Founding partner, CEO and Airline Flight Examiner

An avid cinematographer and outdoor adventurer who fell in love with flying in 1965 and has been flying ever since. In 1970, he started Air Safaris with one aircraft, a three-seater Cessna 180, out of Mesopotamia Station, flying hunters, fishermen, trampers and sightseers. 

Richard is the recipient of the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand Director’s award to an individual, 2016.

Today, you will still see Richard at our Lake Tekapo Aerodrome most days, and he still flies his beloved Cessna 180.

Operations Manager and Airline Flight Examiner

Born and raised in Lake Tekapo, he started with the family business at a very young age and flies both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. He also holds a science degree in Geography and Geology.

You will see Tim at our Lake Tekapo base most days, managing the operations, and often piloting flights. We now, at times, have three generations of the Rayward family working at Air Safaris.

Outside of work, he enjoys hunting, tramping, biking, jet boating and sport shooting.

Administrative Coordinator

A true Southlander, born and bred, Teri started working with Air Safaris in September 2022 and wears numerous hats working as an Administrative Coordinator.

She is a very passionate about gardening and absolutely loves cooking. She also has numerous rescued cats, inherited sheep named Nelly and a Great Dane named Indy, who she loves taking on big walks and road trips.

Aeroplane Pilot and Safety Manager

Justin was born and raised in sunny Nelson, and from an early age, he always wanted to fly. He started flying at the age of 15, qualified as a commercial pilot at 19 and began working with Air Safaris in October 2018.

Outside of work, Justin has represented New Zealand in underwater hockey and is very active in outdoor activities. Amongst many things, he enjoys running, mountain biking, and fixing his jet ski.

Aeroplane Pilot

Matthew gained his Commercial Pilot licence with IAANZ in Christchurch and started flying with Air Safaris in February 2023.

His passion for aviation extends to Warbirds and he is working on getting type rated on the De Havilland Tiger Moth. He speaks Japanese, Mandarin and is our in-house translator.

Outside aviation, he is a very keen photographer and has been playing the bagpipes for the last 13 years competing in competitions across New Zealand and Australia.

Aeroplane Pilot

Originally from Mumbai in India, he first arrived in New Zealand as a student to gain his Commercial Pilot Licence. He is an experienced Flight Instructor and started flying with Air Safaris in May 2023.

He enjoys multi-day hikes around the mountains, often staying overnight in huts and loves all sorts of outdoor activities. He is very much into cricket, other sports and enjoys riding his motorbike.

Aeroplane Pilot

Born and bred in Wanaka, Lukas gained his Private Pilot Licence flying around the Southern Alps region, before moving to Nelson Aviation College to complete his Diploma in Aviation.

He is the recent addition to the Air Safaris team and spends most of his spare time in the outdoors. A very avid mountain biker and multi sport athlete. He speaks German and adds to the multi-lingual staff here at Air Safaris.

Ground Crew

Isaac is the youngest in the Rayward family and has been helping out as a Ground Crew for a number of years now.

In addition to attending school and assisting at the airport, he has recently achieved his Private Pilot Licence at the South Canterbury Aero Club and plans to eventually earn his Commercial Pilot Licence.

In his spare time, he enjoys gaming, biking, sport shooting, hunting and enjoys a cup of tea ever so often.

Administrative Coordinator

Kennedy  grew up in South Canterbury and moved to Lake Tekapo in 2021. He holds a Diploma in Business Management and spent the subsequent years as a licensed real estate agent in the Mackenzie Country.

Kennedy started with Air Safaris in June 2024 and is a car enthusiast, who also enjoys skiing and exploring new mountains, has martial arts experience, plays the guitar, and likes boating and exploring lakes during the summer.

Aeroplane Pilot and Base Captain

Tony is our Franz Josef Base Captain and joined Air Safaris in 1997. He’s true West Coaster with a quirky sense of humour.

Tony dedicates most of his time to flying and also enjoys holiday breaks overseas with his lovely wife – especially cruises.

Administrative Coordinator