These Terms and Conditions (T&Cs) form the basis of the contract between you (the Customer/Passenger) and Adventure Helicopters (the Operator). By booking and paying for any flight or service, you accept and agree to be bound by these T&Cs.
Statutory Rights: Nothing in these Terms and Conditions is intended to limit any rights or remedies you may have under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 or the Fair Trading Act 1986.
1. Booking Requirements
1.1 Minimum Passenger Numbers
All scenic flights are based on a minimum of two (2) paying passengers to proceed. If the minimum number is not met, we reserve the right to reschedule or cancel the flight. In this event, Section 2.B (Cancellation by the Operator) applies.
1.2 Third-Party and Agent Bookings
If your booking is made through a third-party agent (e.g., i-SITE, Trip Advisor, or a travel agent), your booking is subject to both the third-party’s terms and conditions and the terms listed here.
2. Cancellation and Refund Policy
This policy outlines the financial consequences when a booking is cancelled or amended, whether initiated by the Customer or the Operator.
2.A. Cancellation by the Customer (Customer Change of Mind)
For cancellations or amendments made at the customer’s request:
| Notice Period Before Scheduled Flight Time (NZST) | Resulting Fee and Outcome |
| 30 Days or More | Full Refund of the flight cost. |
| 7 to 30 Days | 100% Credit will be issued. This credit is valid for six (6) months from the original date of purchase and may be used toward a future booking. |
| Less than 7 Days | 50% Credit will be issued. This credit is valid for six (6) months from the original date of purchase and may be used toward a future booking, circumstance dependent. |
| Less than 24 Hours | 100% Cancellation Fee (Total price of service forfeited). No refund or credit will be provided. |
| Failure to Show (No-Show) | 100% Cancellation Fee (Total price of service forfeited). No refund or credit will be provided. |
2.B. Cancellation by Adventure Helicopters (The Operator)
The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority. We reserve the right to cancel or significantly alter any flight for safety, operational, or unforeseen reasons. We will notify the lead passenger using the contact details provided as soon as the decision to cancel or alter the flight is made.
| Category of Cancellation | Specific Reasons (Examples) | Customer Remedy (We Offer) |
| Safety/Weather (Outside Our Control) | Unsafe flying conditions (e.g., high winds, low visibility, heavy rain, or icing), extreme weather warnings, or natural disasters. | The choice of: A Full Refund of the flight cost OR A Full Credit valid for six (6) months toward a rescheduled flight. |
| Operational/Logistical | Aircraft technical or mechanical issue, pilot illness or inability to fly, failure to meet minimum required passenger numbers (2 paying passengers). | The choice of: A Full Refund of the flight cost OR A Full Credit valid for six (6) months toward a rescheduled flight. |
| Aviation Rules Violation | Failure to comply with Civil Aviation Rules (C.A.R.) due to undeclared or unexpected total passenger/cargo weight exceeding legal limits. | If rescheduling is not possible, we will process a refund less a reasonable administration fee (e.g., $250 NZD) to cover non-recoverable costs incurred by us. |
| Cruise Passenger Exception | Where the booking is tied to a cruise itinerary and the ship fails to dock or the port is cancelled preventing physical attendance. | 100% Full Refund of the flight cost. |
3. Safety and Operational Requirements
Safety is paramount, and all flights are conducted in strict compliance with New Zealand Civil Aviation Rules (C.A.R.).
3.1 Passenger Weights
C.A.R. requires all passenger and baggage/cargo weights to be accurately recorded prior to flight. You will be weighed upon arrival to confirm the total weight is within the aircraft’s legal limits.
- Deviation: Any significant deviation from declared or actual weight limits may result in the flight being rescheduled or altered at the pilot’s discretion, and/or a surcharge being applied. We cannot guarantee a flight if safety limits are exceeded.
3.2 Weight Limits Guideline
The following are maximum combined passenger weights for standard flights up to 1 hour. These limits are subject to change based on specific flight conditions and equipment:
- Bell 206: Maximum 4 passengers with a combined weight up to 350 kg.
- R44: Maximum 3 passengers with a combined weight up to 250 kg.
Weight Conditions
New Zealand Civil Aviation Rules requires accurate passenger and baggage/cargo weight to be recorded before the commencement of the flight. Until this information has been received we cannot guarantee your booking. In accordance with this rule you will be weighed upon arrival to confirm total weight of all passengers and cargo/ baggage is within aircraft limits. Any deviation of weight could result in the flight being rescheduled and/or a surcharge applied.
Our pilots will make a decision with regards to weather conditions on the day of your booked flight. If the weather conditions are not suitable for flying, we will contact you to reschedule your booking or provide a credit.
All flights are subject to weather and weight restrictions. If the pilot has any concerns, flights may be altered at their discretion.