Below are our frequently asked questions answered, if you have a different question, feel free to contact us.
Changes or Rescheduling: We require 48 hours notice prior to flight time to change or reschedule your reservation. Tours cancelled with less than 48 hours notice affect other guests booked and don’t allow enough time to resell the cancelled seats. If you need to change or reschedule your reservation, please provide us 48 hours notice prior to your tour time and we will be happy to accommodate you.
CANCELLATIONS
Weather-Related Cancellations
If Helicopters Nelson cancels a flight due to inclement weather:
- A 100% Refund will be issues at the original point of sale
- The booking may be rebooked to another date or changed to an alternative tour, subject to availability
Helicopters Nelson’s policy is to fly when conditions are safe to do so. The decision as to whether weather conditions are suitable for flight rests solely with Helicopters Nelson.
Customer-Initiated Cancellations
If the customer cancels the booking for any reason, including concerns about weather, the following refund schedule applies:
- Within 24 hours of the scheduled tour: 25% refund
- Within 7 days of the scheduled tour: 50% refund
- 8 days or more prior to the scheduled tour: 100% refund
- No refund will be given to no-shows
At the absolute discretion of Helicopters Nelson, cancellation fees may be waived in exceptional circumstances. Each request is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Helicopters Nelson is committed to the health and safety of all passengers, staff, and associated personnel. At all times, the Pilot in Command has sole and final authority over all aspects of the flight or charter to ensure the highest level of safety.
In the interest of health and safety, the Pilot in Command may alter the flight plan, divert the aircraft, delay, or cancel a flight at their discretion.
Recreational drugs, smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited onboard Helicopters Nelson flights. Any breach of this policy may result in penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1990.
Weight & Size Guidelines: Helicopter weight and balance changes with every flight because of passenger weight, pilot weight and length of flight (fuel weight). It is important that we have accurate body weight from every passenger. CAA regulations require all passengers to declare their weight on check in and if required passengers and carry on luggage will be weighed before the flight. If a standard airline seat belt is too small or you weigh over 100 KG (220 LBS) you must notify us on booking so that we can plan the loading of the aircraft, as we cannot exceed the helicopters maximum permissible weight. (A surcharge may apply in this situation). Please call our office for more information. Thank you for your cooperation.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
Helicopter operations are highly dependent on weather conditions. Helicopters Nelson will operate all flights as scheduled where weather conditions are assessed as safe for flight.
If weather conditions are deemed unsafe for flight, your experience may be delayed or rescheduled at short notice.
If this occurs, we will contact you as soon as possible to discuss available options.
The decision to fly rests solely with the Pilot in Command in accordance with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations and safety requirements.
Children under the age of two (2) fly free when seated in the lap of a paying adult. Children 24 months and over require an individual full-fare seat.
It is recommended you make your booking at least 48 hours in advance. Tour departure times, flight duration, route and viewing may vary due to weather, and other uncontrollable events.
Sturdy footwear and a warm jacket are essential.
7am – 7pm Daily
We can set up almost any flight you have in mind. If there is something special you want to do (have lunch on a mountain top, land at a secluded spot), let us know and we will do our best to make it happen.
Yes absolutely! We also love to see what you fantastic photographs you have captured. Share them with us on Trip Advisor, Facebook or Instagram with the #helicoptersnelson
Online booking is recommended and payment is safely managed at time of booking by our online booking system: we accept credit card payment.
Payment is due 2 days prior to your flight, unless alternative arrangements have been made. We accept Visa, Mastercard, cash, or bank transfer. Please see the attached invoice for details.
If you are a business with an approved account, 7-day payment terms apply.
POWERBANKS & DANGEROUS GOODS
For safety reasons, lithium batteries and other dangerous goods must be declared before your flight. Power banks are permitted on our helicopter flights, however they must be declared to our staff at check-in.
Power banks may be required to be placed in one of our approved fire-resistant safety bags during the flight. This is a standard aviation safety measure designed to reduce risk in the unlikely event of battery failure.
Undeclared dangerous goods cannot be carried. If you are unsure whether an item needs to be declared, please speak with our team prior to departure.
Your cooperation helps us maintain the highest level of safety for our passengers and crew.
