New Zealand is one of the world’s most spectacular filming destinations, offering breathtaking landscapes and world-class support for film crews. With Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters, operated by Helicopters Queenstown Ltd, you can experience professional aerial filming services tailored to the film industry. For over 25 years, we have been trusted by filmmakers worldwide to provide safe, creative, and highly skilled helicopter support.
Our Team
When you work with us, you gain access to the expertise of Alfie Speight, our Film Manager and pilot. Alfie has flown in almost every scenario imaginable—from air charter and medical evacuations to avalanche control, firefighting, and long-line lifting. But aerial filming is where his passion shines. With over 15,000 hours of flight experience and as the principal filming pilot for blockbusters like The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, Peter Pan, King Kong, Wolverine, Disney’s Pete’s Dragon and many more, you can be confident your project is in the best hands.
Pat West, our General Manager Aviation, brings 15 years of experience as a Queenstown aerial coordinator and 7,000 flight hours. Pat has worked with every major camera system and countless cinematographers, ensuring your aerial sequences are flawlessly planned and executed. He coordinated aerial work for films such as Vertical Limit and 10,000 BC.
Equipment & Technology
When you film with us, you’ll have access to the latest helicopter camera mounts, including Continental, Libra, Super G, Spacecam, Wescam, and Cineflex systems. We also collaborate with Shotover Camera Systems in Queenstown, testing next-generation gyro-stabilized camera technology to give your production the edge in smooth, cinematic shots.
Our Services
We provide a complete aerial filming solution for your project:
- Air-to-air cinematography
- Ground-to-air filming
- Full aerial coordination
- Location scouting with expert mountain guides
- Painting and mock-up services for scenes
- Permit acquisition and regulatory support
- Fuel and logistics planning
- Mountain and alpine safety management
- Radio and FM communications support
With Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters, you don’t just get a helicopter—you get a team dedicated to making your film look its absolute best from every angle. Let us help you capture New Zealand’s incredible landscapes exactly as you envision them.