Learn about our Southern Lights by Flight, whats included, what you will see, seating options and more
The most spectacular light show on Earth! TM
www.vivaexpeditions.com
WITNESS THE MOST SPECTACULAR LIGHTSHOW ON EARTH ™
UPCOMING DEPARTURES
The Southern Lights... Aurora Australis
The timing of these Aurora flights are no coincidence! They coincide with the spring and autumn equinoxes which helps to maximise the chance the Aurora will be bright. Thanks to a phenomenon called the Russell McPherron effect, Auroras are known to be more frequent and brighter than usual in spring and autumn. Close to the equinoxes in March and September, the alignment of the interplanetary magnetic field and Earth’s magnetic field is such that the two opposing fields can cancel each other out. This creates holes in Earth’s magnetosphere through which particles from the solar wind can flow, giving rise to auroras when they interact with the atmosphere. Another factor that needs to be considered when planning a flight to the southern auroral oval is the phase of the moon. Because bright moonlight would interfere with auroral visibility, we always time the flights close to new moon when the sky is dark. We are committed to the bringing you Southern Lights by Flight, just as soon as we can secure a wide bodied aircraft from our friends at Air New Zealand. While we do not have any confirmed dates at this time, we ask that you please register your interest below and you will be the first to know when we are taking to the night skies once again.
Join Viva Expeditions long with and Aurora hunter and astrophysicist Dr Ian Griffin plus a team of experts and fly into the night in search of the world’s most magical natural phenomena. Take off onboard an Air New Zealand Dreamliner, you will head south over the Southern Ocean towards Antarctica, aiming for latitudes of up to 70 degrees south where the Auroral band is present. We will take you far away from light pollution, high above the clouds and weather systems to see a magical and unforgettable display with incredible views of the southern lights. Along the way you will see constellations, stars, and planets as you have never witnessed them before. Throughout the flights you will receive a full inflight catering service in both business and economy classes. Expert astronomers will provide information on route about how an aurora is created, as well as pointing out their favourite night sky objects. They will give you tips on how to photograph an Aurora and we will have a photographer onboard to assist you with your cameras.
Learn more about the Aurora Australis, click here.
REGISTER INTEREST NOW
A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY, NOT TO BE MISSED!
FLY INTO THE NIGHT AND ABOVE THE CLOUDS
THE AIRCRAFT
WHAT TO EXPECT ONBOARD
TOUR INCLUSIONS
Air New Zealand’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is a revolutionary aircraft with a focus on cabin comfort. The Dreamliner is the perfect plane for this journey into the stars as it has windows which are 30% larger than any other Boeing wide bodied aircraft and 20% larger than the new Airbus aircraft. Also, the Dreamliner emits 20% less emissions than its nearest comparable aircraft in the same class, has the latest HEPA microbial air filters and a seat pitch of 33” in economy. The aircraft is fitted with state-of-the-art technology to reduce turbulence, improve noise quality and reduced aircraft vibrations for a smoother flight. The Business Premier suites offer fully lie flat bed, while premium economy offers a luxury leather seat with a 22cm recline. Economy cabin seats offer 12cm recline seats. All seats come with HD screens, adjustable headrest, in-seat power and USB connections and reading light. This aircraft offers the ultimate comfort for long-haul flyers.
Aboard our privately chartered state-of-the-art 787 Dream liner, you will experience unparalleled viewing of the magical Aurora Australis. Enjoy Full Air New Zealand service – including premium drinks, delicious meals, and access to full inflight entertainment when outside the Aurora zone. The duration of the flight is approximately 10 hours, and the Aurora can typically be seen after about two and a half hours flying – it’s an experience like no other. Viewing of the Aurora is an exciting experience, but it is important to note that there is a difference between viewing the Aurora with the naked eye versus what the camera captures. Striking images and videos of the Aurora that you may have seen are captured thanks to the extreme sensitivity of modern digital cameras. To help guests we will have a photographer onboard who can assist you in getting the best possible results. If you are an avid photographer or astronomer, we highly recommend you choose a premium seat or book a full row in economy to guarantee window access throughout the duration of the flight. Guests should be aware that once in the Aurora zone the cabin lights will be turned off to enable best viewing. Cabin crew will not be able to move through the cabins with their trolleys to serve drinks. However you can access these at any time by moving to one of the galley areas on the plane where cabin crew will be waiting and will have light so they can safely provide your beverage. Also note that onboard this special flight people will be moving around the different cabins as they interact with our astronomy team. This is a fun and exciting experience, please approach it with an open mind.
