Heli Tours Queenstown joins forces with Fiordland Charters

An award-winning Queenstown commercial scenic flight provider is expanding its business into the heart of Fiordland wilderness.

Heli Tours Queenstown has announced it is joining forces with renowned boat charter business Fiordland Charters, to extend their offering from air to sea.

The two have had a collaborative business relationship for a number of years, with Heli Tours Queenstown providing air transfers to Fiordland Charters’ boat MV Pembroke.

Fiordland Charters takes up to eight guests at a time on fully-catered trips ranging from three to seven nights in the most remote area in Fiordland. All charters are individually customised to requirements, with activities ranging from diving and fishing to sea kayaking, hunting, exploring or simply relaxing and taking in the scenery.

Scallops, paua, crayfish, mussels and different fish species are taken to supplement meals for passengers on board.

Owners Paul and Katherine Mitchell says the existing business already has a great customer base as one of the longest charter boat companies operating in Dusky and Breaksea Sounds.

“The purchase is a logical step for our business growth,” says Paul.

“We want to provide a totally immersive Fiordland escape for our guests, and joining forces with Fiordland Charters was the perfect opportunity to do this.

“The merger will underpin Fiordland’s tourism offering, strengthen the industry, and expand current options available to visitors from all around the world as well as New Zealanders.”

The successful Fiordland charter company is owned by Queenstown business owners Derek and Anna Brown, former owners of Browns Ski Shop.

"We look forward to continuing the successful hard work that Derek and Anna have done," says Katherine.

“Paul and I will work alongside them over the next 12 months to ensure Fiordland Charters continues to provide the best experience for guests visiting this stunning part of the country”.

Derek says after 21 years of operating tours in Fiordland, he and his wife Anna are ready to take a step back.

“We’re preparing for semi-retirement,” says Derek. “It’s been an incredible journey but it’s time to hand the company over to the next generation.

“Paul and Katherine are the perfect people for the job. They have the right background, experience and love the region as much as we do. That’s the most important thing.”

Heli Tours Queenstown is part of the Tourism Industry Sustainability Commitment, leading the world in sustainable tourism, and Paul and Katherine say Fiordland Charters’ core values align with their pledge to safeguard World UNESCO protected Fiordland National Park.

Heli Tours Queenstown is the only private and locally-owned helicopter company flying from the resort town and has been operating into Fiordland since 2010.

The heli company offers authentic local experiences covering the majority of the South Island including Queenstown, Central Otago, Fiordland, Catlins and Canterbury regions with snow and glacier landings, food and wine tours, fishing and hunting, hiking, farm experiences and custom tours.

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