Lead seasonal aerial operations safely across hunting, fishing, hiking, and tourism flights

Seasonal AS350/MD500 Aerial Work Pilot – New Zealand

Helicopter Line Pilot – Seasonal

Company: Wanaka Helicopter Group Location: Makarora, Otago, New Zealand Type: Full time Posted: Yesterday

The Role

Backcountry Helicopters is looking for an experienced Pilot to join our small, tight-knit team at the doorstep of Mt Aspiring National Park and South Westland. Based out of Makarora; a 45 minute drive from Wānaka, and supported by our parent company, Wanaka Helicopters Group, this is a role with real variety; hunting, fishing and hiking transfers into some of the most remote and spectacular terrain in the country, commercial work with DOC and other biodiversity groups, and tourism flying including our Heli Siberia Adventure, a heli-hike-jet boat day trip.

If you want a season where every day looks a little different and you're flying above rugged wilderness rather than the same circuit, this is the role for you.

Roster: Full-time with at least one weekend day required

Base: Makarora (vehicle provided for the commute from Wanaka or Hawea if required)

Season: Mid October through to mid May

What You'll Be Doing

  • Safe, professional operation of scenic and commercial flights across hunting, fishing, hiking, DOC, biodiversity and tourism work
  • Planning and conducting flights, and completing thorough pre-flight checks
  • Operating within CAA Part 91, 135 regulations
  • Maintaining a high standard of aircraft cleanliness and managing your role equipment
  • Understanding and complying with Company manuals, policies and procedures, and the Civil Aviation Act and rules
  • Supporting management with base and external audit processes as required
  • Actively practising and promoting our safety policy and safety management system
  • Coordinating maintenance requirements with the Base Pilot Manager and wider Management team
  • Building strong relationships with the team, clients and students, and representing the company with professionalism
  • Staying current through ongoing professional development as aviation and the business evolve

This role may evolve with the needs of the business, and any changes to duties will be discussed with you first.

What You'll Need

  • CAA NZ CPL(H)
  • Minimum 1,500 PIC hours rotary experience
  • Minimum 500 hours turbine experience
  • Mountain experience
  • Class 1 NZ medical certificate
  • New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
  • Full driver's licence
  • A great attitude and genuine team player mindset
  • Excellent customer service skills

Desirable Experience

  • AS350 B2, MD500 rating and experience
  • Snow, glacier and longline experience
  • Dangerous Goods Licence

Who We're Looking For

  • A collaborative, proactive team player who thrives in a small-base environment
  • Strong planning, organising and communication skills across multiple platforms
  • A positive, solutions-focused attitude
  • Adaptable, with the ability to reprioritise as operational demands change
  • Comfortable with computers and IT systems

How to Apply

If you're ready to take the next step in your aviation career and join our growing team, please apply via Seek.

Applications close 2 October 2026, unless filled prior.

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