Department of Conservation

Rakiura Helicopters are Department of Conservation Authorised Concessionares. We are proud supporters of the Kakapo Recovery program on Codfish Island transporting DOC personnel, Volunteers and Cargo to assist in the recovery of this endangered nocturnal parrot.

We provide a range of helicopter services to DOC including: Aerial Surveying, Hut and Track Maintenance, Remote location crew transfers, Supply drops, Mammal Surveys, and Noxious Weed Management in the Murihiku and Southern Islands Areas.

 Environmental Emergency Response

Rakiura Helicopters is on standby to assist with accident, emergency and environmental situations as required.

These types of situations include:
- Spill Containment
- Coastal Clean ups
- Flooding
- Whale stranding

 Freight Transport

We regularly transport freight and personnel for operators in the southern region. Whether it be parts, engineers or supplies for the commercial fishing industry, or tools and materials for a remote hut, Rakiura Helicopters has the solution.

 Precision Lifting

Our pilots are experienced on long-line operations including, off boat operations, gravel spreading, building material relocation etc.

Each of our aircraft are equipped with hooks and lifting equipment to suit most lifting operations.

 Offshore Ship Transport

Rakiura Helicopters provides transport services for many offshore vessels including local fishermen, offshore trawlers and cruise ships.

Our services include transporting parts, engineers and personnel, medical evacuations, customs/qurantine and also transporting MAF and Customs officers to and from international vessels.

 Aerial Photography

Rakiura Helicopters has participated in many filming projects in the Southern region.

We have an approved harness and safety equipment for doors-off filming and photography work.
 

 Repeater and Weather Station Servicing

Rakiura Helicopters is available to provide fast efficient access to southlands radio repeaters and weather stations for servicing.

Our machines are also equipped with cargo hooks to transport any large equipment to/from these remote sites.

 Search and Rescue

We are on call for all emergencies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, providing emergency support of all types and endeavour to provide a safe efficient service to the lower south.

We are readily on standby for:
- Search and Rescue
- Medical Evacuations
- Maritime Emergencies
- Natural Disasters

The team at Rakiura Helicopters are frequently attending courses to aid and better our service to the public. Our pilots are HUET (Helicopter Underwater Escape) trained and also qualified Air Observers recognised by LandSar, Police and RCCNZ. Our emergency equipment is checked and serviced to the highest standard, this includes Life Jackets, Rafts, Immersions and Dry Suits and Scoop-Nets.
 

 Heli-Surveying

We can equip our helicopters to suit your requirements for surveys. All Rakiura Helicopter’s Pilots have carried out many survey operations ranging from seismic data recording to forest protection surveys and general aerial counting.