Aspiring Helicopters

27/08/2026

🏆 Gold Award from New Zealand Search and Rescue.

Back in 2025 a young Argentinian man went missing on the Rob Roy Glacier walk. A well-known popular day walk in the Wanaka region. Despite an extensive search spanning multiple weeks with hours of flying and hundreds of volunteer man-hours Hector was never located.
The search was complex and demanding, involving advanced specialised skills across multiple disciplines, strong judgement and decision making, classic Kiwi persistence…. and trust.
We work closely with an incredible team of highly skilled volunteers and regular training in the field ensures when the pressure is on an operation like this one can be conducted in a methodical, calm and professional way. You have to have an incredible degree of trust in the people you are working alongside, or in our case above!
At this year’s Search and Rescue Awards we were recognised with a Gold Award for our part in this technically complex search.
Our pilots do not go into the field to garner awards, they go into the field to do a job to help locate and save people.
But it’s always nice when someone taps you on the shoulder and says ‘Hey great job there mate, we recognise and appreciate what you do’.
So, a big thank you "New Zealand Search and Rescue", and an even bigger thank you to our awesome crew of volunteers Wanaka Search and Rescue.

14/08/2026

Lakeside lunch stop. Lochnagar provided the perfect backdrop for a quick spot of lunch while out heliskiing with Harris Mountains Heli-Ski this week

30/07/2026

Early mornings promise adventure is on the horizon!

22/07/2026

16/07/2026

Taking to the skies 🚁 is a especially in winter when there’s loads of on the mountains 🏔️

11/07/2026

Epic first day out with Harris Mountains Heli-Ski on Friday. If you’re contemplating Heli skiing this winter take the Nike approach and “Just Do It”!!

09/07/2026

Tourism operators are among New Zealand's most committed conservation funders, and we want people to know it.

We employ local people, we invest in the communities surrounding our most iconic natural areas, and we design experiences that connect visitors to New Zealand's natural environment in ways that build appreciation and support for conservation.

We do this because we care about these places. And we do it because we understand that a thriving conservation estate is the foundation everything else is built on.

The Conservation Amendment Bill is about strengthening the system that manages conservation, so responsible operators can continue to contribute, conservation infrastructure gets properly funded, and New Zealand's most treasured landscapes are protected for generations to come. Better management today for stronger conservation and tourism tomorrow.

To find out more about TCA visit Tourism Conservation Alliance

Submissions close 13th July. Please have your say.

09/07/2026

Cracking winter day for scenic flights into the snow! ❄️ Lots of smiling faces today 😎

25/02/2026

They say "make hay while the sun shines". This summer it's been take flights while the sun shines - it's been a bit slim pickings this summer.... we're sure everyone in the Southern Lakes will agree when we say we're looking forward to Autumn being a stunner this year!!

09/12/2025

Out'n'about helping the Department of Conservation with some heavy lifting 💪