Helisika

Helisika is a New Zealand helicopter company that flies hunters, fishermen and adventurers into remote wilderness. The company says it has done this for more than 30 years. Its main base is Poronui Station, about 30 minutes from Taupō on the road to Napier, in the Kaimanawa and Kaweka Ranges.

Helisika offers sika deer hunting with access to over 40 private hunting blocks. The company says its base is at the original release site of sika deer, which were introduced in 1905. Fly fishing takes guests to back country rivers. These rivers hold some of the world's largest brown and rainbow trout.

Escape Aviation is the tourism arm of Helisika, based at Taupō Airport. It offers scenic flights, private helicopter charters and transfers across the country. It also offers fixed wing charters. Many corporate clients start their trips from the Taupō base.

Kaimanawa Alpine Adventures runs from the Desert Road, on State Highway 1. Its Kaimanawa Descent is a 23 km downhill mountain bike trail that is reached by helicopter. The trail suits intermediate to advanced riders. It starts on the Patutu Tops and finishes back at the base. Alpine scenic flights over Tongariro National Park are also offered.

Remote stays include Te Whare Ruruhau, a two bedroom cabin that can only be reached by helicopter. The cabin sits between the Kaweka and Kaimanawa forests. There is also a glamping tent by the Waipakihi River, for guests who want total solitude.

Commercial work includes frost protection, firefighting, agricultural spraying, spreading and seeding, human sling work and surveying. The company also does aerial culling and pest control, precision long line work, lifting and sling loads, bee hive positioning and aircraft recovery. Gyro stabilised HD filming is available. It holds a Qualmark Gold award.

Services

• Sika deer hunting
• Fly fishing
• Commercial helicopter work
• Scenic flights
• Private charters and transfers
• Heli-biking
• Remote cabin and glamping stays
• Frost protection
• Agricultural spraying
• Aircraft recovery