Heli mission 15 to 18-1-10 *dial up warning*

[chopper_nut]

Had a few hours to burn for my c cat so I decided to do an overnighter down the west coast. Started off that I would stay in Hokitika and then Haast. I found out that since Heliventures have sort of stopped operating, there is nowhere to park close to the actual town of Haast so I had to look for a new destination. Had already sorted somewhere to stay in Hoki so I knew I was heading that way to start with.
Here is a small collection of the massive number of photos I took for those of you not on Facebook.
After the first night in Hoki I decided to head south anyway.

DAK in Hoki, was giving rides to the locals. My trusty steed in the background.

Wildlife sanctuary south of Hoki.

Same place. Glacier can just be seen in the hills.

Glacier anyone?

Road to Haast.

Haast Pass.

Makarora.
It was my first time flying in this part of the country. Got gas in Wanaka, didnt take any photos there unfortunatly. Had a VERY close encounter with CAG with a muppet pilot who didnt believe in making radio calls I got a briefing from the good blokes at Wanaka Helicopters and then proceeded to head for Queenstown. Surprisingly easy place to fly into. Spent the night in Queenstown that night with a mate. Next morning we decided to head for Milford, just for something to do. The guys at Heliworks were good enough to give us a briefing and keep an eye on us while we were going in there.

Getting out of Frankton and heading up the lake.

Looking up towards Glenorchy.

Caples River.

Proper mountains.


Crossing over the Greenstone Saddle.

Main road into Milford.

Coming up on the Gertrude Saddle.

Gertrude Saddle. Why would you want to fly around the North Island?

Top of the Saddle, looking down towards Milford.

Trying to loose 5000ft in just over 5 miles. Something with a fully articulated rotor head
would have been useful here.

Finally made it.

Poser photo.

Busy apron at Milford.


Getting out of Milford and heading for the sea.

More spectacular scenery.

Flying north along the coast.

Heading back to Queenstown through the Hollyford Valley.

Hollyford Strip.

Deja Vu. Greenstone Saddle again.

Back out at Wakatipu.

Heading back into Queenstown.

The Remarkables.

Queenstown.

Gassing up in Queenstown.
I had to start thinking about getting back so I packed up the chopper and headed for the coast. The weather was meant to be rubbish inland.

Cromwell.

Deteriorating weather.

Getting pretty smacked around by the wind here too.

Battling with the poo weather along the East coast.

Heading into Timaru for fuel. Despite the weather, I managed to get to Christchurch for the night. Weather the next morning was worse and I was stuck
for a few hours so I visited the tower. Well worth it, amazing new ATC systems up there and a really friendly crew. Eventually got out and worked my way up the
coast with more rubbish weather. Eventually called it quits at Kaikoura. Spent another night there with the Wings over Whales guys who put me and a student from
CAC up for the night. Got out again later the next day. Weather wasnt ideal but I had a go anyway.



Finally broke through the weather at Ward and flew back to Motueka. Really great trip, 15 hours flying in total. I think everyone should do a massive trip to some far
away places, gives you a whole new perspective on flying.

[spongebob206]

Nice Pics CN

All the best for your C cat

Definately recommend the big tour also.

Did one in 86 (I think, will check) from WU down the east cost to NV and Stewart Island then back up the west coast. Few stops on the way obviously.

Was in the big storms and ended up trapped and having to land at Murchison for a few days.

Stayed at what we called Basil and Ceril Faulty's pub. When we finally got in the air again and to Nelson it looked like a lake area.

Took two weeks and was one of the highlights of my flying days. Always fun to look back on

Best place to stay? Ashburton and Invercargill had to be on a par. What people, what hospitality. And I thought we were the friendliest club in the country

Anyway take care and happy flying

[Ian Warren]

Frank Robinson said he wanted to make a Helicopter with the operational cost of your typical large family car , next time you take a jaunt like this , drop the chopper in my street and ill pick up the fuel bill , Great pics

[2fst4u]

It's pictures like this that really make me want to do the proper optometrists colour-blindness test. I wish I had the genes to be able to do this for a living

[pois0n]

Has it ever crossed your mind that the rego for your helicopter is the acronym for irritable bowel syndrome? haha

Nice pictures though, it's lovely down that way when the weather's good

[chopper_nut]

Spongebob, best flying ever aye, get to go places and do cool stuff without the boss screaming in your ear to do it faster. Would love to do another trip like this, mayby with a student next time.
Ian, Ill remember that, trouble is that Im never anywhere for long enough to take people flying.
2fst4u, go do it, you will regret it if you dont.
poison, yeh it also stands for I Bull Sh*t, Insane Bunny S*x.... I could go on.

[2fst4u]

QUOTE (chopper_nut @ Jan 26 2010, 11:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

2fst4u, go do it, you will regret it if you dont.

Haha, already onto it. Making calls right now

[ardypilot]

Beeeeeeeeeeeeeautiful mate!

Can't wait to do a SI trip myself, and I thought x-countries around the Central Plateau were pretty!