Harris Mountains Heli-Ski

What Harris Mountains Heli-Ski does

Harris Mountains Heli-Ski (HMH) is a New Zealand heli-ski operator founded in 1978 by Paul Scaife, operating from three base locations — Queenstown, Wānaka, and Aoraki/Mount Cook — to deliver guided backcountry ski and snowboard experiences in the Southern Alps. The company holds exclusive access to over 3,000 square kilometers of terrain across 11 mountain ranges with 400+ runs, the largest footprint of any New Zealand heli-ski operator, and operates a fleet of AS 350 Squirrel helicopters under the highest level of Civil Aviation Authority certification for heli-ski operations. Service delivery is supported by UIAGM/NZMGA-certified guides at a 1:4-5 guide-to-guest ratio and an in-house avalanche forecasting program that feeds the regional public avalanche advisory. HMH is wholly owned by Totally Tourism Ltd., a South Island tourism conglomerate whose portfolio also includes The Helicopter Line (a core aircraft partner) and Aspiring Helicopters.

The commercial offering is structured around tiered per-person day packages (4, 5, 7, or 10 runs) priced from $1,645 to $2,295 NZD, plus a three-tier private charter line (Single Load from $14,500, Double Load from $16,795, custom 'You Decide') and a gift voucher product from $500+. Distribution is direct-to-consumer: bookings are processed through a Rezdy-powered booking engine on heliski.co.nz and supplemented by walk-in traffic at the Queenstown and Wānaka offices, with no reseller or travel-agent intermediaries evident. Marketing is operated in-house via the website, a Powder Alarm email newsletter, Instagram, a content journal, and a dedicated Chinese-language site targeting inbound Chinese tourists.

Operations are seasonal (Southern Hemisphere winter, approximately June through September/October) and weather-dependent, with a full-refund policy for adverse conditions. Customers are predominantly strong-intermediate to expert skiers/snowboarders and international adventure tourists (with named feeder markets including Japan, Australia, and China). Current leadership comprises Hugh Barnard (Manager, IFMGA guide, 32nd season) and Mike Madden (Chief Guide). Revenue is not disclosed; no external funding rounds, acquisitions, or institutional investors are evidenced.

Name

Harris Mountains Heli-Ski

Legal name

Harris Mountains Heli-Ski

Website

https://heliski.co.nz

Company type

Private

Founded year

1978

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Harris Mountains Heli-Ski is a New Zealand-based heli-ski operator, wholly owned by Totally Tourism Ltd., offering guided backcountry ski and snowboard day packages and private charters across 3,000+ sq km of Southern Alps terrain from Queenstown, Wānaka, and Aoraki/Mount Cook bases.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Adventure Tourism / Heli-Ski Services

NAICS

Skiing Facilities (71392), Skiing Facilities (713920), Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation (481219)

SIC

Air Transportation, Nonscheduled (4522)

akta.pro primary industry

Guided Backcountry & Off-Piste Services (Ski Touring, Splitboarding, Heli/Cat Skiing) (THAAAJAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Winter & Mountain Guides (Ski, Snowshoe, Avalanche, Ice Climbing) (THAAALAF)

Keywords

• Heli-ski tourism
• Backcountry skiing
• Alpine adventure services
• Helicopter ski packages
• Private charter experiences

Headquarters

HQ city

Queenstown

HQ country

New Zealand

HQ region

Oceania

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Heli-Ski Day Packages: Per-person pricing for scheduled heli-ski experiences ranging from 4 to 10 runs. Prices vary by location (Queenstown, Wanaka, Aoraki/Mount Cook), number of runs, and skill level required. Additional runs available at $165 per run.
2. Private Charter Experiences: Exclusive helicopter charter for private groups with dedicated guide. Single Load (up to 4 guests) from $14,500, Double Load (5-10 guests) from $16,795. Includes 2 hours helicopter flight time with additional time charged at $2,750 per half hour.
3. Gift Vouchers: Gift cards available from $500+, allowing recipients to book experiences or use as credit toward any heli-ski package.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Harris Mountains Heli-Ski is a New Zealand heli-ski operator that provides guided helicopter-accessed backcountry skiing and snowboarding experiences across the Southern Alps. The company sells per-person day packages (4, 5, 7, and 10-run options) and exclusive private helicopter charters from base locations in Queenstown, Wanaka, and Aoraki/Mount Cook. Services include certified mountain guides, avalanche safety equipment, alpine picnic lunches, and weather-rescheduling flexibility.

