What Wanaka Helicopters does

Wanaka Helicopters is a family-owned commercial helicopter operator and flight training school headquartered at Wanaka Airport (2 Lloyd Dunn Avenue, Luggate) in New Zealand's South Island, founded in 1980 by Simon and Carolyn Spencer-Bower. The company operates across four primary business lines: scenic tourism flights (25-minute local experiences through to half-day multi-landing tours of Fiordland, Milford Sound, and Aoraki/Mount Cook), wedding and proposal packages at alpine locations, commercial helicopter services (precision long-line lifting, mining/drill support, firefighting, surveying, frost protection, aerial photography), agricultural aerial services (spraying, seeding, fertilising, mustering, wilding pine control), and flight training (PPL, CPL, Diploma in Aviation in both Rotary and Aeroplane, plus the only NZCAA-approved Advanced Mountain Flying Course in the country).

The business is built on a six-type diversified fleet — Robinson R22, R44, MD500, Airbus AS350 B2/B3 Squirrel, Airbus EC130 (HAK), and Guimbal Cabri G2 — purpose-matched across training, scenic, commercial, and luxury segments. Operations are anchored by a Wanaka headquarters and a sister-company base at Makarora (Backcountry Helicopters) for West Coast and Landsborough access, with a Queenstown helipad for charter and wedding departures. Wanaka Helicopters holds CAA Part 135 and Part 141 certifications, NZQA Diploma in Aviation certification, Qualmark Gold status, and DOC Approved Operator status.

Revenue is generated primarily through per-transaction unit pricing on scenic flights (NZ$380-$3,000 per person), wedding and proposal packages (NZ$1,400-$5,450), luxury charters and Heli Wine & Dine experiences, agricultural and commercial contracts, and multi-year training programmes (PPL from NZ$30,000, CPL from NZ$90,000 additional, Diploma NZ$115,000 domestic / NZ$138,000 international). Distribution combines direct-to-consumer online booking via Rezdy, phone/email sales, wedding and tourism trade partnerships, and DOC collaboration. The customer base is fragmented across individual tourists, wedding couples, hunters/fishers, farmers/agricultural operators, and domestic plus international pilot trainees, with a dedicated Tourism Sales Manager handling trade and media relationships and a Chinese language booking site for inbound international demand. Current leadership includes sons Pete Spencer-Bower (CEO/Director) and Chris Spencer-Bower (Training Director), with founder Simon Spencer-Bower remaining active as Chief Flying Instructor.

Name

Wanaka Helicopters

Legal name

Wanaka Helicopters Ltd

Website

https://wanakahelicopters.co.nz

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Wanaka Helicopters is a family-owned New Zealand helicopter operator and flight training school founded in 1980, serving tourists, wedding couples, commercial/agricultural clients, and aspiring pilots across the Southern Alps with scenic flights, charters, and CAA-certified pilot training.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Helicopter Charter Services

NAICS

Flight Training (611512), Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation (481219), Nonscheduled Air Transportation (4812)

akta.pro primary industry

Helicopter Shuttle & Feeder Services (Airport/Resort/City Links) (THABAGAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

On-Demand Helicopter Charter (Private/Corporate) (TLAFACAB), Helicopter Resort & Remote Destination Transfers (TLAFACAF), On-Demand/Charter Helicopter Passenger Services (THABAGAB), Helicopter Passenger Services (TLAFAAAE)

Keywords

• Scenic helicopter flights
• Flight training school
• Helicopter wedding charters
• Commercial helicopter operations
• Agricultural aerial services