Choose your seating options from Business Premier Plus, Business Premier, Premium Economy, SkyCouch, Economy No Wing, Economy Wing and Economy Limited View. All seating classes will experience and an unforgettable round-trip including: • Two full-service Air New Zealand meals plus in-flight snacks. • Celebrate your adventure with bubbly, wine, beer, spirits, and soft drinks as you enjoy a full bar service onboard. • Choose your viewing on the state-of-the- art entertainment system when outside of the Aurora Zone. • Learn about the Aurora, how it is formed and how best to capture it on your cameras with an expert team of Astronomers & Photographers onboard. • Mission to Aurora Australis Pre Flight Programme hosted at the International Antarctic Centre.
ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST MAGICAL PHENOMENA
“I’m really excited about this charter flight. Flying into the southern auroral zone is a wonderful experience, and you never know quite what you are going to see. As I said on my return from the first flight; we’ve travelled two thirds of the way to the south pole, seen an incredible display of the Southern Lights, got lovely pictures, and we are home in time for breakfast”
ABOUT IAN
ASTRONOMERS
VIVA EXPEDITIONS
Dr Ian Griffin is an astronomer who has been Director of the Otago Museum since 2013. Originally from the UK, after falling in love with the clear dark skies of the Otago Peninsula he became a NZ citizen in 2018. A self-described aurora fanatic, Ian has led four successful Air NZ charter flights into the southern auroral zone. On the two most recent Southern Lights by Flight in March 2021 passengers enjoyed more than four hours of Auroral displays as the aircraft flew thousands of kilometres south of New Zealand. Ian has also photographed the southern lights during five flights on NASA’s SOFIA Observatory.
Along with Dr Ian Griffin we have teamed up with some of New Zealand’s most experienced and knowledgeable astronomers and educators who are experts in their field and they love chasing Auroras. Working alongside Dr Ian Griffin, the planes pilots and navigators our astronomers will help plan our flight path and assist the pilots to navigate the flight to the most active areas of the Southern Lights.
Our story begins in South America, where we spent many years sending clients on organised group tours and tailor made adventures. We then started taking clients to Antarctica on expedition cruises to discover the frozen continent. We are team of destination specialists who have lived and breathed Latin America and Antarctica. We take pride in creating personalised travel itineraries, that we know will make the ultimate trip and experience. Our New Zealand story is somewhat different. At the end of 2019 our spirits were soaring, 2020 was set to be a record year! Then along came COVID and everything changed! Never ones to be idle we set to work on a project we have been planning for some time, Unique Luxury Experience in New Zealand. As we expanded our New Zealand product we saw an amazing opportunity to organise one of the more unique travel opportunities, which are to view the Aurora Australis by flight. With hard work and a lot of planning, we are proud to bring you Southern Lights by Flight!
ASTRO-PHOTOGRAPHERS
Along with our astronomers we will have a team of astro pho- tographers onboard, who will take photos of the Aurora so we can share these images with you at no additional cost. The astro photographers will also be there to assist you with any photog- raphy questions you may though please be sure to familiarise yourself with camera settings before coming onboard.