Product overview

Harris Mountains Heli-Ski is a premier heli-ski operator in New Zealand offering guided backcountry ski and snowboard experiences from three base locations: Queenstown, Wānaka, and Aoraki/Mount Cook. The core product portfolio consists of scheduled heli-ski day packages differentiated by run count (4, 5, 7, or 10 runs) and skill level (Intermediate through Expert), plus an Intro to Heli-Ski for beginners. Premium private charter options (Single Load, Double Load, and customized You Decide) provide exclusive helicopter access for groups. All experiences include certified mountain guides, avalanche safety equipment, and alpine picnic lunch. The company operates across over 3,000 square kilometers of exclusive terrain spanning 11 mountain ranges with more than 400 runs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 4 Run Day Experience Introductory heli-ski experience for intermediate skiers and snowboarders, including 4 runs with terrain ranging from 450-900m vertical in sheltered basins and bowls. Available from Queenstown and Wanaka base locations.
• 7 Run Day Classic The most popular heli-ski option for advanced to expert skiers, featuring 7 runs with access to steeper terrain, chutes, and glaciers when conditions permit. Available from Queenstown and Wanaka.
• 10 Run Day Max Vert Ultimate challenge for experienced powder skiers including 10 runs at a fast pace, with runs ranging 450-900m vertical through treeless terrain. Available from Queenstown and Wanaka.
• 5 Run Classic Day Aoraki/Mount Cook Classic heli-ski experience at New Zealand's highest alpine playground featuring longer runs, higher annual snowfall, and terrain among seracs and glaciers in the Aoraki/Mount Cook region.
• 5 Run Day Aoraki/Mount Cook with Fixed-Wing Scenic Flight Combines a fixed-wing scenic flight from Queenstown or Wanaka with 5 classic heli-ski runs at Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest alpine terrain.
• Intro to Heli-Ski Designed for intermediate skiers new to heli-ski, offering up to 4 runs at a relaxed pace with time for photos in the backcountry. Available from Queenstown and Wanaka.
• Single Load Private Charter Exclusive helicopter charter for up to 4 guests with 2 hours of flight time, dedicated guide, and access to thousands of vertical feet of untracked snow.
• Double Load Private Charter Private helicopter charter for groups of 5-10 guests with exclusive terrain access and personal guide. Weight restrictions may limit to 8 clients.
• You Decide Private Charter Fully customized private charter experience tailored to group preferences, abilities, and schedule. Pricing on application.
• Gift Voucher Gift vouchers available from NZD $500+, redeemable toward any heli-ski package or experience.

Quantifiable outcome

• Minimum 4 runs per day with runs varying 450-900+ vertical meters
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• The Helicopter LinecoreTechnology or IntegrationPrimary helicopter partner providing aircraft and pilots for heli-ski operations. Same parent company (Totally Tourism) as Harris Mountains Heli-Ski. Operates AS 350 Squirrel helicopters with highest CAA certification. Provides experienced pilots with specific alpine flying experience.
• Aspiring HelicopterscoreTechnology or IntegrationHeli-ski partner based in Wanaka providing helicopter services for Wanaka region operations. Has safety record second to none with solid reputation among commercial customers. Offers services including fire fighting, mustering, pest control, heavy lifting.
• Totally Tourism LtdcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent company that owns Harris Mountains Heli-Ski. Provides operational infrastructure and umbrella brand for multiple South Island tourism brands including Mitre Peak Cruises, Alpine Guides, Cecil Peak Cribs, Glacier Helicopters, The Helicopter Line, and Milford Sound Flights.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/harrismountainsheliski
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/harris-mountains-heli-ski

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 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 Harris Mountains Heli-Ski