Paul Henry Van Asch (53), one of the founders of Queenstown's AJ Hackett Bungy, was however disqualified from driving for six months.
Van Asch's lawyer Bill Dawkins, in Queenstown District Court this morning, made submissions that his client will need to travel to Canada on business.
Mr Dawkins said a drink-drive conviction would prohibit this, leading to consequences for the business, for New Zealand tourism workers likely in future to be deployed abroad, and for the export of New Zealand knowledge.
Judge David Ongley agreed the consequences of a conviction were out of all proportion with the gravity of the offending.
Judge Ongly said: ''The basis of this application is not one of wilful privilege but rests on the fact there will be flow-on consequences that will affect a thriving business and other people.''
Van Asch was stopped on Robins Rd, Queenstown, on November 13.
A blood test revealed a reading of 152 milligrams of alcohol per millilitre of blood. The legal limit is 50mg.
Van Asch must also make a $600 donation to Queenstown charity Happiness House.
