A hunting trip in New Zealand’s South Island has ended in tragedy after a chartered helicopter crashed into a mountainside within Mt Aspiring National Park, killing two people on board.
The crash occurred around 9:50am on Sunday, May 17, in remote alpine terrain in Otago, prompting a major emergency response involving rescue crews and aviation authorities. The helicopter involved was operated by Alpine Helicopters, a company linked to the well-known Wallis family, which has long provided aviation services across the region.
Authorities confirmed two hunters died in the crash, while three additional members of the hunting party survived after remaining on the ground during the incident. Rescue operations in the isolated national park area were complicated by steep terrain and the challenging alpine environment surrounding the crash site.
Police have referred both deaths to the Coroner as investigators work to establish what caused the helicopter to go down. Aviation specialists are expected to examine wreckage conditions, weather patterns and operational circumstances in the coming days.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Otago’s rural and aviation communities, where helicopter access is commonly used for tourism, alpine transport and wilderness hunting expeditions. Friends and community members have begun expressing sympathy for the families grieving the sudden loss of their loved ones.
Emergency responders who travelled into the remote region to assist survivors and recover the deceased have also been praised for their professionalism under difficult conditions. The crash serves as another reminder of the risks associated with flying through New Zealand’s rugged alpine landscapes, where weather and terrain can change rapidly.
As authorities continue their investigation, the focus now turns to supporting the surviving members of the hunting group and the families mourning those who lost their lives. The devastating incident has left a profound sense of sorrow across the outdoor and aviation communities connected to the Mt Aspiring region.