Terms and Conditions
Heli Rural 562 Pudding Hill Road, PO Box 46, Methven 7782, New Zealand
Last updated: 1 July 2026
These Terms and Conditions govern all flights, charters, and services provided by Heli Rural ("we", "us", "our"). By making an enquiry, confirming a booking, or taking a flight with us, you ("you", "the customer", "passenger") agree to these terms. Please read them carefully.
1. About us
Heli Rural is a helicopter operator based in Mid-Canterbury, New Zealand, providing scenic flights, heli-transfers, hunting and fishing charters, agricultural and commercial aviation services, private charter and wedding flights. We operate under the rules and oversight of the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA).
2. Enquiries and bookings
All services are arranged by enquiry. To request a flight or service, contact us through our website enquiry form, by phone, or by email. A booking is only confirmed once we have accepted it and, where applicable, received any required deposit or payment.
We reserve the right to decline any booking at our discretion.
3. Flights, routes, and landings
All scenic flights include commentary. Flights depart from Pudding Hill Road or an alternative area in the Methven region, on request.
Flights, landings, and routes are subject to the company's and your pilot's discretion. The pilot in command has full and final authority over all aspects of the flight, including whether it proceeds, its route, landing sites, and any in-flight decisions. These decisions are made in the interests of safety and cannot be overridden by passengers.
Minimum passenger numbers and weight limits apply to certain flights. Snow quantity and seasonal scenery are dependent on conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
4. Passenger weights and safety information
For the safe operation of the aircraft, you must provide accurate passenger weights and any relevant information we request at the time of booking. Correct loading is a safety-critical requirement. We reserve the right to refuse carriage, reallocate seating, or adjust a flight where information provided is inaccurate or where safety would otherwise be compromised.
You must follow all safety instructions given by our pilots and ground crew at all times.
5. Weather and cancellations by us
Helicopter operations are weather-dependent. New Zealand's alpine weather can change rapidly, and safety is our first priority.
We may cancel, delay, shorten, reroute, or reschedule any flight due to weather, mechanical, operational, or safety reasons. Where we cancel a flight for these reasons and it cannot be rescheduled to a time that suits you, we will offer you a rescheduled flight or a refund of amounts paid for the cancelled flight.
We are not liable for any additional costs you incur as a result of a weather or operational cancellation, including travel, accommodation, or other arrangements.
6. Cancellations and changes by you
If you need to cancel or change a confirmed booking, please contact us as early as possible. Cancellation terms, including any deposit or fee that may apply, will be advised at the time of booking. Charter, hunting, and multi-passenger bookings may be subject to specific cancellation terms due to the resources committed.
Failure to arrive at the agreed departure time and place ("no-show") may result in the loss of any deposit or payment.
7. Pricing and payment
Prices vary based on the selected product and are confirmed at the time of booking. Unless stated otherwise, prices are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include GST.
Payment terms will be advised at the time of booking. Card payments are processed by our third-party payment providers.
8. Vouchers
Where gift vouchers are offered, they are subject to any validity period and conditions stated on the voucher or at the time of purchase. Vouchers are redeemable for the service specified, are not redeemable for cash, and remain subject to weather, availability, and these Terms and Conditions.
9. Hunting, fishing, and backcountry services
Hunting, fishing, and backcountry charters involve remote and rugged terrain. You are responsible for holding all necessary permits and licences, complying with all Department of Conservation (DOC), hunting, firearms, and fishing regulations, and for your own conduct and fitness for the activity.
Access to landing sites, huts, and hunting blocks is subject to conditions, availability, and pilot discretion. You participate in these activities at your own risk and are responsible for your own equipment.
10. Agricultural and commercial services
Agricultural and commercial work, including fertilising, spraying, mustering, lifting, and other operations, is carried out in accordance with a specific scope agreed with you, applicable regulations, and safe operating practices. Additional terms may apply to these services and will be confirmed as part of the job.
11. Assumption of risk
Aviation and adventure activities carry inherent risks. To the extent permitted by law, you acknowledge and accept these risks when you take a flight or participate in an activity with us. We may require you to sign a waiver or acknowledgement of risk before participating in certain activities.
12. Liability
Nothing in these terms limits your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 or other applicable New Zealand law that cannot be excluded.
Where you acquire our services for the purposes of a business, the Consumer Guarantees Act does not apply.
To the maximum extent permitted by law, we are not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential loss, or for any loss arising from events beyond our reasonable control, including weather, mechanical issues, or operational cancellations. Our total liability in connection with any service is limited to the amount you paid for that service.
You are responsible for any loss or damage caused by you to the aircraft or equipment through wilful or negligent conduct.
13. Personal belongings
You are responsible for your own personal belongings, baggage, and equipment. We are not liable for loss of or damage to personal items except to the extent required by law.
14. Media and photography
We may take photographs or video during flights and activities for our own records and marketing. If you do not wish to appear in any promotional material, please let us know before your flight.
15. Privacy
We handle personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the Privacy Act 2020. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for details.
16. Changes to these terms
We may update these Terms and Conditions from time to time. The current version will always be available on our website, with the "Last updated" date reflecting the most recent changes.
17. Governing law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of New Zealand, and any disputes will be subject to the jurisdiction of the New Zealand courts.
18. Contact us
Heli Rural 562 Pudding Hill Road, PO Box 46, Methven 7782, New Zealand Phone: 027 HELI FLY (+64 27 4354 359) Email: info@helirural.co.nz