "Manage" or "Edit" next to your OS Maps Premium subscription.
- Choose "Cancel Subscription" and confirm your decision.
- The OS Shop will display a cancellation confirmation on screen and email confirmation to your registered address.
Cancellations processed through the OS Shop take effect immediately, though your access continues through the end of your billing period. Yafee recommends taking a screenshot of the on-screen confirmation as backup to the email.
Cancel through digital river (third-party reseller)
- Log into your Digital River account using your credentials.
- Click on "My Orders" or "Account" in the top navigation.
- Locate your OS Maps subscription in the active orders list.
- Select the subscription and choose "Cancel" or "Manage Subscription".
- Follow Digital River's cancellation prompts and confirm your choice.
- Digital River will send a cancellation confirmation to your registered email address.
- Note the cancellation reference number provided in the email.
Digital River processes cancellations within 24 working hours. If you do not receive a confirmation email within this timeframe, log back into your Digital River account to verify the cancellation status.
What happens after you cancel your OS Maps subscription
Cancellation is just the beginning; you need to understand what access you retain and what options remain available to you afterward.
Access during the grace period
After you cancel, you retain full access to all OS Maps Premium features until the end of your current billing period. This grace period means if you cancel on 15 June but your renewal date is 30 June, you can continue using offline maps and route planning until 30 June. You do not lose functionality immediately upon cancellation.
What happens on your renewal date
On your renewal date, your account automatically downgrades to the free tier (OS Maps Essentials) if you have cancelled. You lose access to offline map downloads and advanced route recording features. Any existing offline maps previously downloaded remain on your device but do not refresh or update.
If you change your mind within 14 days of cancellation, you can reactivate your subscription through the same platform where you originally cancelled. Yafee advises that reactivation may reset your 14-day cooling-off period, depending on the terms of service applied by your reseller.
Requesting a refund after cancellation
You have the right to request a refund of your final billing period if you cancel during the 14-day cooling-off period and have not used the service. Submit your refund request to the same platform through which you purchased: Apple App Store, Google Play Store, OS Shop or Digital River. Include your subscription cancellation reference number and the reason for your refund request.
Most refund requests are processed within 5 to 10 working days. Your bank or credit card provider may take a further 3 to 5 business days to process the credit. If 14 days have passed since your initial purchase, your statutory right to a refund for change of mind expires, though you retain remedies under the Consumer Guarantees Act if the service failed to meet required standards.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling OS Maps
Cancellation is straightforward, but small errors can complicate refund claims and extend the process unnecessarily.
Mistake 1: cancelling on the wrong platform
If you purchased OS Maps through the Apple App Store, cancelling through the OS Shop website will not stop your Apple App Store subscription. Each platform manages subscriptions independently. You must cancel through the exact platform where you made the purchase. Verify your purchase email to confirm which platform charged your card, then cancel through that platform only.
Mistake 2: not cancelling before the 2-working-day deadline
If you cancel 1 day before your renewal date, the system may not process the cancellation in time, and you will be charged again. Always cancel at least 2 working days in advance. Mark your renewal date on your calendar 3 days before it occurs, so you have a buffer.
Mistake 3: failing to retain proof of cancellation
If a dispute arises with your bank or the company refuses to honour your cancellation, you need documentation. Screenshot the on-screen cancellation confirmation immediately after cancelling, and retain the confirmation email. This evidence protects you if you need to escalate to Commerce NZ or the Disputes Tribunal.
Mistake 4: downloading maps immediately after cancelling
The 14-day cooling-off period is conditional. If you download maps or actively use the service after cancelling during the cooling-off window, you lose your right to a refund for change of mind. The company can argue you have accepted the service. Avoid using the app after cancellation if you intend to claim a refund.
Steps to take if OS Maps refuses to cancel
Occasionally, a company may decline a cancellation request or ignore it entirely. You have clear escalation routes under New Zealand law.
