PureHeli is a locally owned and family operated Helicopter company, proudly founded by Nelson locals Charlie Rowe and Hope Donaldson.
Charlie’s aviation career began in 2015, growing into over a decade of flying across the Top of the South Island and Northern Canada. Charlie’s diverse background covers flight instruction, tourism operations, aerial firefighting, and external load support, providing the expertise and versatility to operate in a wide range of environments.
Charlie’s passion for the outdoors and showcasing the Nelson region is at the heart of what he does. Behind the scenes Hope’s extensive administrative background helps ensure every aspect of PureHeli runs seamlessly.
Together, PureHeli is a business centered on exception service, local knowledge and a genuine passion for the outdoors and showcasing all that our region has to offer.
PureHeli is backed by an experienced team of pilots, we combine expert flying with deep local knowledge and a genuine passion for the region, its people, and the experiences it offers.
Our skilled crew delivers a full range of helicopter services, from private charters and scenic flights to backcountry adventures and commercial operations. Driven by a passion for sharing this incredible part of the South Island, we create unforgettable experiences while maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism.
About us
Our Fleet
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H125 B3e
The Airbus Dual Hdydralic H125 is a highly versatile helicopter suited to tourism, charter, utility, and commercial operations. Capable of carrying up to six passengers and with an external load lifting capacity of up to 1,400 kg, it is a proven high-performance aircraft across a wide range of operating environments.

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MD500
The Hughes 500D is a powerful and agile helicopter ideally suitable for a range of commercial operations, tourism, charter and scenic flights. With seating for up to four passengers, it offers exceptional visibility, performance and manoeuvrability, making it an excellent choice for accessing remote locations and showcasing New Zealand’s spectacular landscapes from the air.

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Cabri G2
The Guimbal Cabri G2 is a modern, lightweight helicopter purpose-built for flight training. It provides excellent all-round visibility, low operating costs, and modern safety systems, while delivering a smooth and comfortable flying experience. Its fully articulated main rotor system and modern avionics contribute to making it one of the safest and most capable training helicopters in its class.
