From the Ground Up
Bay of Plenty Helicopters is a family-owned business based in Waiotahi, just outside Ōpōtiki.
Founded by Luke and Cara, the business grew from a shared love of flying, adventure, and the coastal region they call home.
Luke’s aviation career has taken him across New Zealand, but his roots have always been here in the Eastern Bay. Combining his flying expertise with a background in building, Luke brings both technical precision and practical problem-solving to every job - whether it’s scenic tours, lifting operations, or frost protection.
Cara runs the heart of the business - the bookings, the planning, and the care behind every customer experience. Together with their five kids, they’ve built more than a business; they’ve built a lifestyle that connects sky, land, and community.
Our Base
In 2025, Bay of Plenty Helicopters moved to our new purpose-built hangar and base in Waiotahi.
Surrounded by farmland and open coastline, it’s the perfect launch point for scenic flights, adventure packages, and commercial work across the Bay of Plenty.
This new base represents more than expansion - it’s a homegrown step forward that allows the business to operate independently and continue serving locals and visitors alike.
Our Philosophy:
People, Place, and Purpose
Every flight we take is rooted in connection - to people, to place, and to the land beneath us.
We believe in keeping our operations personal, sustainable, and community-focused. That means supporting local tourism partners, working respectfully with landowners, and maintaining our Ngahere (forest) for future generations.
When you fly with us, you’re not just a passenger - you’re part of the story of the Bay.
Our Fleet
Our fleet includes two trusted and versatile helicopters.
Both aircraft are maintained to the highest standards and operated under KAHU NZ’s Civil Aviation Authority certificate (CAA AOC 54043).
Hughes 500E
Our leased MD500 is a great back up aircraft for our bell 206, These aircraft are powered with the same engine type, also seats four people, they are well known helicopters in the aviation industry.
Bell 206 JetRanger
A dual-bladed, single-engine aircraft with a proven record of safety and reliability. This is our more accessable aircraft especially for people that may have limited movement the Jet ranger offers comfortable seating for up to four passengers which makes it ideal for scenic tours, charters, and lifting operations. A great all rounder helicopter