They will start with operators who are providing the highest risk activities - about 54 per cent of the industry. The first round of safety audits targeting the highest risk operators will be completed by November next year.
The existing programme of regular safety audits by CAA of adventure aviation operators and by MNZ of jet boat and rafting operators will include an audit of drug and alcohol management, once the proposed amended rules are in force.
Adventure tourism operators are already required to take all practicable steps to identify, eliminate, minimise or manage hazards.
Adventure activities are a significant part of New Zealand's tourism industry.
Ms Wilkinson said the Government were sending a strong message to adventure tourism businesses that the risks associated with drug or alcohol impairment must be taken seriously.
These regulations will be alongside other recently established requirements for the adventure tourism industry.
Under the Health and Safety in Employment (Adventure Activities) Regulations 2011, operators are also now required to notify MBIE of who they are, where they are, what their activities are and whether they have a current safety audit.
All operators have to pass a safety audit by 1 November 2014 at the latest.