DR. IAN GRIFFIN
SEATING PLAN
Reserved
Empty seat
K J H
K J H F E D C B A
K
K
J
F E D
F E D
J
C B A
B A
A
ECONOMY CLASS LIMITED VIEW
BUSINESS PREMIER PLUS CLASS
BUSINESS PREMIER CLASS
PREMIUM ECONOMY CLASS
ECONOMY SKYCOUCH
ECONOMY CLASS NO WING
ECONOMY CLASS WING
Price per seat: NZD$1,545
Price per seat: NZD$7,995
Price per seat: NZD$6,795
Price per seat: NZD$4,995
Price per 2 person SkyCouch: NZD$7,890 (NZD$3,945 pp)
Price per seat: NZD$2,495
Price per seat: NZD$2,295
Admire wide views of the Aurora Australis in utmost comfort in Business Premier Plus seats with full international business class service. All seats are window seats which means everyone will have unobstructed views of the Aurora Australis. In Business Premier Plus, you will enjoy a super soft leather seat that transforms into a luxurious lie-flat bed, with a memory foam mattress, two full-size pillows and a cosy duvet. There is also an ottoman footrest that doubles as guest seating. And all lie-flat beds have direct aisle access.
Enjoy the same wonderful seating and service as Business Premier Plus customers. The difference is the seats are either a window or an aisle seat. Seats will be exchanged during the journey. Firstly, once we enter the Aurora Zone, there will be a quick 20 minute swap to allow everyone their first exciting views of the Aurora. After that, the remaining time in the Aurora zone will be halved at regular intervals meaning each passenger will have a window seat or an aisle seat for the entire flight. Alternatively the seats can be purchased in pairs and passengers can swap seats as they wish throughout the journey.
Make yourself at home in a luxuriously soft and roomy leather armchair with generous armrests, a leg rest and extendable foot support. Relax and enjoy Air New Zealand’s famous Kiwi cuisine, while you enjoy magnificent views of the Aurora through large windows. The window and the adjacent aisle seats will be exchanged during the journey. Firstly, once we enter the Aurora Zone, there will be a quick 20 minute swap to allow everyone their first exciting views of the Aurora. After that, the remaining time in the Aurora zone will be halved at regular intervals meaning each passenger will have a window seat or the seat next to a window seat for half of the flight and an aisle seat for the other half of the flight.
These are a row of three Economy seats that can change into a couch after take-off. Each row is shared between two people. The seats are the same as Economy, except you have a special footrest on each seat. You can lift them halfway up to make a footrest, or all the way up to create a large couch space. Enjoy wonderful views of the Aurora and as well as the benefit of being able to spread out and relax throughout your journey. Enjoy full economy meal service for dinner and breakfast.
Limited View seats do not have direct access to a window, or have only partial window access. Passengers are free to stand in the aisles and common areas to enjoy the views of Aurora Australis. Passengers will enjoy Air New Zealand’s International service. All economy customers will enjoy a full meal service for dinner and breakfast.
These economy seats have unobstructed views from the windows. All economy customers will enjoy a full meal service for dinner and breakfast. The window and the adjacent aisle seats will be exchanged during the journey. Firstly, once we enter the Aurora Zone, there will be a quick 20 minute swap to allow everyone their first exciting views of the Aurora. After that, the remaining time in the Aurora zone will be halved at regular intervals meaning each passenger will have a window seat or the seat next to a window seat for half of the flight and an aisle seat for the other half of the flight.
These economy seats are over the wing. This does obstruct views of the night sky however many photographers like the wing as it gives great perspective in images and video. All economy customers will enjoy a full meal service for dinner and breakfast. The window and the adjacent aisle seats will be exchanged during the journey. Firstly, once we enter the Aurora Zone, there will be a quick 20-minute swap to allow everyone their first exciting views of the Aurora. After that, the remaining time in the Aurora zone will be halved at regular intervals meaning each passenger will have a window seat or the seat next to a window seat for half of the flight and an aisle seat for the other half of the flight. Row of 4 seats SPECIAL OFFER: NZD$7,035 (Save 25%) Seat swap:
No seat swap in this class.
No seat swap in this class.
No seat swap in this class.
Note: Seat “J” does not swap.
