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Monday 8am - 5:30pm Tuesday 8am - 5:30pm Wednesday 8am - 5:30pm Thursday 8am - 5:30pm Friday 8am - 5:30pm Saturday 8am - 5:30pm Sunday 8am - 5:30am

Southern Lakes Helicopters

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Southern Lakes Helicopters

Southern Lakes Helicopters Be inspired with our exciting range of Fiordland and Aoraki/Mt Cook scenic flight options. Flying in this part of the world is our passion!
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We are based in Te Anau and Aoraki Mt Cook and offer scenic flights throughout Fiordland and Aoraki/ Mt Cook National Parks. When a place is so special it’s been awarded World Heritage status, seeing it from the air is an absolute Must-Do, our scenic helicopter flights makes an unforgettable addition to your New Zealand vacation. We go out of our way to make every experience for our clients is a m

emorable one that leaves a lasting impression. Backing up this experience is the fact that safety is priority above all other considerations. Southern Lakes Helicopters insists on going far beyond the minimum safety standards which are set by the Civil Aviation Authority. We have always focused on achieving the highest standards of safety to ensure all our clients’ needs and expectations are both met and exceeded. Southern Lakes Helicopters is a family-owned business with Directors Sir Richard and Lady Carol Hayes. Sir Richard is a well-known and respected pilot with 40 years of experience flying in the mountainous terrain of Fiordland, and has an excess of 36,500 helicopters flying hours. He operates with skill and professionalism and is heavily involved in Search and Rescue operations. Often with the use of Night Vision Equipment. His skill and experience has been recognised nationally by being awarded the MNZM( Member of New Zealand Order of Merit) for his services to Search and Rescue. In 2014 Richard was promoted to Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to search and rescue and the community. Southern Lakes Helicopters operate a modern fleet consisting of AS350BA, AS350B2, AS350B3 Squirrels and our twin engine BK117’s. We have experience in a wide range of commercial operations including search and rescue, avalanche control, firefighting, filming, construction and conservation assignments. We are proud to be the contractor of choice for both local businesses and large national organisations.

24/01/2025

Tonight, we will be conducting NVG (Night Vision Goggle) training, which means you might hear a helicopter flying late into the night. Please do not be alarmed - this is part of our ongoing efforts to provide 24/7 search and rescue capabilities.

We appreciate your understanding and support as we continue to upskill our team and use these valuable tools to support our community.

Regards,
The team at Southern Lakes Helicopters🚁

05/12/2024

Good luck to all of this years Grunt and Kepler challenge racers… don’t forget to register early for your chance to win the track flyover with us!

If you miss out or are here supporting we have you covered, the “Kepler Special” flight will be available all weekend!

Enjoy the track from above - pop down to our lakefront office or call us on 03 249 7167 to enquire and book your seat on one of these flights🚁

RACE BRIEFING : The race briefing for the 37th FreshChoice Kepler Challenge this year is video format. ALL Competitors (Challengers and Grunt runners) are required to watch the 7min video Race Briefing at Race Registration. Once you have watched the video in full you will recieve a stamp to confirm, and only then will you be able to gear check and register for your race. Please allow enough time when you come to Race Rego to watch the video briefing, have your gear checked, and collect your bib, race pack AND transponder.

Rego is on Friday December 6th from 12.00 to 6.00pm at the RealNZ Fiordland Community Events Centre, 20 Luxmore Dr, Te Anau.

Don’t forget - Register early and be back at the Event Centre by 4pm to be in with a chance to win the Kepler Track flyover with Southern Lakes Helicopters 🚁

See you soon!

15/11/2024

Join Our Flight Operations Team in Te Anau!

We’re expanding our Flight Operations team in Te Anau and are looking for a dedicated individual to join us. Whether you’re just starting your career or are already experienced in the field, this is your chance to be part of a dynamic team in a stunning location.

If you’re ready for a new challenge and want to be part of a growing company, get in touch!

Apply through Seek with the link below...
https://www.seek.co.nz/job/80198897..Or send your CV and cover letter to [email protected] or message us for more details.

14/11/2024

Congratulations to everyone who has been drawn a 2025 Wapiti ballot block!!

