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Skills required

Our rides cater for intermediate (grade 3/4 and above), through to expert mountain bikers. Most of our tracks are rough, backcountry trails, so previous mountain biking experience is required. Unfortunately, we do not have a trip for beginners, however, our Crown Peak helibike trip has a variety of terrain options that can cater to a broad range of skill levels. If you’re not sure of your skill or experience level please contact us and we'll be happy to give you some guidance.

 

Heli-biking season

The heli-biking season is from 1st October to 31st May, weather dependent!

 

Bikes

You are welcome to bring your own bike, as long as it’s under 18kg (due to heli weight flight restrictions). We recommend a full suspension mountain bike that is in good working order. Please bring any tools specific to your bike in case you have a mechanical issue on the ride e.g. spare hanger, tube etc. Please also make sure any additional fixtures e.g. spare tubes, water bottles, are removed from your bike prior to flying (they can be reattached after the flight if necessary).

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E-Bikes

Please contact us directly if you wish to bring an ebike on our Helibike trips, as we have weight restrictions on our Helicopter bike racks, as well as some safety procedures in regards to carriage of lithium batteries etc.

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Alternatively, you can hire a GT Force from us for $95pp. Just let us know your height, weight, pedal preference for clips or flat pedals & brake set up in advance so we can make sure to have the bike set up for you prior to your trip.

Hire bikes also come with protective equipment (helmets, kneepads and gloves if you need them)

 

Safety

At HeliBike NZ we have a huge focus on safety from the helicopter to the riding itself. We’ll brief you on everything you need to know about safety around the helicopter before take-off, as well as instructions about the trail and the route down the hill. Our guides are all trained in outdoor first aid and carry a full first aid kit with them to treat any emergencies that could happen on the trail. They also carry an emergency beacon and tracking device 

We are on Worksafe New Zealand’s Register of Adventure Activity Operators & are audited annually.

 

What to bring

• Bike, helmet, protective gear and tools (unless you are hiring this from us)

• Backpack

• Enough hydration and snacks for the duration of your trip

• Clothing appropriate for bike riding and potentially cold, wet weather, including a spare jacket. 

• Sunblock

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Booking numbers

Trips require a minimum of 3 people to go ahead and may be combined with other groups to optimise heli space.

If your group is smaller or you want exclusive helicopter access, please give us a call or email to discuss a private trip.

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Transport

Take advantage of our complimentary shuttle pick up and drop off from the ilabb shop/Drop Café, 30A Shotover Street, downtown Queenstown. Alternatively, let us know where you are staying and we can potentially pick you up from your accommodation or another location.

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Customise your trip

If you would like us to provide you with a packed lunch, a different type of hire bike, a different type of ride or a ride package for several days, please let us know. We would love to help personalise your day so that you get everything you want out of it and we can make it the trip of a lifetime for you.

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Booking Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel or reschedule your trip due to unforeseen circumstances please let us know as soon as possible. 

 

Group of 4 or more: deposit of 1 pax payment required 7 days in advance.

  Cancellation more than 48hrs notice = 100% refund or rescheduled trip

  Cancellation less than 48hrs notice= Loss of deposit

  Cancellation less than 24hrs notice = No refund

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Group of 4 or less: 

  Cancellation more than 24hrs notice = 100% refund or rescheduled trip

  Cancellation less than 24hrs notice = No refund

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Weather / Operational Cancellation Policy

If we cannot undertake the trip (or cannot reschedule you to another day / date) due to weather or unforeseen operational circumstances, you will be given a 100% refund. 

Covid 19

We are flexible to the changing nature of COVID-19 Alert Levels and can reschedule or refund your trip if you have been affected by COVID -19.

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HeliHiking

If biking's not for you but you still fancy getting up into the backcountry for some stunning scenery, why not try HeliHiking. We can either drop you off at the summit for a leisurely walk down or if you like your hill climbs, save your knees once you've reached the top and catch a helicopter home! Check out our HeliHike options here.

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Vouchers

If you would like to purchase a gift voucher for any of our rides, they are available here

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Ask a question

If there’s something else you’d like to know please give us a call or message us. We’d love to hear from you. 

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