In May, 100 riders ventured to tip their fundraising efforts over the $1 million mark for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
A record-breaking $1.44m had been raised for the national rescue helicopter network this year.
"The amount raised by New Zealand communities, despite cost of living challenges, shows the generosity of New Zealanders and how much we all value our chopper crews," she said.
All money supported the local helicopter trust in the region where it was raised.
The Chopper Appeal Bike Ride from Queenstown to Invercargill on May 10 raised $150,601.
A capacity peloton included celebrity riders Nathan Cohen, Patrick Gower and Richie and Gemma McCaw.
Ride organiser Reece McDonald said he thought the recognition given to the supporters and in the donation was "pretty bloody awesome".
"It’s great to be part of such a cool thing that it is recognised like that.
"I guess, in a way, it just goes to recognise how important the service is to people down here, that they want to back us by that much."
He believed the region punched well above its weight with its fundraising efforts.
"As a group of organisers, we are so grateful to all the support we receive from Southlanders and Southland businesses — without them, it doesn’t happen.
"Just knowing that our place in the country is pretty tough to get around at times. So if you are in trouble in some remote place, you know that the choppers have got our back," Mr McDonald said.
Registration for the 2025 ride was expected to open in December and it would again be limited to 100 riders.
"It was great to have Richie come back for year two and all the indicators are saying that there should be some more return riders from last year and bringing some friends with them."
Mr McDonald remained tight-lipped about which celebrities would be riding in 2025.
"But there was encouraging signs of some of those riders that were there this year coming back," Mr McDonald said.
While the ride entries were limited due to safety issues, the public was still able to get behind Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s stationary bike ride fundraiser and the combined emergency services open day fundraiser.