If you need a flight in, get in touch with us today to book your spot. Call us on 03 249 7167 or email [email protected]

Get your information today so you can go into the New Year prepped and ready for your big ten-day adventure into Fiordland. You too could be sitting with these views after being dropped into your block, waiting for the big bull to appear...

01/11/2024

And the Kepler Challenge Race Entry Winner is...!

Big thanks to everyone who entered. Your stories were truly inspiring! We're excited to share that is our lucky race entry winner. We can't wait to see you on race day. Best of luck to everyone, and fingers crossed for those still on the waitlist. Keep training, keep dreaming, and keep that love for adventure alive!

And don't forget: Limited seats remain for our Kepler Challenge flight special, offering a stunning view of the track from above!

Kepler Challenge and Luxmore Grunt Mountain Run

19/10/2024

And they're off! 🚁❄
After a slight delay yesterday due to conditions at McMurdo, the team is on their way! We're excited for the season ahead on the ice and can't wait to see what amazing things they'll accomplish. Wishing the team a safe and successful mission!

Antarctica New Zealand nz

17/10/2024

Nothing like a few last minute jobs before Southern Lakes Helicopters deploy to Antarctica. Thanks to the good buggars Cookes Christchurch - Legends

16/10/2024

Kepler Challenge Race Entry Giveaway – Your Last Chance!

We've been proud sponsors of the Kepler Challenge for many years, and now we're excited to share this incredible event with one lucky winner! Did you miss your chance to enter the 2024 Kepler Challenge? No worries Southern Lakes Helicopters are giving away 1 FREE RACE ENTRY to this year's sold-out race!

How to Enter: Comment below and tell us why running the Luxmore Grunt or Kepler Challenge would be a dream come true for you. Whether you’re on the waitlist or just missed out, we want to hear your story. Get creative and let us know what crossing that finish line would mean to you. You might just be the one lining up at the start this year!

Entries close: 31st October 2024

Good luck to everyone – we look forward to sharing this amazing opportunity with one lucky runner!

P.S. Know someone who’s hoping to take part? Tag them below so they can enter too!

Kepler Challenge and Luxmore Grunt Mountain Run

11/09/2024

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick heads-up: Tonight, we’ll be conducting NVG (Night Vision Goggle) training, which means you might hear a helicopter flying late into the night. Please don’t be alarmed—this is part of our ongoing efforts to provide 24/7 search and rescue capabilities.

We appreciate your understanding and support as we continue to use these valuable tools to support our community.

Regards,
The team at Southern Lakes Helicopters 🚁

27/08/2024

Kepler Challenge and Southern Lakes Helicopters - a perfect team!
We couldn't operate our event without their support, and once again they're back as sponsors for our 2024 race providing logistical support, track access, flying the media crew overhead while you race for some supreme photographs, and of course being absolute pros if and when medical or evac incidents occur.

But they're not just logistical race partners.... they've got some extra cool flight packages for our competitors and supporters too, and we highly recommend you book yourself a birds eye fly over of the track and the Kepler Mountains during your visit to Te Anau!

Get in contact with Southern Lakes Helicopters and take up their Kepler Challenge flight special. See the entire Kepler track from a completely different angle (consider it the most incredible race recce or maybe revisit the track post-race to give your legs a break and take in the enormity of what you accomplished).

Times and spaces are limited, so book early! $350 per person for an unforgettable experience. Call Southern Lakes Helicopters to secure your spot! Freephone in NZ 0508 249 7167 or +64 3 249 7167 for our international visitors.

08/08/2024

We have some incredible opportunities available, and we need your help to spread the word. Your support means the world to us, and you might even help a friend land their dream job!

New Opening:
Flight Operations Manager – Aoraki/Mt Cook

Plus, we're still on the lookout for the right people to fill these two roles we posted last week:

1️⃣ Helicopter Pilot – Te Anau
2️⃣ Flight Operations Team Member – Aoraki/Mt Cook

If you know someone who would be perfect for these roles, share this post or tag them below!

🔗 Apply Now!