Headquarters

HQ city

Wanaka

HQ country

New Zealand

HQ region

Oceania

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Scenic Flights: Per-person pricing for scenic helicopter flights ranging from 25 minutes to 3.5 hours, visiting locations including Lake Wanaka, Mount Aspiring National Park, Milford Sound, and Mount Cook. Multiple landing options available.
2. Wedding & Proposal Packages: Helicopter wedding and proposal services with packages ranging from single to dual-landing options at iconic locations including Coromandel Peak, Pisa Range, Lake Lochnagar, and Isobel Glacier. Pricing varies by helicopter type and landing duration.
3. Luxury Charter Services: Bespoke luxury helicopter charters including alpine picnics, heli wine & dine experiences visiting Central Otago vineyards, private transfers between luxury lodges, and multi-day adventure experiences.
4. Commercial Operations: Commercial helicopter services including precision long-line operations (up to 1,250kg capacity), mining/mineral exploration support, fire fighting with monsoon bucket, surveying, frost protection, agricultural services, pest control, mustering, photography/filming, and hunting/fishing charters.
5. Agricultural Services: Full-service aerial agricultural solutions including spraying (herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, growth promotants, liquid fertilisers), fertiliser application, seeding, pest control, livestock mustering, snow raking/feeding, wilding pine control, and heavy lifting.
6. Flight Training: Flight training services including Diploma in Aviation (2-year full-time, $115,000 domestic/$138,000 international), PPL training (minimum $30,000), CPL training (minimum additional $90,000), Hot Seat training experience ($695), and advanced mountain flying courses.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Wanaka Helicopters is a family-owned commercial helicopter operator and New Zealand CAA-approved flight training school based at Wanaka Airport on New Zealand's South Island. The company provides scenic helicopter flights (25 minutes to 3.5 hours), bespoke luxury charters, adventure packages, alpine wedding and proposal ceremonies, commercial long-line and agricultural aerial services, and pilot training programmes (PPL, CPL, Diploma in Aviation, and Advanced Mountain Flying). Operations extend across the Southern Lakes, Mount Aspiring National Park, Fiordland, and the West Coast via a secondary base at Makarora operated by sister company Backcountry Helicopters.

