Southern Lakes Sanctuary and Over The Top — The Helicopter Company are launching their new ‘Hands-On Conservation: Journey Back in Time’ experience, valued at more than $5000, this month.
The unique half-day trip takes tourists beyond Queenstown’s iconic Ben Lomond range to Out The Back — New Zealand’s smallest high country station — by chopper, where they’ll get a first-hand look at the work SLS is doing to protect wildlife, such as rock wren/pīwauwau and kea, and create safe areas for the reintroduction of other species.
They’ll also have an option to install their own predator traps to further bolster conservation efforts in the area.
To mark the milestone, one of the first trips will be auctioned off at this Saturday’s sold-out RealNZ Conservation Ball, at Walter Peak.
SLS project director Paul Kavanagh says the money raised from the auctioned flight, and other auction items at the ball, will help remove predators from the Rees Valley.
"We are striving to clear the valley of stoats and feral cats before a possible translocation of takahē in early 2025.
"The mahi needed in this area is extensive.
"It is only through support like that shown by RealNZ and Over The Top — The Helicopter Company, that our crew can truly make an impact to protect the natural environment from invasive species and make it safe enough for native taonga to survive and thrive," he says.
Over The Top boss Louisa ‘Choppy’ Patterson says her company has an ongoing vision to reduce its carbon footprint by introducing sustainable tours and experiences.
"We aim to provide a definitive New Zealand experience for discerning guests, where ethical and sustainable tourism share a true connection to the land.
"[SLS] is renowned for its local conservation work, and we’re thrilled to partner with the team, who are proactively enriching the value of our region by protecting ecosystems and building resilience in wildlife populations."
The new conservation tour will be available to the public this spring via flynz.co.nz