Seat swap:
Row of 3 seats: NZD$14,235 Row of 4 seats: NZD$18,980 Seat swap:
J
K
Row of 4 seats: NZD$9,980 Seat swap:
A B C D F H J K
A B D E F J K
A B C D F H J K
Learn more about what the different views look like, click here.
2022 & 2023 rates are subject to change in the event of an increase in aircraft charter costs. Any increases will be discussed with passengers in advance.
2022 & 2023 rates are subject to change in the event of an increase in aircraft charter costs. Any increases will be discussed with passengers in advance.
MISSION TO AURORA AUSTRALIS PRE FLIGHT PROGRAMME
INCLUDED IN YOUR FLIGHT PACKAGE!
This is an opportunity to learn more about the night skies before taking off on the Southern Lights by Flight. If you book onto our Southern light by flight this tour is included on the day of your flight. Aerospace is fundamental for science on the ice, so join us for a 20 minute presentation about Astronomy in Antarctica, including Aurora Australis. You will learn from a NASA trained STEM aerospace educator about Astronomy on the ice and receive details of what to look for on the Aurora flight to occur. Following the presentation, you will participate in a 40 minute “Astronomy over Antarctica tour” of the International Antarctic Centre. Learn how NASA Balloons collect data for astronomy and astrophysics above Antarctica, and how the Aurora Australis’s colours are formed in the Science Alive Exhibit Area. See real time images of Amundsen - Scott Pole Station telescope at the StormDome and experience the cold of Antarctica in the Antarctic StormDome, that makes such accurate astronomy possible. Learn how aircraft navigate over Antarctica and experience a C17 flight simulation. Look at the orrery in the Antarctic Gallery to understand the relationship between Antarctica and the Southern Skies. Finally gather for refreshments and to talk to the Aerospace Educators before you depart for your flight. Refreshments include beer, wine, soft drink, tea & coffee (2 drinks per person), plus some light snacks. You will receive your Mission to the
Aurora Australis Patch, and Mission to the Aurora Australis photograph from the International Antarctic Centre before taking to the air on your Aurora flight. At the end of this function you can either walk (5-10 minutes) or take the Penguin Bus across to the airport in time to check in for your flight... Time:
Session 1: 1pm - 3pm on the day of your flight * Session 2: 3pm – 5pm on the day of your flight.
Please let us know your preferred session time and while we cannot guarantee your preferred time slot we will do our best. * We will also be holding a photography workshop at the Antarctic Centre at 3.00pm. The aim is to assist you with handy hints and tips to best photograph the Aurora and to assist you with setting up your camera for the flight. If you would like to register for this workshop be sure to let us know as places are limited.
ADD A PRE TOUR
MIRANDA SATTERHWAITE
PRE FLIGHT TRAVEL OPTION
N ā te p ō , ko te ao, ko te ao m ā r a m a . “From the darkest depths of the night we become enlightened”
Antarctic Academy Director, International Antarctic Centre Miranda Satterthwaite works as the Antarctic Academy Director for the International Antarctic Centre where she directs the development of the Antarctic Academy and the Mission to Space programmes. She is also an ISIA certified Alpine Ski coach, experienced in training for performance in extreme environments. Miranda has previously run engineering recruitment programmes for Ara Institute of Canterbury, including the Mission to Mars programme, rocketry for IPENZ and engineering outreach for University of Canterbury College of Engineering. She trained in STEM education through a range of NASA bases in the USA including NASA Marshall Flight Centre and NASA Kennedy Space Centre, visiting NASA Armstrong Centre and NASA Ames Research Centre during her tour. She has participated in two NASA Sofia Missions over Antarctica, observing the Aurora Australis. Academically, Miranda specialises in Space Exploration, holding undergraduate degrees in Science and Political Science and Masters Degrees in International Business Law and Educational Leadership. Long term she is passionate about filling the New Zealand pathways into the Aerospace sector to support the growing space economy.
