TRADE & MEDIA
Welcome to
Escape Aviation’s
exclusive trade page
Escape Aviation is the premier tourism portfolio of Helisika, which is based in Taupo, New Zealand. We are excited to work with you to offer your clients unforgettable adventures in and around the Central North Island. Our bespoke portfolio includes a range of products, from scenic helicopter flights, charters and transfers, indulgent wine and dining tours and escapes to remote luxury stays.
We’re here to support you in selling our experiences. Please note all products listed below are commissionable. A detailed price list is available upon request.
Your Trade Contact
For more details or to discuss how we can work together, including product training (available in person or online), please contact:
Alice Orr – Sales and Marketing Manager
07 376 5269
[email protected]
OUR FLEET
Our main fleet consists of 5 helicopters which includes:
- 2 x AS350 SD
- 2 x Hughes 500’s
- 1 x H130 (EC130 Eurocopter)
Each aircraft plays a unique role within our operation, allowing us to tailor flights to meet the specific needs of our guests.
Our AS350s and H130 are the primary helicopters used for our tourism experiences – offering comfort, exceptional visibility, and a smooth ride ideal for scenic flights, private charters, and exclusive adventures.
H130
Our H130 is a single engine helicopter which is set up for high end charter work. We can seat up to 6 passengers on comfortable leather seats with noise cancelling head sets. This helicopter is designed for luxury travel.
AS350
Our AS350 Squirrel helicopters can both be set up with carpets and comfortable seating with David Clarke headsets for luxury charter. (1 has had a full refurbish making it perfect for charter work). We also use these helicopters for more practical work such as heli-biking and heli-hiking.
OUR BASES
Escape Aviation proudly operates across the Central Plateau from three main bases, with Escape Aviation’s main base being located at Taupō Airport.
This is where most of our scenic flights, private charters, and helicopter transfers begin – setting the tone for an exceptional experience.
Escape Guest Lounge Amenities:
- Complimentary tea, coffee, refreshments & snacks
- Comfortable leather seating
- Accessible bathroom facilities
- Free on-site parking within the complex
- 1 minute walk from domestic terminal
All guests will be able to relax and enjoy our warm hospitality while they wait for their flight.
Heli pick ups
We offer flexible helicopter pick-up and drop-off options throughout the Taupō region – whether it’s a private property, luxury lodge, golf course, or remote location. Our team will work with you to create a seamless, tailored experience and get your guests where they need to be in comfort and style.
Complimentary road transfers
We offer a complimentary pick-up and drop-off service in our premium black ford transit van, to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for your clients. Whether its getting your clients to our Taupo Airport base for their flight or returning them safely to their accommodation after their adventure.
Our Products
A scenic helicopter flight will transport your clients to breathtaking remote locations, where expert guides from Chris Jolly Outdoors lead them through pristine native forests and rugged alpine terrain.
All hikes depart from Taupo and include a delicious packed lunch.
Alpine to Beech (Most Popular)
A spectacular journey from alpine ridges to lush beech forests, tailored to suit different fitness levels.
- Option 1: 3.5km | moderate fitness | follows the alpine tops | Allow 3 hours
- Option 2: 4km | low fitness | follows beech forest ridge line | Allow 3 hours
- Option 3 (full experience): 10km | moderate to high fitness | combines both options for a full experience | Allow 5 hours
Two Rivers (Boyd to Oamaru Hut)
Follow the journey of two pristine rivers, crossing remote wilderness with stunning scenery.
- Distance: 12 km
- Duration: Approx. 6 hours (Allow 8 hours including flights)
- Fitness Level: Medium
- Return helicopter flights from the trail
Tops Traverse (Waipakihi)
A high-altitude adventure for experienced hikers, offering panoramic views of the Central Plateau.
- Distance: 7 km
- Duration: Approx. 5 hours (Allow 8 hours including transfers)
- Fitness Level: High
- One-way helicopter flight, with a 1-hour road transfer back to Taupo
An exclusive cultural and culinary journey with Escape Aviation & Kai Waho.
Begin your guests’ day with a complimentary road transfer (approximately 35 minutes) to Poronui, where their private helicopter awaits. Alternatively, they can enjoy a scenic helicopter pickup directly from their accommodation—provided there is a helipad—or from Taupō Airport. From there, they’ll soar across the ancestral lands of Ngāti Tūwharetoa, guardians of the Central North Island. As they fly, guests will take in breathtaking views of the Taupō Region and gain insight into how the 26 sub-tribes are caring for and utilising their traditional lands.
Their destination is accessible only by helicopter—a remote, untamed setting where Kai Waho hosts an immersive Māori culinary experience. This is a hands-on journey, inviting guests to take part in preparing kai (food) using traditional Māori techniques, fostering a deep connection with the land, the fire, and the process.
