Thread: Queenstown Helicopter Operators

Hey team,

Does anyone know of a reputable helicopter operator for hunting trips based out of Queenstown?

I've looked at the doc list of approved operators but there are a heap of scenic-focused ones and I'm not clear who are the "usuals" for hunting.

Any advice appreciated.
Cheers,
Elliott

Havent flown out of Queenstown for a few years, preferring to fly out of Wanaka. Great service from James at Aspiring Helicopters, 20 minutes out of Wanaka at Cattle Flat.

Awesome, thanks mate - I'll get in touch with them.

If anyone has any recommendations for Queenstown based operators that would be great too.

Glenorchy really looked after us and we're cheaper by a heap.

Thanks Micky, will get in touch with them too.

GY helicopter and Alpine helicopter
Same owner

Thanks Gkp, much appreciated.

James at Aspiring Heli, is a great guy and will be helpful. Depends where you are going of course.

Thanks Brent! Had a few recommendations for James now, so will definitely give him a bell.

So, this is the first fly-in trip I've been charged with organising and I have learned a fair bit. Thought I would pass it on in case it's useful for someone:

1. Be specific with requirements eg. 3 people under 90kg with 30kg gear each and provide coordinates for your drop off/pick up if known. A couple of operators have been conservative when I wasn't specific and quoted for the bigger machines which are more expensive.
2. Make sure they FULLY understand where you are going. There are different rates for different areas and this can affect your quote.
3. If possible (without being rude) try to speak with someone who is used to dealing with hunters. Four separate operators I've spoken with have had the "person at the front desk" on the phone who are used to dealing with wedding parties/scenic flights (the exception being Aspiring Heli - both Alex and James were great). This point seems the most important as it has resulted in both of the first two points: 1. Being quoted for a big bird and 2. using the wrong area rate. This resulted in a close to $6000 quote when it should have been less than $2500 - thankfully they caught and corrected it.
4. Check that the operator has a concession, if required - landing fee will add ~$150 to your quote.

Probably obvious to most but will help getting an accurate quote efficiently. I bumbled through a few confusing conversations thinking "this should be easier" before getting more specific and direct.