Fiordland Helicopters was formed in the mid-1980s by Kim Hollows. Kim is a pioneer helicopter pilot and highly skilled operator in the venison (deer) recovery industry. He has a lot of stories to tell!
With hangars in both Te Anau and Orawia (just outside of Tuatapere), we are at the doorstep of the breathtaking Fiordland region. Kim and the team offer an extensive range of professional helicopter services. In addition to scenic flights, they offer everything from long line lifting operations, through to tailored hunting and fishing safaris. Just ask us…
Fiordland Helicopters is a New Zealand Civil Aviation approved air transport operator and a member of the Aviation Industry Association of New Zealand. It is, therefore, one of a small number of operators with landing permits within the conservation areas of Fiordland and Southland. We take this privilege seriously and are proud custodians of the landscape.
So get off the beaten track. Book your trip today with Fiordland Helicopters.
Our Mission
To provide a safe, efficient service to our clientele, catering to all their flying needs in Fiordland and the surrounding areas. Fiordland Helicopters strives to provide unparalleled expertise, experience and customer service on the ground, and in the air.
Kim Hollows – Director
Kim is a skilled pilot with over 40 years’ experience. He has flown throughout New Zealand but has spent most of his air time in the lower South Island and Fiordland. He has been involved in a wide variety of work, including: deer recovery, commercial helicopter operations, filming and photography. Kim also provides work for the Department of Conservation. Kim offers unrivalled scenic helicopter experiences to clients from all over the world.
K.E. Hollows Ltd, now known as Fiordland Helicopters, was formed in 1986 to share the beauty of New Zealand with others, particularly the World Heritage area of Fiordland National Park. With Kim’s vast knowledge and passion for this region, he then went on to create the unique film Ata Whenua – Shadowlands. This is a cinematic journey through Fiordland that shows daily at Fiordland Cinema. It is an expression of love for an area that is like no other.
Kim is also the founder of the Fiordland Conservation Trust, which was established in 2007. This is a community-driven initiative supporting conservation projects in Fiordland, Southland and New Zealand’s Sub-Antarctic Islands.
WOW, WOW, WOW (TA Oct 2019)
“This is the BEST trip we have EVER done!! Kim, our pilot, was fabulous from start to finish, with lots of knowledge of the area”.
Mark Hollows – Chief Pilot
Mark began his flying career right here in Fiordland over 40 years ago. Specializing in wild animal recovery with Alpine Helicopters, he has gone on to work with Kim at Fiordland Helicopters. He is one of Fiordland’s most experienced helicopter pilots.
The majority of his flying has been in Fiordland and its surrounds. However Mark has also spent a few New Zealand winters flying in Alaska on a wide range of jobs. These included wild animal capture and research, mineral exploration, mining support, drilling, heavy lifting operations and aerial surveys.
His favourite place to fly is around Dusky Sound and along the coast due to the extensive Maori and early European history of this area. He loves to share his incredible local knowledge with his passengers. We have many testimonials from delighted customers who have experienced the helicopter trip of a lifetime with Mark as their pilot.
“Mark’s skill had us landing near mountain tarns, hovering up the faces of waterfalls hundreds of metres high, flying into the chasms of Fiords to emerge into new kingdoms of beauty”. (TA Feb 2019)
Dale Green – CEO
Dale began his flying career back in 2006, following in his father’s footsteps. He has gained all his flying time in the southern region of Fiordland, Southland and Stewart Island. Being based at our Orawia hangar, this is Dale’s domain and he is the “go to” man for any flights south of Dusky Sound.
A skilled pilot – he has been involved in a large range of flight operations such as commercial, heavy lifting, and aerial fire fighting and crayfish support. He is largely involved in conservation including bird transfers and pest control, track access and coastal clean ups. As well as being currently part of the Coal Island Trust .
“A fine pilot. Will get you where you need to be”. (FB Apr 2018)
Friends of Fiordland Helicopters – Part of the Explore Fiordland Family
Fiordland Helicopters, The Cinema Suites in Te Anau, The Black Dog Bar and Fiordland Cinema are all part of Explore Fiordland. All created by Kim Hollows, these local companies work together to provide bespoke Fiordland experiences and exclusive packages that show you the real Fiordland. Many of the experiences provided by us cannot be matched by any other company. This is what makes us a favourite for our clients, many of whom return again and again. You will not be the same when you leave us – the memories and the scenery will stay with you forever.
Get in contact with the team today to plan the trip of a lifetime.
