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Sustainability

Guided by respect for the land and its future

Dedicated to Kaitiakitanga, our focus is on continual restoration and enhancement of our environment, and our care for our local communities.

An integral part of Southern Lakes Helicopters' DNA is about giving back and enabling important projects. We do this by sustaining conservation projects in Fiordland, supporting world-leading science in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.

Conservation and Protection

We are focused on protecting our ancient flora and fauna through an enduring partnership with conservation groups to support ongoing deer and venison pest recovery. We provide logistics support for pest eradication and trapping on Fiordland's remote islands, and we support the relocation of endangered bird species to those islands. Our work extends to the Sub-Antarctic Islands, providing logistics support to the Department of Conservation for its ongoing biodiversity research and native species protection.

Science and Research

We provide remote logistics expertise to support the important climate change research and science efforts in Antarctica. For 14 seasons, Southern Lakes Helicopters has led safety and logistics support from Scott Base for Antarctica New Zealand.

 

Sustainable Tourism

Tiaki Promise

We also adhere to the Tiaki Promise, which is a commitment to care for New Zealand for now and for future generations. 

By following the Tiaki Promise, we are committed to New Zealand. To act as a guardian, protecting and preserving our home. 

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Green Practices

We strive to maintain green practices in our everyday operations.

Our Eurocopter EC120 and the modern Airbus B3e Squirrel aircraft in our fleet are designed to be environmentally friendly, the EC 120 being the quietest in its class, reinforcing our commitment to protecting our unique environment and sustainable tourism.

We use energy sources in an efficient manner, reducing our waste with recycling, digital vs paper, eco-friendly cleaning products, as well as protecting sensitive and native vegetation and wildlife when considering flight paths and landing zone.

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Our Fleet

Our modern fleet of helicopters was chosen for strength, versatility and reliability.
Our experience

We’re proud to have provided quality helicopter services in the Fiordland region for more than 45 years and with some of the most experienced pilots in New Zealand.
Meet our team

Our team of experienced pilots and staff are passionate about providing quality helicopter experiences.
Safety

All company operations are done in accordance with the company Safety Management System approved by the CAA, where we require all staff to represent a strong safety culture.