Explore exciting career opportunities with Southern Lakes Helicopters. Join a dynamic team that values innovation, collaboration, and personal growth. Discover meaningful work, competitive benefits, and a supportive culture. Your next career move starts here!

23/07/2024

We invite you to join our exceptional team. It’s not just a career—it’s an opportunity to be a part of a community where passion meets profession, and every day brings a new possibility to reach greater heights.

Tag someone who'd be perfect for these roles!
Have questions? Drop them below or contact us direct.

Apply now and let your career take flight!
👉 Helicopter Pilot, Te Anau - https://www.seek.co.nz/job/77507359?ref=hirer-jobs-list
👉 Flight Operations Team Member, Mt Cook - https://www.seek.co.nz/job/77506894?ref=hirer-jobs-list

20/06/2024

Big thanks to Patrick McAllister Photography for capturing this fantastic shot of Pilot Andrew 'Heff' alongside ZK-IBR!

Heff recently celebrated his 10th season flying for us in Antarctica. His wealth of knowledge, experience, and boundless enthusiasm shine through in everything he does. Thanks a lot, Heff!

30/05/2024

Join us in making some noise! Share this post, donate, and help support the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation. Together, we can make a difference!

13/05/2024

We're thrilled to introduce Simon Trotter as the newest member to our team.

With an impressive background as the former General Manager Antarctic Operations at Antarctica New Zealand, Simon brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role as our new General Manager. His expertise promises to elevate our helicopter experiences!

Join us in welcoming Simon aboard as we look forward to his leadership and contributions to our team!

09/05/2024

Over the next two nights our pilots and support crew will be undertaking NVG (night vision goggle) recurrence training, around the local Te Anau area. If you hear an aircraft flying late over the next few nights, there is no need for concern.

We appreciate your understanding and there should be minimal disturbance however, this training is crucial as it ensures our pilots and crew are well equipped to face and support any emergency day or night!

05/04/2024

🌟Join Our Flight Operations Team Today! 🌟

Are you passionate about aviation and seeking an exciting new career opportunity? We are currently on the lookout for a dynamic and skilled individual to join the team at our Aoraki/ Mt Cook base.

You will play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of our flights, contributing to the safety and satisfaction of our passengers.

For more information, please follow the link below.
https://www.seek.co.nz/job/75007074

If this interests you, please apply by sending through your resume and cover letter to [email protected]

30/03/2024

Our rescue crew attending a PLB activation on the South Coast Track yesterday. Did you know we are available for Medivac and Search and Rescue taskings from the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand 24/7, 365 days a year?

Address

79 Lakefront Drive
Te Anau
9600

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5:30pm
Tuesday	8am - 5:30pm
Wednesday	8am - 5:30pm
Thursday	8am - 5:30pm
Friday	8am - 5:30pm
Saturday	8am - 5:30pm
Sunday	8am - 5:30am

Telephone

+6432497167

Website

http://www.southernlakeshelicopters.co.nz/

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We invite you to join our exceptional team. It’s not just a career—it’s an opportunity to be a part of a community where passion meets profession, and every day brings a new possibility to reach greater heights. Tag someone who'd be perfect for these roles! Have questions? Drop them below or contact us direct. Apply now and let your career take flight! 👉 Helicopter Pilot, Te Anau - https://www.seek.co.nz/job/77507359?ref=hirer-jobs-list 👉 Flight Operations Team Member, Mt Cook - https://www.seek.co.nz/job/77506894?ref=hirer-jobs-list #AviationCareer #PilotOpportunity #FlightOperations #TeAnau #JoinOurTeam #CareerGrowth #southernlakeshelicopters #JoinOurTeam #HiringNow #WorkWithUs #DreamJob

🌟Join Our Flight Operations Team Today! 🌟 Are you passionate about aviation and seeking an exciting new career opportunity? We are currently on the lookout for a dynamic and skilled individual to join the team at our Aoraki/ Mt Cook base. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of our flights, contributing to the safety and satisfaction of our passengers. For more information, please follow the link below. https://www.seek.co.nz/job/75007074 If this interests you, please apply by sending through your resume and cover letter to [email protected] #aorakimtcook #adventurebegins #carrergrowth #flightoperations #aviationcarrer #southernlakeshelicopters

