Our Story
Southern Lakes Helicopters was established by Sir Richard Hayes in 1982 and initially worked in helicopter deer recovery.
We are a family-owned and operated business, with Sir Richard’s son, Michael Hayes, now owning and leading the company.
Our commercial operations have always been a major focus, and we provide vital support for local, regional and national businesses from our Te Anau (Fiordland) and Aoraki Mount Cook bases, as well as supporting firefighting and search and rescue operations across the region.
We embrace technology developments, and were one of the first helicopter operators to use night vision goggles. We have also implemented satellite aircraft tracking and onboard flight data recorders, all of which enhance our safety and flight-following procedures.
We are innovative and solution-based operators, helping our clients to complete their projects in remote and challenging terrain. We support local, national and international businesses, science, conservation, and logistics in the subantarctic, Antarctica, as well as in the Fiordland and Aoraki Mt Cook National Parks.
We offer a wide range of helicopter services, including commercial support, scenic flights, private charters, lifting and construction, fire fighting, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Search and Rescue operations (SAR).
Medivac, and Search and Rescue work are an important part of our business and we maintain strong relationships with The Ambulance Team, Rescue Coordination Centre, NZ Police, the Fiordland Medical Centre, Hato Hone St John, and local Land SAR, and Marine SAR personnel.
