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Risk Disclosure Statement

Important Notice to All Passengers 

Your safety is our top priority. Before participating in any flight with us, it is important that you understand and acknowledge the inherent risks associated with helicopter aviation, especially in the dynamic environment of New Zealand.

Engaging in aviation and outdoor activities involves inherent risks and potential hazards which could result in minor to serious injuries, loss or damage to personal equipment, emotional trauma, and fatality. 
To help mitigate the risks, Southern Lakes Helicopters complies with strict Civil Aviation rules, the Health & Safety at Work Act, adheres to regular maintenance of aircraft, and commits to the ongoing training of staff.

We constantly monitor forecasts and alerts from official agencies, and flights may be delayed, altered, or cancelled in response to elevated risk levels.

By booking or boarding a flight with us, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted the following risk disclosures. 

 

1. General Aviation Risks 

Helicopter flight involves a degree of risk that is not present in everyday life or other modes of transport. These risks include, but are not limited to: 

  • Sudden changes in weather 
  • Turbulence  
  • Mechanical or equipment failure 
  • Emergency landings in remote or difficult terrain 
  • Human error 
  • Other air traffic 

At each of our scenic landing sites, the following hazards may be present: 

  • Adverse weather – cold, wind, rain, snow, sleet 
  • Uneven surface – sloping ground, rocky or slippery surfaces (mud, snow, ice) 
  • Crevasses - follow briefings and remain in designated safe areas. 
  • Steep terrain & cliffs –follow briefings and remain in designated safe areas. 
  • Other groups or aircraft arriving or departing. 

Passengers should be appropriately dressed for the environment: 

  • Top layers – minimum of 2 top layers and a spare jacket.
  • Suitable leg protection.
  • Secure footwear with good grip and ankle support.
  • Hat, gloves & sunglasses.


2. Natural Hazard Risks in New Zealand 

Further to the above, additional natural hazards may exist in our or our clients areas of operation due to New Zealand’s diverse geography and dynamic environment including but are not limited to: 

Extreme Temperatures (hot & cold), Precipitation, Cloud, Reduced Visibility, Wind, Flooding, Avalanche, Rockfall, Earthquake, Treefall, Tsunami, Uneven Terrain, Snow/Ice & Crevasses. 


3. People Risks

Lack of Attention, Inexperience & Personal Medical History

4. Other Risks

Hypothermia, Heat Exhaustion, Stock & Wildlife  

Important Notice to All Passengers  

Many of our scenic and commercial flights operate above or in remote areas with limited access to immediate medical or rescue services. In the unlikely event of an incident or forced landing: 

  • Emergency response may be delayed due to terrain or weather. 

  • Communication may be affected in isolated areas. 

  • Evacuation may require specialised resources and time. 

All passengers should be physically capable of coping with conditions in the unlikely event of an unscheduled landing. 

Passenger Responsibility and Consent

By participating in a flight with Southern Lakes Helicopters, you acknowledge that: 

  • You understand the inherent risks outlined above.

  • You accept personal responsibility for your decision to participate.

  • You will follow all pilot and crew instructions at all times.

  • You have disclosed any relevant medical conditions that could affect your participation.

  • You do not bring a drone or selfie stick.

  • You understand that personal insurance coverage is your responsibility, and Southern Lakes Helicopters recommends appropriate travel and medical insurance. 

Chartering SLH to Drop Off in Remote Locations 

General:

  • Be fully prepared for the terrain and the conditions. Have suitable experience and equipment for the trip you are undertaking.


Prepare & Plan:

Attention all Backcountry users

Have you checked the weather forecast for where you are going?

  • Rivers and side streams in this region can rise rapidly from rain or snow melt.

  • Strong winds, cold temperatures and cloud can make travel along the tops demanding. 

  • Is your route or campsite at risk of flooded rivers?

 

Have you left your intentions with a trusted person? 

  • List where you are going, who with, your vehicle details & your due back time and date.

  • Also include your “panic time”. This is the time and date you would like your trusted person to notify Police Search & Rescue if you do not return home. 

 

Have you got enough clothing? Layered clothing is necessary in New Zealand:

  • Thermal base layer - Fleece mid layer - Raincoat and Over-Trousers.

  • Warm hat, gloves, sunhat & eyewear.

  • Boots in good condition that cover your ankles and have a good sole. 

 

Have you got the appropriate equipment and trained how to use it? 

  • Navigation equipment including a waterproof map, compass, pencil, and a GPS.

  • Survival equipment including a fire lighting kit, whistle, torch, knife, first aid kit and shelter. Communications equipment – radio, satellite phone or texting device. 

    Note: inReach, SPOT or similar devices DO NOT replace a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). 

 

For higher elevations or winter conditions; 

  • Alpine equipment such as ice axe, crampons, a helmet & technical mountaineering gear. Avalanche rescue equipment per person including a Transceiver – Shovel – Probe. 

 

Have you got a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) Check the battery has not expired.

  • Ensure ALL members of your party know how to find and activate the beacon(s)

  • Can you find and activate the PLB in the dark, without the use of a head torch. 

 

Are you or your camp at risk of avalanches? 

  • Check www.avalanche.net.nz for the current avalanche advisory in your area.

  • Fiordland has extremely large-scale and destructive avalanches that run across valley floors. Be careful where you put your camp -particularly in Winter and Spring. 

 

Firearms 

  • Ensure you have notified the pilot if you are carrying firearms and ammunition prior to boarding. Firearms MUST be unloaded with the bolt removed. Your Pilot and ground crew will inspect all firearms before boarding. 

 

Alps 2 Ocean

  • Ensure your helmet and bicycle is in good roadworthy condition.  

  • Carry essential spare parts and enough warm clothing, food, and shelter to handle an unforeseen emergency or delay. 

In an emergency, activate your PLB as soon as possible. Remain calm, stay where you are and use bright coloured clothing and light signals with a torch or fire to attract attention. 

Gift vouchers

Give the perfect gift for all occasions, with a Southern Lakes Helicopters gift voucher. Gift vouchers can be redeemed on any of our scenic flights.
Meet our team

Our team of experienced pilots and staff are passionate about providing quality helicopter experiences.
Terms and Conditions

For information regarding safety, passenger responsibilities, policies for delays or cancellations due to weather, booking requirements, liability limits, and weight or conduct guidelines to ensure a safe experience.
 
 
Our experience

We’re proud to have provided quality helicopter services in the Fiordland region for more than 45 years and with some of the most experienced pilots in New Zealand.