Document everything
Collect all communication with OS Maps or its resellers. Yafee recommends saving emails, screenshots and transaction records. Include dates, times and the names of any support staff you contacted. This documentation forms the basis of any complaint to Commerce NZ.
Escalate through commerce NZ
If OS Maps or its reseller refuses to cancel your subscription, file a complaint with Commerce NZ. Commerce NZ is the government agency responsible for enforcing the Consumer Guarantees Act and Fair Trading Act. You can lodge a complaint online at www.commerce.govt.nz or by telephone. Provide your documentation as evidence of the company's refusal.
Use the disputes tribunal
If the value of the disputed subscription charge falls below NZD $15,000, you can apply to the Disputes Tribunal. The Tribunal is a free, independent dispute resolution service that can order the company to refund you. You do not need a lawyer to apply. Visit www.disputestribunal.govt.nz to begin the application process.
Comparison: keep or cancel OS Maps
Before finalising your decision, weigh the value of continuing your subscription against the cost and your actual usage patterns.
| Factor |
Keep your subscription |
Cancel your subscription |
| Usage frequency |
You use OS Maps at least twice per month for outdoor activities |
You use it fewer than twice per month or haven't opened it in 30 days |
| Offline map availability |
You regularly trek in areas without mobile coverage |
You have reliable cellular coverage or prefer free alternatives like Google Maps |
| Route planning needs |
You actively plan and record custom routes for hiking or cycling |
You only view maps casually without needing advanced route features |
| Budget considerations |
NZD $6.99 monthly (or NZD $39.99 annually) fits comfortably within your discretionary spending |
You are seeking to reduce subscription spending or are not currently using the service |
| Free alternative satisfaction |
You have tried free mapping apps and found OS Maps significantly better |
You are satisfied with free options or lower-cost competitors |
| Contract commitment |
You prefer annual billing to save approximately NZD $4 per year |
You wish to avoid auto-renewal charges or prefer monthly flexibility |
If you score "Keep" on four or more factors, retaining your subscription likely represents good value. If you score "Cancel" on four or more factors, proceeding with cancellation makes financial sense.
If you experience technical issues cancelling through your platform or receive an error message, you may need to contact OS Maps support directly.
Contact information for OS Maps support
Ordnance Survey (OS Maps parent company) does not provide a dedicated New Zealand customer service address. The only postal address available for escalations is the United Kingdom corporate office:
Ordnance Survey
Adanac Drive
Southampton
SO16 0AS
United Kingdom
For urgent issues, contact OS Maps through the support section within the app itself or via the OS Shop website contact form. Yafee recommends using in-app support for faster response times, as postal communication to the UK office typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.
When contacting support, provide your subscription reference number, the platform you used to purchase, your cancellation request date and any error message you received. Request written confirmation of your cancellation status.
Retain all cancellation records
If OS Maps fails to honour your cancellation and you are charged again, keep every record of your correspondence. These records prove you made a good-faith cancellation attempt and form the basis of your complaint to Commerce NZ or the Disputes Tribunal.
Conclusion: cancel with confidence using yafee
Cancelling OS Maps in New Zealand is a straightforward process when you follow the correct platform-specific steps and understand your legal rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993. You have the statutory right to cancel within 14 days for change of mind, provided you have not used the service, and you retain remedies if the service fails to meet required standards.
The cancellation method you use depends on your purchase platform: Apple App Store, Google Play Store, OS Shop or Digital River. Each platform processes cancellations independently and requires you to cancel through that specific channel. Mark your renewal date 3 days in advance, cancel at least 2 working days before that date, and retain your cancellation confirmation email as proof.
If you are charged after cancellation or the company refuses to process your request, escalate to Commerce NZ or apply to the Disputes Tribunal. Your status as a New Zealand consumer gives you protection regardless of where OS Maps is headquartered. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions with confidence by providing clear, legally-grounded guidance and practical steps. Visit Yafee.com today to access our full library of cancellation guides for New Zealand services and to document your cancellation request securely.