Jorge Eduardo Riquelme Cruz (34), of no fixed abode, was charged with operating an unmanned drone in a manner causing unnecessary danger to fire-fighting pilots and their helicopters, and reckless disregard for the safety of fire-fighting helicopters likely to cause danger to the pilots and aircraft.
The latter charge carries with it a maximum penalty of 14 years' imprisonment.
Riquelme Cruz was arrested on January 3 after allegedly operating a Mavic drone near eight helicopters fighting the out-of-control blaze on Mt Alpha.
At the time, police said the actions of the drone pilot forced the aircraft to be grounded for 15 minutes.
Riquelme Cruz appeared in the Queenstown District Court on January 8 and was remanded without plea to appear again in the resort yesterday.
The matter had since been transferred to the Hamilton District Court, where he is expected to appear on February 2.
