About Us

An award-winning company, operating for over 50 years

We have been flying aircraft in the Mount Cook and Westland National Parks since 1970. The same pioneering family, still own and operate the company. Over the last 50 years we have grown from a single aircraft operation to a fleet of 8 aircraft. We are one of New Zealand’s largest scenic flight airlines.

Safety is our number one priority and our company has been awarded “The Director of Civil Aviation’s Award for Safety” and has gained considerable recognition over the years for contributions to air safety in the region.

We operate a large and varied fleet of modern aircraft, which are designed especially for flight-seeing. The company operates from its own airports located at both Lake Tekapo and Franz Josef Glacier. In addition, bases at Glentanner Park (near Mount Cook) and Twizel ensure flexible flight options for larger tour groups and charter flights.

Our pilots are extremely experienced in this alpine environment and provide a full in flight commentary on the countryside they know.

We are proud to be Qualmark endorsed and also have Qualmark Enviro GOLD accreditation.

We look forward to flying you.

Flying aircraft
Since 1970
Operation
Over the last 50+ years
Fleet
8 Aircraft
Awarded
The Director of Civil Aviation’s Award for Safety
Endorsed
Qualmark Enviro GOLD
Located
Lake Tekapo & Franz Josef Glacier

Company History

Family owned and operated since 1970

1970

Air Safaris commenced operations in 1970 based at Mesopotamia, a well known High Country Sheep Station in the Rangitata Valley. The fledgling company gained an Air Service Charter and Scenic Flying Licence and for three years operated a 3 passenger Cessna 180 aircraft, transporting and guiding trampers, fishermen, hunters, photographers and sightseers into the remote areas of the Aoraki Mount Cook region.

1973

In 1973 the company purchased its own brand new aircraft, a 5 passenger Cessna 185, and the scenic flying side of the operation was extended to introduce the Grand Traverse flight for visitors at Lake Tekapo using a short grass airstrip courtesy of Mount John Sheep Station.

1975

Moving from the original Tekapo airstrip in 1975 Air Safaris established the Lake Tekapo Aerodrome complete with sealed runway, hangars and passenger facilities. A brand new 5 passenger Cessna 206 was purchased followed by another bringing capacity up to 15 passengers.

1978

In 1978 in the first of many pioneering changes to New Zealand scenic aviation, Air Safaris introduced the Swiss built Pilatus Turbo Porter, a turbo prop short takeoff and landing machine carrying up to 10 passengers. This milestone set the scene for larger, quieter turbine powered aircraft in a continuing effort to carry more passengers with fewer aircraft movements with the minimum noise impact in the alpine areas. For a number of winters both the Cessna 185 and Pilatus Porter were operated with skies.

1981

During 1981 the company introduced the Australian built GAF Nomad, bringing yet another new class of aircraft to scenic operations in the Mount Cook area. Carrying up to 15 passengers this twin turbo prop became the mainstay of the Air Safaris operation. Carrying the equivalent of three smaller aircraft, the larger and extremely quiet Nomad was another major step in minimising congestion and noise in the environmentally sensitive alpine regions.

1991

With the extended capability of the Nomad aircraft the company entered into contracts to provide a back up service on South Island routes for major air carriers and in 1991 commenced operating a scheduled service between Timaru and Christchurch in the Air Nelson and Air New Zealand Link network. In 1995 Air Safaris purchased the Franz Josef based company Westair and established a West Coast base, developing a sealed runway which became the new Franz Josef Aerodrome.

2002

In 2002 Air Safaris introduced larger, quiet aircraft (Cessna Grand Caravan & GA8 Airvans) and operational procedures to minimise noise impact, Air Safaris continued to be active in promoting environmental awareness in aircraft operations. New branding was launched in 2003 and both the Lake Tekapo & Franz Josef offices were modernised.

2009

In 2009 a new turbocharged GA8 Airvan was purchased to add to the 3 normally aspirated Airvans operated by Air Safaris. The turbocharged GA8 is the first to be operated in New Zealand and is fitted with a three bladed prop which will assist in reducing the noise footprint of the Air Safaris fleet. Significant upgrades were also made during this time to the companys main terminal building at Lake Tekapo Aerodrome.

2012

During 2012 a R44 Raven II helicopter was added to the Air Safaris fleet and the company received NZCAA approval to conduct commercial helicopter operations. From 2013-2014 several new helicopter products were developed to complement the Grand Traverse.

2016

In October 2016 Air Safaris took delivery (and ferried back to NZ from the USA) a brand new Cessna Grand Caravan EX. This became the first Grand Caravan EX operating in NZ and is one of the best sightseeing aircraft in the world today. This aircraft will be used by Air Safaris on charter and scenic operations throughout the South Island of NZ.

2017

During the first half of 2017 Air Safaris imported a Bell 206L3 from Canada to replace the R44. Helicopter options were expanded from Lake Tekapo.

2018

The summer at times saw 3 family generations working together! This is was a proud moment for CEO Richard Rayward.

Environmental Policy
Our Environmental Promise

Qualmark Enviro Gold accredited recognising our high standards of environmental practices

The Grand Traverse will provide all people, regardless of age and physical ability, the opportunity to experience our remote alpine regions without leaving any lasting trace or requiring infrastructure such as roads, tracks, and huts.

Air Safaris has adopted specific operating procedures to minimise effects on ground-based activities both within the Aoraki Mount Cook and Westland Tai Poutini National Parks and bordering areas and maintains a culture of environmental awareness and a commitment to the principles of Responsible Tourism.

In particular the company maintains a commitment to:

Maximising energy efficiency, minimising waste, waste management, water conservation, minimising aircraft noise emission, and consideration of ground based values.
Investment in newer larger aircraft selected for their quieter mode of operation and great viewing opportunities.

Air Safaris believes the fundamental success of environment policies is underpinned by an ingrained culture of awareness, consideration and genuine concern for the environment in all things we do. Such a culture leads to a thoughtful, constructive, consistent and pro active approach on noise, energy, and waste issues.

Air Safaris has gained a Qualmark Enviro Gold Award recognising our high standards of environmental practices. All businesses carrying the Qualmark logo are assessed on their environmental performance – with Enviro Awards given to top performers in five key action areas.

Energy efficiency
Waste management
Water conservation
Community activities
Conservation initiatives

Qualmark is New Zealand tourism’s official quality assurance organisation providing independent assessment of accommodation and activities throughout New Zealand.

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Air Safaris & Services (NZ) Ltd

P.O. Box 71, Lake Tekapo 7945
New Zealand

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