Nature

What a beautiful sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions
This is where you will find most answers. If there should still be any questions left, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Q: What happens if I can’t fly due to bad weather?

A: If your flight is postponed or cancelled due to weather you will not be charged a cancellation fee. There is also no need for a refund as no payments are taken until the time of a confirmed flight. We will do our best to work with you to reschedule your flight to suit your travel plans. Typically, during our main season from October – April, we fly on up to 85% of the days, however, this can vary from month to month depending on weather patterns.

Q: What time do I need to check in for my flight?

A: We ask that you check in at our airport in Lake Tekapo, or our office in Franz Josef village, at least 15 minutes before your scheduled flight time.

Q: What should I take with me on my flight?

A: We recommend taking a sweater or jacket, sunglasses, and of course, your camera. Large bags can be stored safely with our ground staff. For our helicopter alpine landing flights, suitable covered footwear will be required during winter months, as well as warmer clothing like gloves and a hat.

Q: Is it cold in the aircraft?

A: All aircraft are fitted with heaters which the pilot will use during our colder days. Fresh air vents are available above all seats for you to use as required.

Q: What is the best time of the day to fly?

A: As our weather can be so changeable, we advise that you fly at the first available opportunity so as not to be disappointed if the weather changes while you are here. The lighting at different times of the day can have different effects allowing for some great photo opportunities! However, as our flights cover a large area and we make lots of gentle turns, great photo opportunities will present themselves to everyone who flies with us at any time of the day.

Q: Can a passenger with mobility issues still fly?

A: Absolutely! We have various type of aircraft with different design features to suit all requirements. Our large mobile stairs have shallow steps with sturdy handrails for all of our larger aircraft, and when required for our smaller aircraft.

Q: Do you fly all year round?

A: We fly 364 days of the year, depending on the weather. We are only closed on Christmas Day (25 December).

Q: Is there snow all year round?

A: Yes! There is always snow on the larger mountains around the Southern Alps, Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, and the larger mountains 9,000 feet above sea level. During the cooler and winter months, snow can be all the way down to the Mackenzie Basin around Lake Tekapo, and near the foothills on the West Coast.

Q: If I arrive into town by coach/bus, how can I get to the airport?

A: If you don’t have your own transport while staying in Tekapo or Franz Josef, we can offer complimentary transport to and from the airport. Please let us know if you need transport when booking, then arrive at our office 20 minutes before your flight time and let our staff know.

Q: If I have my own car, can I catch the shuttle to the airport?

A: It’s best to use your own vehicle for the drive to our Tekapo or Franz Josef airports. Directions to our airport can be found here for Lake Tekapo, and here for Franz Josef.

Q: How many seats do your aircraft have?
A: Our modern fleet of various sized aircraft can carry between 7 and 15 passengers. Our choice of aircraft is based on group sizes and flight requirements. Our Gippsland Airvans take a maximum of 7 passengers, our Cessna Grand Caravan a maximum of 13 passengers, and our GAF Nomads a maximum of 15 passengers. All seats on all our aircraft are individual window seats for optimum comfort and viewing. More information on our fleet can be found here.
Q: Can I choose my own seat?

A: Your pilot will direct you to the most suitable seat for each passenger based on the loading requirements for each aircraft. Rest assured that all seats have their own window for great viewing no matter where you are in the aircraft.

Q: Is the flight suitable for infants?

A: Depending on the number of adults, children, and infants in your group, there will normally be no problem catering for an infant. Very young infants will sit on an adults lap with a separate lap restraint provided by your pilot. Your pilot will advise on suitability of flight conditions, and which children will need to occupy a seat.

Q: Is the flight suitable for pregnant women?

A: We advise you follow professional advice from a doctor where appropriate, however, this has not been an issue for us in the past.

Q: What is your cancellation policy?

A: We ask that you advise us as soon as possible for any cancellations. Cancellations greater than 48 hours prior to flight time will incur no charge.   For cancellations between 24 and 48 hours there will be a 50% charge.  For cancellations less than 24 hours and no-shows there will be a 100% charge. If a flight is cancelled by Air Safaris due to weather or operational requirements there will be no charge.

Q: Is there a weight limit for passengers on the flight?

A: Air Safaris operates a very large fleet of aircraft. Depending on the booking number, availability of the plane, and pilot, we use different aircraft to operate different flights. As a result, the weight limit varies in different situations, so please advise us if you weigh over 130kg.

Q: WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

A: Air Safaris is a NZCAA certificated Part 135/125 Airline Operator with an approved comprehensive Safety Management System which ensures all reasonable and practicable steps to ensure your safety while on our activities.  Examples of the primary risks related to our operations are (but not limited to): slipping/falling, trip hazards, slippery surface snow/ice, walking into moving/stationary parts on aircraft, fatigue, fire, natural hazards (earthquake, avalanche, rock or ice fall etc), adverse and/or rapidly changing weather, mechanical issues, hard landings, passenger distractions.  To ensure your safety when travelling with us passengers must follow the instructions of our staff at all times, be physically capable of undertaking the activity and not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

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Air Safaris & Services (NZ) Ltd


P.O. Box 71, Lake Tekapo 7945
New Zealand

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