Terms & Conditions
Last Updated: 13th July 2026
These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your use of services provided by Escape Aviation (“we,” “us,” “our”), located in New Zealand. By booking or using our helicopter charters, scenic flights, experiences, accommodation, or related services, you (“customer,” “you”) agree to these Terms. Please read them carefully.
1. Bookings and Reservations
1.1 All bookings are subject to availability and are confirmed once accepted by Escape
Aviation.
1.2 Prices and availability are subject to change until a booking has been confirmed.
1.3 Once the required booking information has been received, a confirmation email will be
issued. It is the customer’s responsibility to review all booking details and advise us
immediately of any errors or amendments.
2. Passenger Information
2.1 To comply with New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations, the following
information is required for every passenger at the time of booking:
- Full Name (First and Last)
- Approximate Weight (kg)
- Emergency Contact Name and Phone Number (must not be travelling on the flight)
2.2 Passenger weights are required for aircraft performance calculations and flight safety.
Accurate information must be provided.
2.3 All personal information collected is used solely for booking administration, flight
manifests and operational safety, and will remain confidential.
3. Preparing for Your Experience
3.1 Most Escape Aviation experiences operate within an alpine environment where weather
conditions can be significantly colder and more unpredictable than nearby towns.
Temperatures can change rapidly, particularly at altitude.
3.2 We recommend all guests bring:
- Closed-toe shoes (sturdy footwear recommended)
- Weather-appropriate clothing, including warm layers
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Camera or smartphone
- Hat and gloves during cooler months or higher-altitude landings
4. Aircraft Weight Limitations
4.1 All Escape Aviation aircraft operate under strict Civil Aviation Authority weight limitations.
4.2 The AS350 and AS355 helicopters have a combined maximum passenger and luggage
capacity of 580kg.
4.3 Guests who believe they may exceed standard passenger weight limits must notify Escape
Aviation prior to travel to ensure suitable aircraft planning.
5. Weather & Flight Operations
5.1 Safety is our highest priority. All flights are subject to suitable weather conditions and
operational requirements.
5.2 An initial weather update will generally be provided approximately three (3) days prior to
departure.
5.3 A final weather assessment will be completed approximately twenty-four (24) hours
before departure.
5.4 If unsuitable weather is forecast twenty-four (24) hours before departure, guests may
choose to:
- Reschedule their booking;
- Receive a full refund; or
- Wait until the day of departure for a final weather assessment.
5.5 If weather remains unsuitable on the day of travel, guests will again be offered the option
to reschedule or receive a full refund.
5.6 These options apply only where Escape Aviation cancels the experience due to weather or
operational safety.
5.7 Escape Aviation reserves the right to delay, alter or cancel any flight where safety may be
compromised.
6. Seasonal Operations
6.1 Kaimanawa Alpine Adventures, including heli biking, heli hiking and remote
accommodation, operates annually from 1 October to 1 May.
6.2 All other Escape Aviation experiences operate seven (7) days per week throughout the
year, weather permitting.
7. Customer Responsibilities
7.1 Customers must comply with all instructions provided by Escape Aviation staff.
7.2 Customers must follow all boarding, disembarking and flight safety procedures.
7.3 Customers must disclose any medical conditions, injuries or physical limitations that may
affect their participation.
7.4 Escape Aviation reserves the right to refuse carriage where participation may compromise
passenger or flight safety.
8. Payment
8.1 A deposit or full payment may be required before travel.
8.2 Outstanding balances must be paid before departure unless otherwise agreed in writing.
9. Cancellation Policy
9.1 Cancellations made within thirty (30) days of travel will incur a 25% cancellation fee.
9.2 Cancellations made within seven (7) days of travel will incur a 75% cancellation fee.
9.3 Cancellations made within forty-eight (48) hours of travel will incur a 100% cancellation
fee.
9.4 If Escape Aviation cancels a booking due to adverse weather or operational safety,
customers will be offered either a full refund or the opportunity to reschedule.
10. Last-Minute Bookings
10.1 We understand that many bookings are made at short notice.
10.2 Once availability has been confirmed and the guest or booking agent confirms they wish
to proceed, the booking is deemed confirmed.
10.3 Any cancellation after confirmation (excluding weather-related cancellations) will incur a
100% cancellation fee.
11. Third-Party Catering
11.1 Catering supplied by third-party providers is subject to separate cancellation conditions.
11.2 Client cancellations more than seven (7) days before travel incur no catering charges.
11.3 Client cancellations within seven (7) days of travel incur 100% of the catering cost.
11.4 If Escape Aviation cancels an experience due to weather after catering preparation has
commenced, the catering charges will still apply.
11.5 In these circumstances, the prepared catering will still be supplied to the customer, and
Escape Aviation can assist with arranging delivery at the customer’s expense.
11.6 Customers booking catering are encouraged to contact Escape Aviation approximately
eight (8) days before departure for an initial weather update.
12. Liability & Insurance
12.1 Escape Aviation is not liable for personal injury, loss or damage except where caused
directly by our negligence.
12.2 Escape Aviation is not responsible for delays resulting from adverse weather, mechanical
issues, government restrictions or other events beyond our reasonable control.
12.3 Customers are strongly encouraged to obtain comprehensive travel and travel insurance.
13. Privacy
13.1 Escape Aviation collects personal information necessary to administer bookings,
communicate with customers and safely operate flights.
13.2 By providing your personal information, you consent to its use for these purposes.
14. Indemnity
14.1 Customers agree to indemnify and hold Escape Aviation harmless from claims, damages
or liabilities arising from the customer’s use of our services, except where caused by our
negligence.
15. Amendments
15.1 Escape Aviation reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions at any time.
15.2 The most current version will be available on our website.
16. Governing Law
16.1 These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of New Zealand.
16.2 Any disputes arising from these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the
New Zealand courts.
17. Contact Information
17.1 If you have any questions regarding these Terms and Conditions, please contact us:
Escape Aviation
1105 Anzac Memorial Drive
Taupō Airport
Taupō 3378
New Zealand
Phone: +64 7 376 5269 or Email: [email protected]