Product overview

Wanaka Helicopters is a family-owned commercial helicopter operator and flight training school offering a comprehensive portfolio of services. The core offering comprises scenic flights (ranging from 25-minute local experiences to half-day multi-landing adventures), bespoke luxury charters (including alpine picnics, Heli Wine & Dine, and private transfers), adventure charters (Last Frontier, Aspiring Adventure, Heli Snowshoe, Mt Cook discovery), and wedding/proposal packages at iconic mountain locations. Commercial services include precision long-line operations, mining/drill support, firefighting, surveying, frost protection, agricultural spraying/seeding/mustering, and heavy lifting. Flight training encompasses Private Pilot Licence (PPL), Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), Diploma in Aviation (both Rotary and Aeroplane), and advanced courses including mountain flying, night ratings, type ratings, and sling training. The fleet includes Robinson R44, MD 500, Airbus AS350 B2/B3 Squirrel, and the premium Airbus EC130. The company operates from Wanaka Airport and Makarora (via sister company Backcountry Helicopters) and is a Qualmark Gold certified operator.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Scenic Helicopter Flights A portfolio of scenic helicopter experiences ranging from 25 minutes (Wānaka Snow Experience with snow landing at 1200m) to 3.5 hours (Milford Sound Ultimate Experience with three landings), flying over Lake Wanaka, Mount Aspiring National Park, Fiordland National Park, and Aoraki/Mount Cook. Flights include alpine, glacier, and snow landings. Pricing is per person with 2-pax minimum across all packages.
• Helicopter Proposal Packages Helicopter proposal experiences at iconic alpine locations including Coromandel Peak (Mt Roy) at 4000ft, Pisa Range at 6500ft, Mount Alpha, the Wanaka Peninsula, Alta Lakes, Isobel Glacier at nearly 8000ft, and Lake Lochnagar. Packages include 30-45 minutes at the proposal location for photos and celebration, with helicopter options accommodating 1-3 or 3-6 guests.
• Helicopter Wedding Packages Helicopter wedding ceremonies at iconic alpine locations including Coromandel Peak, Pisa Range, Mount Alpha, the Wanaka Peninsula, Alta Tarns, Lake Lochnagar, Fog Peak, and the Isobel Glacier. Available as single-landing or dual-landing packages, with one-hour landings and multiple helicopter types (R44 for 1-3 people, Squirrel and EC130 for 3-6 people). Coordinated with wedding photographers, celebrants, and planners.
• Bespoke Luxury Helicopter Charters Tailored private helicopter experiences across the Southern Alps and lower South Island including alpine picnic packages with Central Otago Brut wine, the Heli Wine & Dine experience partnering with Rippon Vineyard and Kinross Wines, and seamless private transfers between luxury lodges across the South Island. Uses the only Airbus EC130 permanently based in Wanaka for VIP guests.
• Adventure Charter Packages Full-day and multi-day adventure packages including the Last Frontier Adventure (Southern Alps with West Coast beach landing and Sutherland Falls), the Aspiring Adventure (multiple landings with glacier landing and wild food lunch, optionally combined with Wilkin River Jets), and Discover Aoraki/Mt Cook (full-day experience to New Zealand's highest peak at 3724m with views of Fox and Franz Josef glaciers).
• Heli Snowshoe Adventure A winter adventure combining helicopter flight over Lake Wanaka with guided snowshoe trek through the Pisa Range at 1200m elevation, followed by a mountain hut platter and mulled wine with scenic return flight.
• Commercial Helicopter Operations Utility and commercial helicopter operations for mining and mineral exploration companies, government agencies, fire and emergency services, film productions, and other commercial entities. Includes precision long-line operations (up to 1,250 kg capacity with AS350 B3), mining and drill support, firefighting with monsoon bucket, surveying and GPS mapping, frost protection over vineyards and orchards, and aerial photography and filming. Held under CAA Part 135 Air Operator Certificate.
• Agricultural Aerial Services Full-service aerial agricultural solutions for local farmers and agricultural operations in the lower South Island region. Includes GPS-guided boom spraying (herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, growth promotants, liquid fertilisers), aerial fertiliser application, aerial seeding with optional fertiliser and slug bait, pest control (including wilding pine control), livestock mustering (sheep, cattle, deer), snow raking and snow feeding, and heavy lifting.
• Hunting and Fishing Charters Helicopter charter transport for hunting expeditions targeting Red Deer, Stag, Tahr, and Chamois, with concession access to untouched backcountry areas. Also provides personalized fly fishing transfers to remote rivers and streams in Otago and West Coast areas, with half-day, full-day, or multi-day options. Operated via sister company Backcountry Helicopters in Makarora.
• Private Pilot Licence (PPL) Training 50-hour minimum flight training programme enabling private helicopter operations for non-fare paying passengers. Includes six theory exams and mountain and cross-country flying components. Approximately 15 weeks full-time study. Minimum cost NZD $30,000.
• Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) Training 150-hour minimum training programme for the Commercial Pilot Licence enabling paid work as a pilot in command or co-pilot. Includes advanced sling load and mountain training. Approximately 45 weeks full-time study. Minimum cost NZD $90,000 additional to PPL.
• Diploma in Aviation (Rotary) Two-year full-time NZQA-approved Diploma in Aviation programme producing a CAA Commercial Pilot Licence (CPLH) and Diploma in Aviation qualification. The only flight school offering both Rotary and Aeroplane Diplomas. Government-subsidized, with student loan eligibility up to NZD $70,000. Domestic students NZD $115,000 ($103,000 if eligible for fees-free); international students NZD $138,000.
• Diploma in Aviation (Aeroplane) Two-year full-time Diploma in Aviation (Aeroplane) qualification delivered in partnership with Learn To Fly NZ, integrating rotary and fixed-wing knowledge for comprehensive aviation career preparation. Offered alongside the Rotary stream.
• Advanced Mountain Flying Course NZCAA-approved 10-hour advanced mountain flying course covering snow procedures, high altitudes, mountain wind conditions, limited power, and low-level operations in variable horizon environments. Includes theoretical and practical assessments. The only Advanced Mountain Flying Course approved in New Zealand.