Unlocking Fiordland's Secrets with High-Res Cameras! We are proud to have helped fund our latest project with Enviro Lapse. It reshapes how we understand and predict Fiordland's dynamic weather. From aiding aviation safety to wildlife conservation, these cameras are game-changers! Thank you to Envirolapse for their remarkable work and to all those involved in making this project a reality. New Zealand Mountain Safety Council Department of Conservation University of Otago The University of Waikato #slhmoment #mountaincameranz

Want the best views of Aoraki/ Mt Cook? Get ready for an adventure like no other as we take you on a mesmerising journey above the rugged peaks and pristine glaciers. Don't just dream of adventure, experience it firsthand with us! 📸Manis Ways #legendarymackenzie #slhmoments #southernlakeshelicopters

We have an incredible opportunity just for you! 1️⃣ Helicopter Pilot: Are you passionate about flying and eager to soar above stunning landscapes? Join our team as a Helicopter Pilot and take your career to new heights! 2️⃣ Flight Operations Team Member: Be a crucial part of the exciting aviation industry. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and love creating memorable experiences for travellers, this could be your perfect role! Apply now and let your career take flight! https://www.southernlakeshelicopters.co.nz/career/ #AviationCareer #PilotOpportunity #FlightOperations #JoinOurTeam #CareerGrowth #southernlakeshelicopters

Southern Lakes Helicopter Scenic Flight Aoraki/Mt Cook

Celebrate a White Christmas in Summer! While the rest of the world enjoys festive treats by the fireplace, we're celebrating a white Christmas here in New Zealand! Embrace the magic of the season with a backdrop of glaciers and alpine wonders. Join us for an unforgettable experience in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Limited slots available - book your adventure today! https://www.southernlakeshelicopters.co.nz/scenic-flights-experiences/?departing-from=aoraki-mt-cook #SummerChristmas #NZMagic #WhiteChristmasInSummer

We have an incredible opportunity just for you! 1️⃣ Helicopter Pilot: Are you passionate about flying and eager to soar above stunning landscapes? Join our team as a Helicopter Pilot and take your career to new heights! 2️⃣ Flight Operations Team Member: Be a crucial part of the exciting aviation industry. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and love creating memorable experiences for travellers, this could be your perfect role! Apply now and let your career take flight! 👉 Helicopter Pilot, Te Anau - https://www.seek.co.nz/job/71330336?type=promoted#sol=ff23837e6435bae4111f7223b0aa1db018de0128 👉 Flight Operations Team Member, Te Anau - https://www.seek.co.nz/job/71332530?type=promoted#sol=e4f5bfbeb8db00ed602db5fc9a8cc470894c9e9e #AviationCareer #PilotOpportunity #FlightOperations #TeAnau #JoinOurTeam #CareerGrowth #southernlakeshelicopters

Join Our Team and Ignite Your Potential! 🌟 Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey of innovation and growth? Look no further! We're on the hunt for a dynamic and passionate new team member. At Southern Lakes Helicopters, we don't just offer a job; we offer a chance to be part of something extraordinary. As the newest team member, you'll dive into a world of endless possibilities, where your ideas will shape the future, and your passion will fuel our success. https://www.seek.co.nz/job/69236282

*The position has been filled* Are you ready to take your flying skills to new heights? We have an incredible opportunity just for you! Check out this exciting job opening for a Helicopter Pilot: https://www.seek.co.nz/job/68509956 Join our team of aviation enthusiasts and embark on a career like no other. #NowHiring #HelicopterPilot #AviationJobs #JoinOurTeam #FlyWithUs

Living the dream at Aoraki Mt Cook ❤️ #bucketlist #livingyourbestlife #adventuretime #aorakimtcooknationalpark

Would you like to be part of a dynamic team based in a unique environment with incredible office views? We are looking to fill two roles at our Aoraki/Mt Cook Base. Flight Operations Manager https://talent.seek.co.nz/candidates/?id=12641838 and Flight Operations Team Member https://talent.seek.co.nz/candidates/?id=12642059 If you would like to join us, we would love to hear from you!