Fiordland Helicopters was formed in the mid 1980's by Kim Hollows - a pioneer and highly skilled long-time operator in the venison (deer) recovery industry.

Based in Te Anau, at the doorstep of the breath-taking and unique Fiordland, Fiordland Helicopters offers an extensive range of professional helicopter services, from long line lifting operations and scenic flights through to tailored hunting and fishing safaris.

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 one of a limited number of operators with landing permits and concessions to operate within the conservation areas of Fiordland, Southland, Otago and the West Coast.

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 offer and provide unparalleled expertise, experience and customer service on the ground and in the air.

Individual Profiles:

Kim Hollows, Owner/Pilot

Kim has 25 years experience in the helicopter industry with 15000 hours of flight time - 10,000 in MD500 series helicopters.  Kim has flown throughout New Zealand, but has spent the majority of his air time in the lower South Island and Fiordland.
A former Alpine Helicopter pilot, specializing in wild animal operations, he went on to form his own company in 1986 – K.E. Hollows Ltd. This company is today known as Fiordland Helicopters.

Jonathan Larrivee, Chief Pilot

Jonathan has been flying helicopters for 13 years, accumulating over 9000 hours of flight time - 5000 of which are in MD 500 series helicopters.  Over half of his experience has been in wild animal capture and recovery, the remainder supporting commercial fishing boats, mineral exploration, seismic and survey operations.   He spent a number of years flying overseas, mainly in Alaska.

Our Fleet:

Fiordland Helicopters operate MD500 helicopters. The MD500's possess impressive maneuverability and cargo capacity (internal and external).

The MD500D model can carry up to 2000 pounds on a cargo hook and land on slopes up to 15 degrees. It has an internal load of 500kg (passangers & gear).

The MD500C model can carry up to 1800 pounds on a cargo hook and land on slopes up to 15 degrees. It has an internal load of 350kg (passengers & gear).