• Hot Seat Training Experience One-hour helicopter flight experience with pre-flight ground lesson where participants can take the controls and learn fundamentals of helicopter flight under instructor guidance. Priced at NZD $695 per person. Suitable for aviation enthusiasts and prospective pilots.
• Gift Vouchers Gift vouchers for scenic flights, chartered flights, alpine picnics, and hot seat helicopter experiences. Available for purchase online via the website or via phone.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 511 combined 5-star reviews on Tripadvisor and Google
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Backcountry HelicopterscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Sister company operating as a second base from Makarora, providing strategic access to the West Coast and Landsborough areas. Enables comprehensive coverage of hunting, fishing, and commercial operations across the greater Southern Lakes region.
• Learn To Fly NZcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Partner company for fixed-wing flight training, added in 2022 with three Cessna 172 aircraft. Enables Wanaka Helicopters to offer both rotary and fixed-wing pilot training under the Diploma in Aviation programme.
• Journey Wedding CompanyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWedding photography and coordination partner featured in wedding gallery and partner listings.
• Andy Brown PhotographyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWedding photography partner featured in wedding gallery and partner listings.
• Charlotte Kiri PhotographyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWedding photography partner featured in wedding gallery and partner listings.
• Alpine Image Co.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerWedding photography partner featured in partner listings.
• Hide & Seek ElopementminorGTM or Marketing PartnerElopement services partner featured in wedding gallery and partner listings.
• The Good Wedding CompanyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWedding planning and coordination partner featured in partner listings.
• Rippon VineyardminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWine partner for Heli Wine & Dine experience, providing private wine tastings at their renowned Central Otago vineyard.
• Kinross WinesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWine partner for Heli Wine & Dine experience, offering tapas-style lunch in their wine garden in Gibbston Valley.
• Best Foot Forward GuidesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerExpert snowshoe guide partnership for Heli Snowshoe Adventure on the Pisa Range. Bob McLachan leads guided treks through pristine alpine landscapes.
• Wilkin River JetsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAdventure partner for Aspiring Adventure package, offering jet boating experiences up the Makarora and Wilkin Rivers before helicopter flight portion.
• Lake Wanaka TourismminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional tourism organization supported through Love Wanaka initiative and sustainable tourism programs.
• DOC (Department of Conservation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLongstanding support of DOC's Landsborough Valley work. Conservation and environmental protection collaboration with government agency managing NZ's national parks.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Southern Lakes Helicopters: Wanaka-area scenic and charter helicopter operator with comparable flight product portfolio (scenic, wedding, commercial). Direct competitor for Wanaka catchment tourist bookings and corporate charter.
• Heliworks Queenstown: Queenstown-headquartered helicopter scenic and charter operator, with sister training school (Heliworks Aviation) offering commercial pilot training. Directly competes for Southern Lakes tourist demand and adjacent flight training students, with shared regulatory oversight (CAA Part 135/141).
• Alpine Helicopters: Canterbury-based commercial and scenic helicopter operator with strong agricultural and precision-lift capabilities. Direct competitor for commercial/long-line work, frost protection, agricultural spraying, and sightseeing overlapping Wanaka's service areas.
• The Helicopter Line: NZ's largest multi-base helicopter tourism operator with locations in Queenstown, Franz Josef, Mt Cook, and Tekapo. Direct competitor across scenic, glacier landing, and Mt Cook sightseeing segments, with overlapping customer base and DOC concession access.
• Mount Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters: Mt Cook/Tasman Glacier scenic helicopter and ski plane operator offering glacier landings and Aoraki sightseeing. Direct competitor for the high-AOV Mount Cook / Tasman Glacier scenic segment that Wanaka also flies into.
• Glacier Helicopters: NZ South Island helicopter operator based in Franz Josef offering scenic glacier flights, snow landings, and West Coast commercial operations. Direct competitor for alpine scenic and charter demand in the same Southern Alps catchment, often booked alongside Wanaka by international visitors.
• Air Safaris & Helicopters (Mt Cook): Mt Cook-area scenic flight operator offering fixed-wing and helicopter glacier landings on Aoraki/Mt Cook and Tasman Glacier. Direct overlap on the Discover Mount Cook ($2850) and Tasman/Snow landing segments from the Wanaka catchment.
• Inflite Experiences: Formerly NZ Helicopter Services / Inflite Charters - nationwide NZ helicopter tourism operator across multiple bases. Broader NZ catchment competitor with comparable luxury charter, wedding, and scenic offerings plus corporate accounts.
• Over The Top Helicopters: Wanaka-based helicopter scenic and charter operator serving the same primary catchment (Wanaka, Mt Aspiring, West Coast). Direct competitor in wedding, proposal, and luxury charter segments operating from adjacent Wanaka Airport access.

Emerging players

• Eagle Flight Training: NZ-based flight training school offering rotary and fixed-wing pilot licences from a different region. Peer in the commercial flight training student pipeline, competing for domestic and international Diploma/CPL aspirants targeting CAA licensing.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@wanakahelicopters3642
• Facebookfacebook.com/wanakahelicoptersnz
• Instagraminstagram.com/wanakahelicopters
• Xx.com/wanakaheli
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/wanaka-helicopters

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Wanaka Helicopters