Commercial recreation permit decision - Guided heliskiing & snowboarding tours - A7259101

For this decision summary:

• LINZ received the application on or after 17 November 2022

• accordingly, the decision was made under the Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998 including the amendments taking effect on 17 November 2022.

Guided heliskiing & snowboarding tours

5 years

The Commissioner of Crown Lands has determined that the proposed activity is one which comes within the provisions of Section 66A of the Land Act 1948 and that the terms and conditions specified in the attached permit will have no more than minor adverse effects on inherent values.

Consent is granted for guided heliskiing and snowboarding tours, subject to the following conditions:

The Grantee shall:

1. Not remove any vegetation, disturb any soil or light any fire on the Operational Area.
2. Not at any time cause any building, erection, structure or fence or alteration or addition thereto to be placed or carried out upon the Operational Area.
3. Operate the Activities authorised by this Permit within the Operational Area in a professional, safe and reputable manner in accordance with industry standards, if any.
4. Implement a logbook for the Activities described in the First Schedule of this Permit and include date and client numbers and number and duration of trips.
5. Ensure other parties undertaking activities within the Operational Area are aware of the intended activity prior to it being undertaken. The Grantee, as is reasonably practicable, must cooperate with, and coordinate activities with other parties undertaking activities within the Operational Area.
6. Comply at all times with all laws including but not limited to all statutes and regulations and, in particular, the provisions of the Health and Safety at Work (Adventure Activities) Regulations 2016 and the Civil Aviation Authority requirements and obtain all approvals, consents and authorisations by all relevant parties as are necessary and comply with the relevant industry standards and codes of practice in order for the Grantee to conduct the Activities permitted by this Permit. Any other approvals or consents required with regard to access to the Operational Area or the use of helicopters or undertaking of the Activities, shall be the sole responsibility of the Grantee to obtain.
7. Remove and take away or cause to be removed and taken away all materials, structures, contaminants, human waste, refuse, vehicles, equipment and vegetation placed on the site for the purposes and Activities set out in the First Schedule of this Permit.
8. Ensure the "Leave No Trace" Principles of Leave No Trace New Zealand (www.leavenotrace.org.nz) and the New Zealand Environmental Care Code are adhered to at all times however for the avoidance of doubt if any inconsistencies exist between these principles and the Grantee’s obligations contained in this Permit, these Grantee’s obligations shall prevail at all times.
9. Ensure that all clients have access to proper toilet facilities prior to entering the Operational Area. Where no toilet facilities are available all solid toilet waste shall be carried out, in appropriate receptacles, and safely disposed of at an appropriate facility.
10. Ensure that any damage or disturbance to the surface of the land as a result of the Activities authorised by this Permit is restored to its former condition and to the reasonable satisfaction of the Grantor and Lessee.
11. Minimise helicopter noise disruption by maintaining good altitude and selection of least disruptive flight pathways.
12. Comply with the provisions of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and any Act in substitution thereof and any regulations thereunder.
13. Ensure that the Activities authorised by this Permit will be confined exclusively to the Operational Area and use the Operational Area solely for the Activities authorised by this Permit.
14. Ensure all clients and guides do not feed kea and avoid leaving equipment around that will provide temptation such as loose clothing, boots, packs, food and brightly coloured objects to ensure protection of the said kea whilst on the Operational Area.
15. Take all reasonable precautions to guard against danger on the Grantor’s land.
16. Not interfere with or obstruct the Grantor or his/her agent's employees, contractors or authorised invitees or hinder or interfere with the Lessee's farming operations or other recreational permit activities on the Mt Soho Pastoral Lease, including the Operational Area.
17. Comply, and ensure its clients comply at all times with the provisions of the Biosecurity Act 1993 and the MPI Biosecurity New Zealand guidelines.
18. Ensure all clients and guides do not feed kea and avoid leaving equipment around that will provide temptation such as loose clothing, boots, packs, food and brightly coloured objects to ensure protection of the said kea whilst on the Operational Area.
19. Take all reasonable precautions, to prevent the accidental starting of any fire, particularly at times of high fire risk.

Recreation permits granted by the Commissioner of Crown Lands also incorporate (with minor variations) the terms set out in Appendix H of the Standard for purchase, alienation, and administration of Crown land - LINZS45002.