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.

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, India, he came to New Zealand to pursue his dream of flying and earned his Commercial Pilot Licence here. With a strong background as a Flight Instructor, he joined Air Safaris in May 2023.

He’s a big fan of the outdoors, especially multi-day hikes in the mountains, often staying overnight in huts. When he’s not flying or exploring, you’ll likely find him playing cricket, getting into other sports, or out riding his motorbike.

Aeroplane Pilot

He is our newest member of the Air Safaris team, starting in June 2026. Originally from Wellington, Stephen started flying at his local aero club on the Kāpiti Coast and setting him on the path to complete his commercial training at Nelson Aviation College.

Before pursuing aviation fulltime, Stephen worked across a range of roles in retail and tourism, building strong people skills and a customer-focused approach. 

Outside of work, Stephen loves to stay active and make the most of the outdoors. He’s big into snow sports and motorbikes, and enjoys exploring the country whenever he gets the chance.

Ground Crew

Isaac is the youngest member of the Rayward family and has been pitching in as part of the Ground Crew for a few years now.

While juggling school and helping out at the airport, he earned his Private Pilot Licence through the South Canterbury Aero Club and has his sights set on gaining his Commercial Licence next.

When he’s not working or flying, Isaac enjoys gaming, biking, sport shooting, and hunting and he’s always up for a good cup of tea.

Marketing Manager

Born and raised in Hawke’s Bay, Jo spent most of her life in the North Island before discovering that the South Island was truly where she belonged.

Her marketing career began in Auckland and eventually led her to the Mackenzie Basin, where she has been a proud member of the community for the past seven years. Jo now enjoys the rewarding balance of raising her children on a high country farm station while contributing her skills to the team.

Outside of work, Jo loves running, horse riding, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Administrative Coordinator

Neve started with Air Safaris in January 2026 and is part of the Ground Crew team at the Lake Tekapo base.

You can find her at reception, helping with bookings, answering enquiries, creating social media content and making sure everything runs smoothly before our guests take to the skies. 

She also thoroughly enjoys bossing the staff around to gather social media content.

She is a big fan of the outdoors, and outside of work you’ll usually find her out in the hills hunting or fishing with her partner, Max, and their black Labrador, Stella.

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

Administrative Coordinator