Experience Highlights:
- Exclusive access via helicopter
- Hosted by Kai Waho, a renowned outdoor Māori culinary experience
- Hands-on food preparation using traditional Māori methods
- Scenic aerial views and cultural storytelling of Ngāti Tūwharetoa tribal lands
- Maximum 4 guests (larger groups available on request)
- Choose a road transfer from Taupō (10:30 AM departure) or direct helicopter flight (11:00 AM departure)
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours
A rare and unforgettable opportunity for your guests to experience cultural connection, breathtaking aerial views, and extraordinary kai- all in one remarkable day.
A secluded, luxury retreat deep in the wilderness, accessible only by helicopter. Perfect for those seeking privacy, adventure, and breathtaking natural beauty.
Stay Options
- Self-Catered: Guests bring their own food; no guide provided.
- Self-Hosted: Meals are 90% prepared by local chefs, with guests adding final touches. Multiple menu options available; no guide provided.
- Hosted: Fully guided experience by Chris Jolly Outdoors, including guided walks, meal preparation, and optional heli-fishing, hunting, or hiking.
Key Features
- 2-bedroom lodge (Max occupancy: 4)
- Glass-roofed super king master bedroom for stargazing
- Single bathroom with an outdoor bathtub
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Separate quarters for guides
- Exclusive helicopter access
- Fireplace
- Running water
Scenic Flights
Escape Aviation offers a range of scenic flights, offering different routes, durations, and breathtaking views.
Departing Taupo Airport:
- Taupo Taonga (Most popular) allow 90 minutes
- Northern Geothermal Circuit allow 90 minutes
- Tongariro Crossing allow 50 minutes
- Great Lake Scenic allow 25 minutes
- Taupo Highlights allow 15 minutes
Departing Kaimanawa Alpine Adventures Base:
- Central Plateau Passage allow 60 minutes
- Mt Doom Discovery allow 30 minutes
- Tongariro Crossing allow 20 minutes
- Ruapehu Rush, allow 20 minutes
- Alpine Adventurer allow 15 minutes
Departing from Kaimanawa Alpine Adventures is perfect if you have guests travelling South to Wellington – it’s just off State Highway 1.
Remote Glamping
Offer your clients an exclusive escape at our new heli-glamping retreat. Located 5 km from our Kaimanawa Alpine Adventures base along the serene Waipakahi River, this private riverside haven is accessible only by helicopter.
- Accessible only by helicopter for a completely private experience
- Two queen bedrooms
- One bathroom with a composting toilet
- Designed for self-hosted guests only
- No separate guide quarters
- Standard departure from Kaimanawa Alpine Adventures’ base
- Taupo transfers available upon request
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Fireplace
- Running water
Winery Tours
Do your clients want the ultimate Hawke’s Bay winery experience without the long drive? Let them indulge in one of our two exclusive winery tours, carefully curated in partnership with the vineyards we know and trust.
Tastings Tour:
Treat your clients to the finest Hawke’s Bay wines with a choice of tastings from three renowned wineries, including Mission, Church Road, Elephant Hill, and Clearview. After the tastings, they’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at Craggy Range winery, perfectly complementing the wine experience.
- Duration: 5 hours (includes 1.5 hours for lunch)
- Pricing: Includes all transfers, tasting fees, and lunch
- Suggested Departure: Taupo at 11:00 AM
- Departing: Heli transfers pick up and return to Taupo (inc Huka Lodge)
Wine and Wilderness:
Your clients can enjoy one wine tasting at their chosen winery, with options including Mission, Church Road, Elephant Hill, and Clearview. After a leisurely lunch at Craggy Range, they’ll then take a scenic helicopter ride to the stunning Kaimanawa/Kaweka Ranges. Where they can relax on the edge of the Ngaruroro River and enjoy bottle of wine purchased at lunch.
- Duration: 5 hours (includes 1.5 hours for lunch)
- Pricing: Includes all transfers, tasting fees, lunch and one bottle of wine to takeaway
- Suggested Departure: Taupo at 11:00 AM
- Departing: Heli transfers pick up and return to Taupo (inc Huka Lodge)
Heli-Biking (The Kaimanawa Descent)
The Kaimanawa Descent is a 23km downhill mountain biking trail, designed to accommodate intermediate to advanced level riders (grade 3).
- Standard departure: Kaimanawa Alpine Adventures Base (Taupo departures available upon request)
- Ride duration: 3–4 hours
- E-bikes recommended
- Guests can do the ride guided (this must be organised in advanced)
- Bike hire available (this must be organised in advanced)
Charters and transfers
Escape Aviation offers a wide range of charters and transfers across New Zealand
- Business Travel
- Special Events
- Sightseeing Tours
- Airport Transfers
- Golfing Transfers
- Vineyard Lunches
- General Transfers
Heli-Fly Fishing
Discover exclusive backcountry fly fishing in New Zealand’s pristine wilderness. With access to over 80,000ha of private land, Escape Aviation offers remote rivers and streams teeming with trophy trout—guaranteeing your own section of water. Expert guides from Chris Jolly Outdoors provide a personalised experience, with all gear and licenses available.
- Duration: Full-day experiences (6-8 hours)
- All fitness levels accommodated
- Season: 1st October – 30th April
- Rested water guaranteed – (Rested water means the river is never fished one angler after another).