Hunting

The region where Minaret Outfitters is located has a huge diversity of landscapes in very close proximity, ranging from the alpine village of Wanaka to the wild and expansive wilderness areas of the Southern Alps. To take advantage of this diversity, Minaret Outfitters keep their lodges within easy reach of the alpine village and its associated amenities while utilising their aviation assets to access the extensive wilderness of the hunting areas.

Helicopters are by far the most widely used method of access and part of the Minaret Outfitters family owned business is a commercial helicopter division known as Alpine Helicopters. This is operated by Matthew and Jonathan’s brother Toby Wallis and has been successfully operating since 1972.


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The company operates a range of helicopter types and whilst servicing the requirements of Minaret Outfitters, it also caters to a range of other commercial work which keeps it busy year round. This ensures that the pilots are both current and competent flying in mountainous environments on a daily basis. Toby and his experienced pilots are highly trained professionals with excellent knowledge of local terrain. They are certified under Civil Aviation Part 135, the highest attainable standard of Air Transport regulations in New Zealand.

Guests are flown daily from the lodge into the area of wilderness where they will be guided that day. Satellite phones are used so parties can be repositioned or extracted due to weather at very short notice (it is legal to fly and hunt / fish on the same day in New Zealand).

Minaret Outfitters also operate their own bush plane for accessing and supplying the remote airstrip locations. A jet boat is often used for short fishing trips up the more accessible rivers and a lake boat can access Minaret Station.

One of the core strengths of Minaret Outfitters is that they own and operate all of these methods of access. Because they do not have to sub-contract, they can ensure that their guests are getting first class service in the most professional manor possible.

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