Dark Sky Experience: Tekapo and Mt John
Join us as we travel from Christchurch to the shores of Lake Tekapo (Takapo) on a 3 day, 2 night Dark Sky Experience with the Dark Sky Project. Our world class astronomy guides will take you on a bespoke two hour star gazing, astronomy and astro-photography tour atop the University of Mount John Observatory in the International Dark Sky Reserve, as well as a Dark Sky Experience tour, 2 group dinners and plenty of time to enjoy the local area. This tour is brought to you by Ng ā i Tahu Tourism, one of the largest tourism operators in Aotearoa (New Zealand). Owned by the biggest iwi population Te Waipounamu (the South Island). With over 70,000 registered tribal members they are the largest wh ā nau-owned businesses in Aotearoa. Tour Dates:
DARK SKY PROJECT, NGAI TAHU
24 September 2022, 25 September 2022. 2023 dates TBA, pre-register your interest.
Naked eye - what some will see
Naked eye - what some will see
Digital camera
VIEWING THE AURORA AND THE COLOURS YOU WILL SEE
VIEWING AURORAS - HOT TIPS
The single most important thing that you can do to maximised your visual experience of the aurora is to allow your eyes to fully adjust to the darkness. This ensures that the pupils are maximally dilated and that the rods and cones are operating at peak sensitivity. It takes up to 20 minutes for the human eye to fully dark adapt. Even a glimpse of bright light for just a few seconds will set your dark adaptation back several minutes. This is why we completely darken the cabin of the aircraft while in the auroral zone. If you want to take lots of photos, be aware that this will invariably involve frequently looking at a relatively bright LCD view screen, and this will prevent your eyes from fully dark adapting. In over 20 years of auroral observing, I have concluded that it is not possible to capture the perfect photo and have the perfect visual experience at the same time. I therefore encourage passengers to give some thought about what they want to get out of the experience, and plan accordingly. If you do decide to take photos, it’s essential that you get to know your camera properly (practice using it in the dark before the flight), and if possible turn off the LCD screen (or at least turn the brightness down to minimum) beforehand. In the end we can’t absolutely guarantee what you will see, but with appropriate understanding and preparation, you can be sure to maximise your viewing pleasure.
The cones on the other hand can perceive full colour and are highly concentrated in the central retina producing high resolution central colour perception, but they are less sensitive than rods so require a brighter light source to be activated. So dim auroral displays which are only capable of triggering the rods will only be perceived in black and white - the aurora appears as a whitish or grey cloud of constantly changing light. Brighter displays have a greater chance of triggering the cones and resulting in some colour perception. Even still, in all but the very extreme displays, colour will appear muted in comparison to the photos. There is also significant variation between individuals. As we get older, the pupil of the human eye becomes less able to fully dilate in darkness, and a smaller pupil lets in less light. Also as we age, the lens in the eye can take on a yellow tinge or become slightly opaque, also altering or interfering with colour perception. On the whole, older eyes are less sensitive to light perception in dim conditions. The result is that during the same display some people will report seeing obvious colour while others will report seeing only grey. Even two people of similar age may report differences in colour perception during the same display.
I’m sure most of us have seen those beautiful colourful aurora images, and some of you may have wondered if the colours in these pictures are in fact real, or are they just the product of over zealous photoshopping. Well the answer is “yes”, the colours are indeed very real, however it’s important to realise that modern cameras are significantly more sensitive to colour than the human eye. The human perception is therefore always something a little less intense. To understand how the eye perceives the colour of the aurora, it’s useful to have a basic understanding of the structure and function of the eye. The retina (the layer of cells at the back of the eye that sense and respond to light) contains two type of photo sensor cells, the “Rods” and the “Cones”. Rods are exceptionally sensitive to light, but they are relatively low resolution and only “see” in black and white. “The single most important thing that you can do to maximised your visual experience of the aurora is to allow your eyes to fully adjust to the darkness. ” DR STEPHEN VOSS - ADDICTED AURORA CHASER
What is the best way to view auroras in-flight? We recommend making things as dark as possible, perhaps put a black jumper/hoodie over your head, press your head against the window to view the aurora, relax and wait for your eyes to adjust. The more the adjust, you should see more colour in the aurora. During this time, do not look at the screen on your phone or anything bright, your eyes need to adjust to complete darkness. Can you recommend the best mode to take photos on a smart phone? From previous experience we have seen good results using“ night mode” with a long exposure. If your phone does not have this option, you can download the “easy long exposure camera” app if you have an iPhone and long exposure camera 2 for androids. I have a digital camera with a good lens, what settings should I have camera on? Fantastic, once you book our professional photographers will give you guidance on the best settings. We have photographers that use Canons, Nikon and Sony. Please note all cameras are different so we recommend doing some research online as well.
