Terms and Conditions

Terms And Conditions

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Flights are subject to weather conditions, and minimum numbers. In the event of a cancellation by South Pacific Helicopters and Wings Over Whales the team will work with you to reschedule your flight for another day, or provide a full refund.

South Pacific Helicopters and Wings Over Whales reserves the right to amend tour times or cancel trips at any time due to inclement weather, safety concerns, maintenance requirements, or any other reason.

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. Flights canceled between 48 hrs-24 hrs will incur a 50% cancellation fee. No refund will be given for no-shows or changes you make to bookings within 24 hours of the tour.

Due to whales being wild animals in their natural environment South Pacific Helicopters and Wings Over Whale cannot guarantee a whale sighting. For this reason no refunds are given on completed flights. We do offer a second tour discount so please talk to the team if you would like to discuss this option

Children and Infants

There is no minimum age for children or infants to travel on our tours, however children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. All children and infants are given ear protection and life jackets at the time of check-in.

Infants under the age of 2 years of age can travel free of charge if they can sit comfortably on the adults lap and weigh under 18 kgs. On some aircraft there is a limit of 1 infant per trip, contact the team if there are any questions.

Shuttle Transfer to and from Airport

The airport is located an 8 minute drive south of Kaikoura township. We offer complimentary shuttle service from the town centre which must be arranged in advance.

Contact the reservations team to book the shuttle. Space is limited, and parents/caregivers assume the responsibility for car seats and child restraints for infants and young children.

Group Bookings and Charter Flights

We can cater to group bookings and charter flights with prior arrangement with our Reservations Team. All group bookings and charter flights will be subject to the Group and Charter Cancellation Policy, which will be determined at the time of the booking. Please contact our reservations team to organize.

Additional Flight Terms

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

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. South Pacific Helicopters and Wings Over Whales takes no responsibility for items lost or damaged during the tour.

On the Day of your Booking

Check in time for all flights is 30 minutes prior to the tour time down at the Airport Terminal. 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.

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. There are lockers at the Airport Terminal for personal use.

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

Restrictions

All our flights are subject to minimum numbers to operate. If minimum numbers are not met, South Pacific Helicopters and Wings Over Whales reserves the right to move the bookings around in order to meet the minimum number requirements.

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 to satisfy the weight and balance of the aircraft.

Prices and Payment

All prices are quoted in New Zealand Dollars and include the NZ Goods and Service Tax of 15%. 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.

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.

Health and Safety

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.

Safety is our main priority. Before all flights, passengers are fully briefed on safety procedures before entering the aircraft.

During flights our pilots may, at their own discretion, change flight paths and landing locations due to safety and weather conditions. Passengers will always be kept fully informed of any changes.