The essence of what we do is focused on quality, passion and experience, and we’re proud to have provided helicopter services in the Fiordland region for more than 30 years. Based in Te Anau, we’re owned and operated by Sir Richard and Lady Carol Hayes – Richard has long been a pioneer in the Fiordland Aviation Industry. A highly skilled, long-time operator on venison recovery, he formed Southern Lakes Helicopters back in 1982.
With a variety of helicopters including BK117, Squirrel and R44, we offer many professional helicopter services ranging from scenic flights, high altitude and industrial helicopter operations and individually tailored hunting and fishing adventures.
We aim to give you “A ‘high’ time, with highly experienced pilots, and a high safety record”.
We’re able to recommend locally based, specialist personnel to assist in all areas of support. Be it for your filming operation or technical advice or equipment for a commercial operation, you can trust us to source a competent compliment to your team.
We have hangar facilities available for overnight storage of rigged aircraft and for film and other sensitive equipment.
Sir Richard is a well known and respected pilot with 40 years of experience flying in the mountainous terrain of Fiordland, and has in excess of 32,000 helicopter 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. Sir Richard and Lady Carol Hayes also own and operate Heliworks Mt Cook, based at Aoraki/ Mt Cook airport.
Michael now a second generation pilot has began his flying career in 2010 with Southern Lakes Helicopters and gained valuable experience in scenic, commercial and rescue operations over 7 years here in the beautiful mountains of Fiordland and the remote continent of Antarctica.
In 2017 Michael moved overseas for three years, flying BK117 and B212 helicopters on oil & gas, mining and the United States MIA programme in the exotic highlands of Papua New Guinea.
Now back in his home town Te Anau, Michael has returned to Southern Lakes Helicopters to share his passion for flying and Fiordland with our guests.
Snow joined the team in 2015 after many years flying in Milford Sound. Snow has over 20 years flying experience in the Fiordland area, and also flew commercially in Canada for a year which included fire fighting. In 2019 Snow was promoted to Chief Pilot.
Andrew grew up in Te Anau and has been flying around Fiordland in between overseas tours for 10+ years. Has gained valuable experience in a broad range of operations both here and overseas. He enjoys spending time with his family, boating and hunting.
A third-generation pilot, Matt grew up in Te Anau and loves the diversity and outdoor experiences right on Fiordland's doorstep. Matt loves diving & hunting, and gained his flying experience mostly through venison recovery. Matt joined the Southern Lakes Helicopters team in 2018.
After 18 years in the outdoor industry, Richie became our Safety Manager and Crewman at Southern Lakes Helicopters. His role with us has a number of responsibilities similar to his former career of mountain guiding, field safety and search and rescue in New Zealand, Antarctica and the Himalaya.
Richie still enjoys skiing, climbing, cycling and canoeing in the mountains and rivers of New Zealand.
Living on a lifestyle block in Te Anau with her husband, two children and 'Minnie' the Jack Russell, Erin is a true-blue Southlander. She joined the SLH team in 2006 and loves the mix of work SLH undertakes, including Medivac/SAR - every day is different!
Ngaire has been a member the SLH team for 11 years, and comes from a farming background near Otautau. Ngaire loves all that Te Anau and Fiordland have to offer, especially in the summer months. She enjoys getting out on the lake in the boat fishing & water skiing.
Originally from The Netherlands, Marleen arrived in New Zealand in 2007 - and loved it so much that she stayed! Marleen joined the Southern Lakes Helicopters team in 2015 and recently also took on Heliworks Mt Cook under her marketing portfolio and loves the mix of work both bases undertake.
Southland born and bred, Bex joined the Southern Lakes Helicopters team in October 2018. Bex loves all of the outdoor activities that Fiordland has to offer - chat to her about Fiordland's Great Walks, or our new Lake2Lake cycle trail.
Catherine started at Southern Lakes Helicopters in November 2021 after moving to the area from Canterbury. Catherine come from an agricultural background and is usually found out running, swimming or biking in her spare time.
Passengers: up to 7
Fuel: 300L per hour
Heli weight all up: 3350kgs
Cruise speed; 235km/hr
Max speed: 280km/ph
Engines: LTE 101/850
Passengers: up to 9
Fuel: 300L per hour
Heli weight all up: 3350kgs
Cruise speed; 235km/hr
Max speed: 280km/ph
Engines: Arriel 1E2
Passengers: 5-6 passengers
Fuel: 200L per hour
Heli weight all up: 2250kgs
Cruise speed: 235km/hr
Max Speed: 287km/ hr
Engine: Arriel 2B 1
Passengers: 5-6 passengers
Fuel: 200L per hour
Heli weight all up: 2250kgs
Cruise speed: 235km/hr
Max Speed: 287km/ hr
Engine: Arriel 2B 1
Passengers: 5-6 passengers
Fuel: 200L per hour
Heli weight all up: 2250kgs
Cruise speed: 235km/hr
Max Speed: 287km/ hr
Engine: Arriel 2B 1
Passengers: 5-6 passengers
Fuel: 180L per hour
Heli weight all up: 2250kgs
Cruise speed: 235km/hr
Max Speed: 287km/ hr
Engine: Arriel 1D 1
Passengers: 5-6 passengers
Heli weight all up: 2100kgs
Cruise speed: 120 knots / 220km/hr
Max Speed: 155 knots / 286km/h
r
Engine: Arriel 1B
Passengers: 4 passengers
Heli weight all up: 1700kgs
Cruise speed: 110 knots / 210km/hr
Max Speed: 138 knots / 255km/hr
Engine: 1 Turbomeca Arrius 2F
”Remote or local, you can trust us to get you in there”