Southern Lights by Flight photography tips blog: click here
DR STEPHEN VOSS
Photography Onboard? Viewing of the Aurora is an exciting
Do I get meals and refreshments onboard? You will receive full standard Air New Zealand international service appropriate to your class of travel. Complimentary bar service and snacks will be available during the flight. There will be two meals served during the flight. A dinner will be served shortly after take-off and a breakfast shortly before arrival. Please note that special meal requests will be limited and must be submitted to Viva Expeditions in writing at least one week prior to departure. Guests should be aware that once in the Aurora zone the cabin lights will be turned off to enable better viewing, at this time refreshments are only available from Air New Zealand cabin crew in the galley areas. Carbon Offsets As a responsible tour operator, Viva Expeditions carbon offsets all emissions related to the flight. How can I book? Please contact your preferred travel agent or Viva Expeditions.
Also, those booked in business class will also have lounge access. Can I bring luggage with me? Standard carry-on luggage allowances will be permitted. For the purpose of this flight this should be limited to a small cabin bag plus a handbag or camera. Cabin bag not to exceed 23 cm x 34 cm x 48cm. Total cabin luggage weight is not to exceed 7kg. Check in luggage can be checked in and will be stored at the airport until your return. Will there be In-Flight entertainment? You will be able to access inflight entertainment at the beginning and the end of your flight, and during meal services. While in the Aurora zone it is important that we minimise light as such you will not be able to access the inflight entertainment during this period. But never fear… Everybody joining us on this flight will receive a copy of the photographs and video taken by our photographers and astronomers onboard. This is free of charge and you should receive this within 14 days of your flight. So, you don’t need to worry about taking the perfect pictures and can just sit back and enjoy the view.
FAQs
experience, but it is important to note that there is a difference between viewing the Aurora with the naked eye versus what the camera captures. Striking images and videos of the Aurora that you may have seen are captured thanks to the extreme sensitivity of modern digital cameras. To help guests we will have a professional photographer onboard who can assist you in getting the best possible results. If you are an avid photographer or astronomer, we highly recommend you choose a premium seat or book a full row in economy to guarantee window access throughout the duration of the flight. Please note that if you are in a seat swap, you will not be able to affix covering to the windows in order to enhance photography. Please be considerate of other passengers to ensure everyone onboard has a great experience. Do I get Airpoints and Air New Zealand Koru Lounges? Unfortunately, this flight will not earn Air New Zealand Airpoints. Air New Zealand Koru members will be permitted to use the domestic lounge prior to the flight.
What is the probability of seeing an Aurora?
As we are in Nature’s hands we cannot guarantee a sighting, but there is a very high chance of encountering the stunning beauty of the Southern Lights in a magnificent, unforgettable display. How long will we see the Aurora for? As you will appreciate, the Aurora is a natural phenomenon, so this can never be guaranteed. However, on previous two charter flights, passengers enjoyed between 4 and 6 hours of viewing. How are the Aurora colours going to look? The Aurora Australis photographs in this brochure have been taken during previous flights from New Zealand. The naked eye will see them clearly; although modern digital cameras have greater sensitivity and can capture more colours and greater contrast. What is the Russell- McPherron effect? Thanks to a phenomenon called the Russell-McPherron effect, auroras are known to be more frequent and brighter than usual in spring and autumn. Russell and McPherron were two geophysicists at the University of California who, in an elegant paper in 1973, explained why this happens. Close to the equinoxes in March and September, the alignment of the interplanetary magnetic field and Earth’s magnetic field is such that the two opposing fields can cancel each other out.
