Frequently Asked Questions

CHANGES OR RESCHEDULING

Requests to change or reschedule a booking must be made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled flight time. Changes requested within 48 hours may be subject to availability and/or additional charges.

CANCELLATIONS

Weather-Related Cancellations

If Helicopters Nelson cancels a flight due to inclement weather:

• A 100% Refund will be issued at the original point of sale, or,
• The booking may be rebooked to another date, time 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

We understand that weather conditions can be a concern for some guests.

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.

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.

 

Weather conditions may vary and may improve closer to flight time. For this reason, Helicopters Nelson does not cancel flights due to weather until the day of departure, once flying conditions have been assessed by the Pilot in Command.

 

If weather conditions are deemed unsafe for flight, your experience may be delayed, cancelled 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.

 

If you do not hear from us prior to your scheduled departure, your flight is proceeding as planned. Please note: General weather forecasts and apps do not always reflect aviation-specific flying conditions.

 

Please note: In the lead-up to your booking, we will be monitoring the forecast closely. In some situations, we may contact you prior to your flight only if necessary, for example to discuss and gauge interest and flexibility for alternative departure times or tour options.

Children are welcome on Helicopters Nelson flights. Safety briefings apply to all passengers, and children must remain seated and follow pilot instructions at all times.

Children aged 24 months and over require their own seat. Children under the age of two may fly seated on the lap of a paying adult.

Infant and child headsets are available and provided to ensure hearing protection and comfort during the flight. Please let our team know in advance if you will be travelling with an infant or young child so we can prepare the appropriate equipment.

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.

 

While we do our best to accommodate short-notice bookings, availability is subject to aircraft scheduling, weather conditions, and operational requirements.

Sturdy, closed-toe footwear and a warm jacket are essential. Please avoid wearing hats or loose clothing such as scarves. Loose items should be stored securely in a bag where possible.

7am – 7pm Daily

Helicopters Nelson operate year round excluding Christmas Day.

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! Personal cameras and mobile phones are welcome. 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

 

All items must be secured at all times. For safety reasons, drones are strictly prohibited near helicopters.

PAYMENT

Payment is due 2 days prior to your flight, unless alternative arrangements have been made.

If you are a business with an approved account, 7-day payment terms apply.

 

We accept Visa, Mastercard, cash, or bank transfer. If you wish to pay in person, on your date of travel, please advise us via return email.

Please note: Credit card transactions may incur a surcharge.

 

All prices are in NZD and are inclusive of GST unless stated otherwise.

 

PRICING

Most Helicopters Nelson flights are priced per aircraft, rather than per person. This means you are chartering the helicopter privately for your experience, regardless of the number of passengers onboard (up to the aircraft’s capacity and weight limits).

Maximum passenger numbers vary by aircraft type and safety requirements. Our team is happy to help you choose the most suitable option for your group.

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.

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.

 

If you have any medical concerns or conditions, please feel free to chat with our friendly team.

 

DRUGS, ALCOHOL & SMOKING

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.

 

WAIVERS

All passengers are required to complete an individual waiver prior to flying with Helicopters Nelson. Waivers must be completed before the flight and are mandatory for participation.