A Queenstown helicopter company founded by legendary Fiordland aviator Sir Richard Hayes has new owners.

Heliworks Queenstown has been acquired by Heli Glenorchy, which is owned by Action Helicopters Limited. Heli Glenorchy director and chief pilot Nick Nicholson and co-director and maintenance controller Blair Christmas said they were proud and delighted to announce the move, which came into effect yesterday (September 1).

Nick Nicholson grew up in Te Anau and has spent the majority of his flying career in the mountains of Fiordland, the Southern Lakes region and Alaska, including invaluable time spent working for Sir Richard.

His love and intimate knowledge of flying in the region led him to set up Heli Glenorchy five years ago. It operates a modern fleet of helicopters from the Glenorchy Airstrip on the doorstep of the Southern Alps, Mount aspiring and Fiordland National Parks.

Heliworks Queenstown Helicopters 2012 Ltd offers a wide range of Queenstown and Glenorchy scenic flight experiences, and provides a range of helicopter services from search and rescue and commercial operations to filming and tourism. 

Mr Nicholson said it was a “privilege” for him and Mr Christmas to take the reins of such an iconic brand. 

“We’re excited about the opportunity and challenge that lies ahead,” he said.

“Hannibal built this brand from the ground up, and I was lucky enough to work beside him for a number of years. Taking this business into the future is now a dream realised, even in these trying times.”

Sir Richard said he was proud to see Heliworks Queenstown going into the safe and capable hands of Nick, who he respected both as a former employee and director of another locally-operated and family-owned helicopter company.

“My wife Carol and I are happy to hand on the baton to Nick who we’re sure will continue the good name we’ve strived so long to establish,” he said. 

Sir Richard and Lady Carol Hayes will continue to operate Southern Lakes Helicopters Ltd in Fiordland and the Mount Cook operations. 

“We are looking forward to a close working relationship with the new Heliworks team.”