How does the seat swap work? Once we start to view the aurora, you will have 20 minutes viewing from the seat you are in, then you will swap with your designated seat swap companion for a further 20 minutes (please see the seating map for more details). Then we will continue swapping in this manner for intervals of 40 minutes. Note if you are seated in Business Premier Plus, or have purchased a block of 4 seats in economy, then you do not need to swap. All passengers must return to their allocated seat as per their boarding pass prior to landing. Handy Hint: If you do not want to seat swap, thus share the window or seat adjacent to the window with others in your row via our seat swap system, then we suggest the following options: 1. Book a full row of 4 seats in Economy Class Wing – Special Offer! Book 4, Pay 3! 2. Book a full row of 4 seats in Economy Class No-Wing. 3. Book 2 seats in Economy Class Sky Couch 4. Book a row of 3 or 4 seats in Premium Economy Class 5. Book a seat in Business Premier Plus Class Then the row is all yours! You can enjoy the window seat for the whole flight or if travelling with others you control the sharing of the window seats.
Where will we fly? Departing from Christchurch, we will head south towards Antarctica, aiming for latitudes of 62 degrees south, our ultimate flight path will depend on where we find the Aurora. Check out a previous flight path in the image below. What if there is bad weather? As we fly above the clouds and the weather systems and due to the great navigational ability of the Dreamliner sightings of the Aurora should not be affected by weather.
www.vivaexpeditions.com
TIMELAPSE OF SOUTHERN LIGHTS BY FLIGHT
AURORA AUSTRALIS FLIGHTS - TERMS AND CONDITIONS Please carefully read these booking conditions. By making a booking you acknowledge that you have read, understand and you agree to be bound by these conditions which form an agreement between Viva Expeditions Ltd (NZBN 9429030377127) and yourself. If you make a booking on behalf of other participants, you guarantee that you have the authority to accept and do accept these Terms on behalf of the other participants in your party. Deposit and final payments A non‑refundable deposit per passenger is due at the time of booking equivalent to: 1.Economy class seats – NZD$500.00 per person 2.Premium Economy and Sky Couch – NZD$750.00 per person 3.Business class seats - NZD$1000.00 per person Final payment of your booking balance is required eight weeks prior to your departure date. Cancellation fees If we are unable to operate the 2023 flight dates due to re-scheduling by the airline any payments made to Viva are fully refundable. Should your 2023 season flight not be able to depart due to government travel restrictions, you can choose from either of the following: 1. Transfer to an alternative departure date, if available, at no extra cost. 2. Receive a full refund. 3. A 100% travel credit to use when booking another Viva Expeditions tour. Please note: If you are residing outside of New Zealand and book onto this flight, Viva Expeditions will not be responsible for any delay or disruption caused by COVID restrictions preventing you entering New Zealand or any delay or disruption caused by COVID restrictions within any country outside of New Zealand. If you cancel, the following fees will apply; 1. Between confirmation and final payment: loss of deposit. 2. Between final payment and 28 days prior to departure - 50% of total price cancellation fee. 3. Between 28 days and departure date - no refund. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Fares: All fares and charges are per person in New Zealand dollars, including GST 2022 rates are subject to change in the event of an increase in aircraft charter costs. Any increases will be discussed with passengers in advance. Credit card administration fee The client acknowledges that payment by the client by credit card will attract an administration fee and which the client agrees to pay to the company. Currently, the administration fee is 2% for any amount debited by Visa or Mastercard. American Express cards are not accepted. The administration fee will be debited to the client’s credit card at the time of payment.
