There are some things in this world that leave you with a delicious memory that lasts a life-time – You’ll know them because there will be a sight, sound, taste or smell that takes you right back to that time and place. Richard and Jolanda Foale at Heliview Flights have added those little touches that make a difference to their range of personalised heli-flight options – particularly the delicious ones.

Many companies offer scenic flights over stunning landscapes, but Heliview have taken this to the next level. Choosing to establish their business in Cromwell, Central Otago as its location means it has some of the best flying weather in New Zealand (an average of only 400 mm of rain per annum) Richard and Jolanda have created a selection of flight options to take your breath away.

Their focus is to create lasting impressions and awe-inspiring experiences in hard to reach places. One of their most popular flights is a scenic flight together with an alpine landing where passengers are served a seasonably appropriate refreshment. In summer passengers will walk amongst the tussock and rock tors with a juice made from the best of Central Otago summer fruit. In winter – Richard becomes the hot chocolate connoisseur – serving up a delicious warming cup of steaming chocolate that seems somehow to be the perfect accompaniment for when you are trying to take in the most spectacular 360 degree vistas while standing in a snow covered landscape.

Forget a ‘fly by number’ commercialised scenic flight experience when choosing Heliview. Richard and Jolanda are owners, operators, chief pilot, check-in manager, safety briefer, travel guide and more. You will be flying with Richard (aka the CEO) in an Airbus H120 (referred to as the French hummingbird) chosen for its state of the art safety features, cabin comfort, excellent visibility, and environmentally friendly noise reduction features. Every passenger with Heliview receives a personalised experience – from the first discussion about what you would like to book, to the check-in, flight and post flight ‘buzz’.

What most people don’t know though is what brought them to New Zealand and then to Central Otago to set up Heliview Flights. For both– this place reminds them of where they grew up in Kenya. It feels like home. In fact when they first met one of the local Cromwell high country station owners, they thought he could have walked straight off a Kenyan high country farm.  Richard’s parents were from the UK, his father was a builder and built a number of mansions for movie stars in the Kenyan high country. Jolanda’s parents were from Switzerland. Richard’s education was at boarding school back in England, and Jolanda at the German School in Nairobi before she attended GIHE, a Swiss tourism and hospitality university near Lake Geneva obtaining a BSc in International Tourism and Hospitality Management.

Richard learnt to fly while he was in the British Army, before returning to Kenya to work for a USA company that provided aviation support services to the United Nations. During this period he spent time in Somalia – which in Richard’s words was a ‘wild place’ at that time. This was around the time that the movie ‘Black Hawk Down’ was set and some of his tales tell of some hair raising experiences – including an escape made under cover of darkness. While still in Kenya he indulged his passion for rallying cars and also flew chase helicopters for the Safari Rally.

Richard eventually returned to the UK, and did a number of flying roles, including air ambulance work for Formula 1 testing at Silverston, pipeline surveys, police and aerial filming. But he didn’t like living in England.

Richard and Jolanda’s first visit to New Zealand was for Richard’s sister’s wedding when they spent 3 weeks on a self-drive holiday around the North and South Islands. They loved it so much they said they would come back to live once Jolanda finished University in 2001. They did as planned, spending time in Auckland, then New Plymouth before establishing Heliview in 2005. The move to Central Otago with their young daughter Safi happened in 2014 and since then they have built up a business offering a range of Central Otago helicopter flights to take your breath away. Vineyard Tours, Heli-biking and romantic proposal and wedding flights are all available. Their latest package is a Central Otago vineyard tour by helicopter and jeep – a little bit different, a lot special and lots of fun!

 But most importantly, Jolanda and Richard will spend time talking with you, finding out what it is you want or need to make sure you enjoy the very best flight experience with them. 

Ends

For more information

Heliview Flights

Richard and Jolanda Foale

P: +64 21 452 942

E: info@heliview.co.nz

W: www.heliview.co.nz

 Tourism Central Otago

Alison Mason

Media and Marketing Manager

P: +64 27 432 0689

E: Alison.mason@codc.govt.nz