Terms & Conditions

Without limiting any other methods of acceptance, the Client’s request for Mackenzie Helicopters to provide the Client with Mackenzie Helicopters services constitutes the Client’s acceptance of these Terms.

If there is more than one Client then these Terms bind those Clients jointly and severally. If a client is making a booking for and on behalf of another person then that Client warrants that it has authority to act as agent on behalf of the other person and bind the other person to these Terms.

Mackenzie Helicopters may vary these Terms from time to time by giving no less than 20 days written notice to the Client. Any variation of these Terms will apply to the provision of all Mackenzie Helicopters services after the notice period referred to above.

Minimum passenger numbers may apply. All reservations must be reconfirmed by 2.00pm the day prior to the scheduled departure date. If weather conditions prevent Mackenzie Helicopters from flying, the Client may reschedule to the next available day, space permitting.

Flight time, flight paths and landings are at the discretion of Mackenzie Helicopters, subject to weather conditions, safety and pick up locations. Flight times are approximate and include your landing.

Mackenzie Helicopters reserves the right to cancel, delay or amend bookings or timetables at any time without limitation due to adverse weather conditions, safety concerns, maintenance requirements, or any other reason. Mackenzie Helicopters will use reasonable efforts to provide the Client with as much notice as possible if these circumstances arise. In the event of a cancellation by Mackenzie Helicopters the team will work with you to reschedule your flight for another day, or provide a full refund.

If  you must cancel your reservation, or fail to check in, a minimum notice for any reservation is required:

Scenic sightseeing flights

To make a change to your flight time, you are required to contact our friendly team at least 48 hrs in advance and we will reschedule your flight/tour at no cost.

Should the client fail to check-in, or notify us of changes, less than 24-hours prior to departure, your credit card will be debited with the total amount of the booked activity.

Private Charter flights

Should the client fail to check-in, or notify us of changes, less than 7 days prior to departure, your credit card will be debited with the total amount of the booked activity.

Covid-19

If you cannot travel because you are directly impacted by Covid-19 you will be offered the option to reschedule your booking or receive a full refund. A current RAT test will be required.

If we are required to move alert levels and reduce capacity or stop operating, you will be contacted by our friendly team to organise a reschedule or refund.

In these covid-uncertain times, please talk to us about any concerns around our cancellation policy.

Please plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled flight time. This will ensure adequate time for payment, ticket processing and a safety briefing. Late arrivals may have to be re-scheduled. If you know you are running late, please give us a call and we will accommodate you as best we can. We are flexible and accommodating.

All passengers and gear will be weighed at the time of check-in, and are required to attend the pre-flight information session and safety briefing. 

Unless predetermined, large bags and backpacks will not be permitted on the flight, and any baggage will be assessed and weighed at check-in and subject to weight and space availability.

All passengers are to conduct themselves in a manner that does not endanger any person, or property, or obstruct the crew from performing their duties. Passengers are required to comply with any instructions given by the pilot and ground crew.

All prices are quoted and payable in New Zealand Dollars (NZD) and are inclusive of GST unless otherwise stated. 

Prices and tour times are subject to change at any time without prior notice. Pre-payment must be made at time of booking in order to guarantee your trip.

Standard payment terms apply, unless Mackenzie Helicopters has approved a credit application for the Client or alternative payment arrangements with the Client have been made.

All charges are payable as follows:

1. A deposit of 50% of the charge is payable at the time of booking;
2. The balance of 50% of the charge is payable prior departure.

Credit terms: If Mackenzie Helicopters have approved a credit application, then the Client will be invoiced for all services provided by Mackenzie Helicopters and be due for payment the 20th of the month following. Mackenzie Helicopters may charge default interest of up to 12% per annum compounding monthly on all amounts that are not paid on time. If any amount that is owed by the Client and continues to remain unpaid, Mackenzie Helicopters may also take action to recover that amount and charge the costs incurred in doing so.

To make a change to your flight time, you must contact our reservations team at least 48 hours prior to your trip.  If a refund is made, the amount must be refunded the same way it was paid, and to the same credit card.

Smoking is not permitted in or around any aircraft, and only in certain locations outside our heliport terminal. No food or drink is permitted on board the aircraft unless permitted by the pilot.

The PIC may refuse to carry any intoxicated or other passenger who, because of that person’s general behaviour, is regarded by the pilot to be offensive or a likely threat to the safety of the aircraft or of the other persons on board.

There are no Dangerous Goods permitted on board the aircraft, a list of these will be shown at the time of check-in.

All cameras/phones/personal equipment are brought onto the aircraft at the passengers own discretion and risk. Mackenzie Helicopters takes no responsibility for items lost or damaged during the flight.

Mackenzie Helicopters reserves the right to limit maximum passenger numbers per helicopter, from what has been advertised due to weight limitations of the aircraft. Mackenzie Helicopters will endeavour to manage this the best we can, however the booking may have to be moved to the next sized helicopter which will incur an additional cost.

All passengers must be weighed at the time of check in for our flights in accordance with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Regulations. Passengers may be moved to different flights in order to satisfy the weight and balance of the aircraft. 

The number one priority of Mackenzie Helicopters is to conduct all operations and activities in such a way that the Health and Safety of all guests, employees and others are safeguarded and the environment protected.

Before all flights, passengers are fully briefed on safety procedures before entering the aircraft.

Our team of skilled, highly-trained professional pilots have extensive experience flying in alpine environments and across a wide range of sectors, from tourism to agricultural and commercial work.

All of our pilots hold a Commercial Pilot License and are regularly subjected to stringent performance checks under New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) requirements.

Mackenzie Helicopters holds a Civil Aviation Part 135 Air Transport and a Civil Aviation Authority Part 137 Agricultural Operators certificate.

Safety is of our upmost priority; therefore, we operate under a CAA-approved Safety Management System (SMS) using international best practices and guidance regarding the management of risk, which has been implemented to protect our pilots, passengers and staff.

Our fleet of helicopters is routinely maintained by licensed aircraft engineers.

Mackenzie Helicopters prides itself of the importance of the health, safety and wellbeing of our customers, staff, and community. The Covid-19 situation is ever-changing, and we will be guided by The Ministry of Health, to ensure that we provide the safest means of operating within the traffic light system.

Mackenzie Helicopters advise any customers who are feeling unwell to please stay at home and seek medical advice via Healthline or their GP, to take a RAT test if they have any Covid-19 symptoms.