Minimum numbers Flight departures require minimum numbers to operate. If flights are cancelled due to insufficient numbers, then passengers will be refunded in full. Amendment/transfer Your ticket can be transferred to another person up to 48 hours prior to departure if you are unable to fly due to having COVID-19 or are displaying any symptoms that would prevent them from being allowed to board the flight. An NZ$150 name change service fee per change will apply. This same service fee will apply for change of class. Travel documents Trip information and travel documents will be forwarded to you approximately 10 days prior to travel, providing full payment has been received. Seat numbers Will not be confirmed in advance of the flight. They will be issued on your boarding pass at the departure airport. Passport identification is required upon check-in. As this is a charter flight, a valid passport is required for check in (a NZ driver’s licence will suffice). Disclaimer of liability The company will use its best endeavours to ensure that its obligations pursuant to the contract with the client are satisfied. However, despite those best endeavours, it is not always possible for those obligations to be satisfied. Unless otherwise excluded or modified by law, the company hereby disclaims liability for any loss of or damage to the client, including loss of life or injury, and loss of or damage to any of the client’s property; also delay; inconvenience; upset; disappointment; stress; frustration; or loss of employment or loss of holiday time; however such loss or damage may be caused. Unless such disclaimer shall be excluded or modified by law, the client warrants that he or she will not make or pursue any claim against the company in respect of any such loss or damage, however caused. The client acknowledges that the provisions of above are reasonable and necessary for the business of the company having regard to a range of matters including but not limited to the following: 1.The tours or parts of them are supplied or undertaken by third party operators. Whilst the company has undertaken due diligence on the quality of the services offered by such third party operators, and has been satisfied as to the adequacy of that quality, it cannot be responsible for any acts or omissions on their parts. 2.The client acknowledges that it is the client’s responsibility to check-in on time for his or her flight at any airport. The company will not be responsible for any flights that are not taken by the client due to the client’s late arrival at any airport. The passenger will not be entitled to any refund if the passenger fails to follow the instruction of Viva Expeditions Ltd. or its representatives.
We reserve the right to alter or cancel any services you have purchased and inclusions may vary depending on weather, or other uncertainties, and are subject to change. The photographs appearing in this brochure are representational only and are not a guarantee that everything will be exactly as depicted at the location upon arrival. It is important to note that photography and video content used is typically modern digital equipment and differs from what is seen with the naked eye. Whilst every endeavour will be made to adhere to the proposed route, weather conditions may determine the actual route, according to the absolute discretion of the Captain of the aircraft. No guarantee can be given of clear viewing conditions and no refund or part refund will be made if the views are fully or partially obscured. Alternative routes will be selected to give the best viewing if the planned route has unfavourable weather conditions. Limitation of Liability in the Event of Force Majeure In the event of a Force Majeure event making it impossible or unsafe for Viva Expeditions to deliver all or part of the holiday package, Viva Expeditions will refund the customer for the unperformed part of the holiday package less any reasonable losses incurred before cancellation. Losses may amount to a substantial proportion of the booking price. Viva Expeditions will use reasonable endeavours to minimise losses incurred by our guests. Customers must take out travel insurance to protect themselves against loss in these circumstances. Aircraft An Air New Zealand 787 aircraft will operate all flights; however, other Air New Zealand aircraft may be substituted without notice. Frequent flyer points do not apply. Depending on prevailing weather conditions the quality and brightness of the Aurora viewed may vary. Alternative ight paths may enable viewing of the Aurora Australis but clear views cannot be guaranteed. Photos/videos Photographs or videos of the flight may be used for promotional purposes. Agreeing to these terms online and acceptance of the documents indicates your acceptance and release for this material to be used for promotional and/or resale purposes. Airline levy Airline fuel and/or security levies may apply. These terms and conditions are in addition to the regular Viva Expeditions terms and conditions but where there is a conflict the flight specific terms and conditions take precedence.
Address: 235B Dairy Flat Highway, Albany Auckland, 0632, New Zealand Phone: 09 950 5918 Email: info@vivaexpeditions.com
This exciting adventure is brought to you by Viva Expeditions in partnership with Air New Zealand and Otago Museum.
Reservations: 0800 131 900 www.vivaexpeditions.com
/VivaExpeditions
@viva.expeditions
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