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Fire, medical, search and rescue helicopter services

We are fully equipped to provide a wide range of air rescue and other emergency services. We provide medivac, search and rescue assistance, as well as fire control. 

Our skilled pilots operate firefighting equipment, including up to 1100 litre monsoon buckets with foam units. We fight large scale fires on rural or Department of Conservation land. 

Other emergency services

As the only approved search and rescue and medivac operator based in Fiordland, we are always ready for a callout – 24/7.

Our highly experienced and skilled pilots have access to a range of specialist equipment for use in emergency situations.

This includes:

  • Locator beacon tracking
  • Winch operations
  • Night vision technology 
  • Offshore operations 
8 AUGUST IBK Winch Rescue Photo Credit...
Fire Fighting Credit Simon Cleary
11 NOVEMBER Marine SAR Training Photo Credit Matt Deaker
We’ve been operating for more than 45 years, and our pilots are some of the most experienced in New Zealand.

Southern Lakes Helicopters

Other commercial services
Commercial and marine

We operate a wide range of commercial and marine charters throughout Fiordland, Southland and the southern coast of the South Island.
Film locations and photography work

We have more than 25 years’ experience working with the film industry and we specialise in mountain flying, lifting, aerial filming, and transporting crew and gear.