Our people are our most important asset and we are proud to be a family-owned and operated company. We have a great team culture – staff development and training are key aspects to our business model.

Our highly experienced team of pilots and ground crew enjoy a holistic working environment that aims to support the overall well-being and development of employees, fostering a sense of balance and satisfaction in both their personal and professional lives.

The local community of Lake Tekapo has supported us on our 50+ year journey and we give back by sponsoring events, donating to fundraisers, offering local rates to residents, flight famil to key staff and holding membership with the Tekapo Business and Promotion Association.

We work very closely with out local tourism organization, Mackenzie Tourism, and are actively engaged with Tourism New Zealand. We are also the members of the Tourism Industry Association.

We are committed to caring for the precious environment of the Te Manahuna Mackenzie Region, and New Zealand.

We reduce our impact by efficient management of resources, including recycling, pest plant and predator control at our base, including protection of the native Banded Dotterel bird, which actively nest around our airport.

We also have our own forestry block which we manage and is currently being harvested. This will be replanted in the Autumn of 2024.

We are committed to reducing our carbon emissions and increasing the efficiency of our operation. We have a modern aircraft fleet that allows us to operate with a reduced environmental impact

We are proud to be working with Department of Conservation to preserve and conserve Aotearoa/New Zealand’s treasured natural soundscapes and tranquil places.

To support this world-leading work, our aircraft have been fitted with DOC soundscape management GNSS spatial tracking devices.

We have an in house Environmental and Aircraft Noise minimization training. Our pilots fly with great consideration and awareness for the ground based users throughout the national parks.

We follow the principles of:

Kaitiakitanga – the guardianship, protection, and stewardship of the natural environment. The promise reflects a deep-rooted cultural and spiritual connection that the people of New Zealand have with the land, water and resources.

Manaakitanga – showing respect, hospitality, generosity, and care for others. The promise is about how one treats and interacts with others, embracing a spirit of kindness and support.

We also adhere to the Tiaki Promise, which involves in making a commitment to safeguard and care for various aspects of life, including the natural environment, cultural heritage, and the well-being of individuals and communities.

Air Safaris operates under a Safety Management System covering all parts of the operation including Health and Safety. This system has been developed with over 50 years operating experience. Our Safety management System is approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand, the regulating authority for aircraft operations in New Zealand. Also, Qualmark NZ recognizes our system as representing best practice for this area of our business.

We are committed to providing a safe, healthy environment for all staff and passengers to promote the most enjoyable experience possible. We have a great safety culture of mutual respect and support with all staff taking responsibility for fostering a safe operation.