Southland, New Zealand, is home to several flying schools that offer a variety of training programs and experiences. Wanaka Helicopters, located in Wanaka, is the largest helicopter flight training school in New Zealand, established in 1992. Led by CEO and Chief Flight Instructor Simon Spencer-Bower, the school specializes in mountain flying amidst the stunning Southern Alps.
Southern Wings, with bases in Invercargill and Auckland, has a history spanning over sixty-five years and is renowned for producing top-tier pilots. Offering training challenges in both the Southland and Auckland regions, Southern Wings provides a pathway for students to become Air New Zealand cadets through the Airline Strand of the New Zealand Diploma in Aviation.
The Southland Aero Club, situated in Invercargill, offers affordable flight training, with a membership fee of $16 and hourly rental rates for aircraft. Instructors employed by the club provide training at no additional cost. Flying NZ, an organization promoting flying and aero clubs nationwide, facilitates learning to fly at clubs across New Zealand, offering budget-friendly training packages and the opportunity to explore the country's scenic airfields as a licensed pilot. These flying schools cater to a range of skill levels and interests, providing diverse training programs and experiences.