Base Operations Coordinator

About Us

Wanaka Helicopters Group is a family-owned and operated flight training and commercial helicopter company offering scenic, charter, commercial and flight training year-round. We also operate Backcountry Helicopters and Learn to Fly NZ.

Our three companies:

• Wanaka Helicopters: Scenic flights and luxury charters, commercial work and flight school
• Backcountry Helicopters: Based in Makarora, 50 minutes from Wānaka, hunting and fishing transfers, tourism-focused scenic flights and commercial work
• Learn to Fly NZ: Fixed-wing training school offering private and commercial licences

About the Role

We're looking for a friendly, capable and detail-oriented Operations Coordinator to join our close-knit team in a role split across two distinct focuses.

Two days a week you'll be front-of-house; the first point of contact for clients and students, flight following and supporting daily logistics. You’ll be organised, approachable and comfortable juggling priorities in a busy operational environment. This does include one weekend day.

The other three days, you'll step back from the desk to support our Tourism & Operations Manager with the administrative side of running two bases: managing shared inboxes across Wanaka and Backcountry Helicopters, keeping our online reservation systems updated with live availability, assisting with calendar planning, and taking ownership of various ongoing behind-the-scenes tasks that become increasingly important as we head into the busy summer season.

This is a newly created role with plenty of scope to grow and evolve. As you settle in, there's the opportunity to take on greater responsibility for reservations and operational planning alongside our Ground Operations & Tourism Manager, develop training across both the Wanaka and Backcountry brands, and build experience in areas such as custom charter coordination. You’ll also provide flexible cover between bases when needed, giving you a broad understanding of the operation as a whole.

If you're looking for variety, a role that grows with you, and an environment where tourism, aviation and operations intertwine, this could be a great fit.

Key Responsibilities

Front-of-house responsibilities

• Deliver excellent customer service in person, over the phone, and via email
• Coordinate bookings, reservations, and flight schedules across our two bases
• Respond to enquiries for both helicopter and fixed-wing operations
• Manage guest check-in, safety briefings and assist with loading
• Help guests choose and book from our diverse range of scenic flights and experiences
• Support flight following and day-to-day operational logistics

Admin & operations responsibilities

• Manage and respond to shared inboxes across Wanaka and Backcountry Helicopters
• Keep online reservation systems up to date, ensuring availability is accurate and current
• Support calendar planning and scheduling across both bases
• Assist the Tourism & Ground Operations Manager with ongoing administrative and operational tasks
• Contribute to sales and marketing initiatives as required

About You

We're looking for someone who is proactive, people-focused, and thrives in a busy, varied environment.

Ideal skills and experience:

• Previous customer service or guest-facing experience
• Strong administration and computer skills
• Experience in tourism, aviation, hospitality or reservations would be an advantage
• Excellent attention to detail and time management
• Ability to multitask, prioritise and stay calm under pressure
• NZ citizen, resident, or valid NZ work visa
• Full NZ driver's licence

What We Offer

• Competitive pay based on experience ($30 – $35 per hour)
• Scenic flight perks and staff benefits
• Supportive team culture and fun working environment
• Full training provided - no aviation experience needed
• Plenty of variety across two brands and operational bases
• A long-term position with genuine scope to grow within aviation and tourism operations

Ready to Apply?

Please submit your CV and a short cover letter via Seek using the Apply button.