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Experience
the Extraordinary

Experience the South Island's beauty with our signature and scenic flights and private charters, tailored to create an unforgettable journey.

We live and work in a truly extraordinary place — the Mackenzie Basin. Nestled in the heart of the Southern Alps, this unique intermontane basin is home to New Zealand's highest mountains, iconic lakes, and treasured conservation areas. Here, the air is pure, and the night skies are incredible.

 

Let us share this extraordinary place with you.

Featured Experiences

Signature Experiences

Unforgettable helicopter adventures designed to showcase the best of the Southern Alps. From snow landings to gourmet picnics, discover unique alpine experiences.

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Scenic Experiences

Experience the iconic beauty of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Mackenzie Region from above. Breathtaking views of turquoise lakes, towering mountains, and vast glaciers await.

Adventure Experiences

Our adventure experiences offer unparalleled access to NZ's remote backcountry. Galcier hikes, Tasman heli-skiing, and alpine paddleboarding connect you with the wild heart of the Southern Alps.

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Bespoke Experiences

Let your imagination run wild – From epic adventures to romantic getaways, we'll design an experience that exceeds your expectations.

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Commercial

We offer a range of commercial and agricultural helicopter services alongside tourism.

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Our Fleet

We operate a modern and highly capable fleet that is ideal for both tourism and commercial operations.

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Conservation

We are deeply committed to protecting the pristine environment of the Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mackenzie Regions.

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Our Story

Mackenzie Helicopters is a family-owned and operated business by Mark and Casey Pridham. Mark's decade of flying experience and passion for the outdoors drives every journey.

 

Together, they've built a team of experienced pilots dedicated to showcasing New Zealand's South Island and creating unforgettable experiences for visitors worldwide.

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What Guests Say

"Absolutely the BEST way to see the area. Mark is an amazing pilot and the helicopter is immaculate. Great people, great fun. Highly recommend!"

Our Location

Located 7km south of Lake Tekapo, exactly halfway between Christchurch and Queenstown, Mackenzie Helicopters is perfectly positioned for you to explore our breathtaking landscape.

 

Immerse yourself in the turquoise waters, dramatic mountains, and starry skies of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

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