Key Takeaways:
- Auckland has at least 106 residential helipads, with 64 on Waiheke Island.
- Helicopter travel is popular among wealthy Aucklanders for convenience and status.
- Having a helipad on one’s property is a status symbol, with many rich-listers using their own helicopters for recreation rather than business.
- The cost of owning a helicopter can be significant, with a new luxury model costing around $7 million and a used one around $3 million.
- The application process for a helipad can be expensive and time-consuming, involving planners and potentially lawyers.
Introduction to Helicopter Travel in Auckland
Auckland has become a hub for helicopter travel, with at least 106 residential helipads and 64 on Waiheke Island. This mode of transportation has become increasingly popular among the city’s wealthy residents, who value the convenience and status that comes with owning a helicopter. According to John Greenwood, a senior agent at Bayleys Auckland, helicopter travel is now the preferred way of getting to the bach, a business meeting, or a client lunch.
The Rise of Private Helicopter Ownership
In the past, wealthy Kiwis would often use commercial flights to travel to their holiday homes or business meetings. However, with the rise of private helicopter ownership, many rich-listers are now opting to use their own choppers instead of hiring one. Greenwood notes that owning a helicopter can be more cost-effective, with the cost of hiring a helicopter for a flight ranging from several thousand dollars to $700 for a pilot, fuel, and maintenance for a private helicopter.
The Convenience of Helicopter Travel
For those who can afford it, helicopter travel offers a convenient way to travel, especially for those who live in areas with limited access to airports or who need to travel to remote locations. Greenwood notes that time is a valuable commodity for many high net-worth individuals, and helicopter travel can save them a significant amount of time. Without a helipad, residents who want to travel by helicopter must drive to the chopper’s base, which can take up to half an hour alone.
The Cost of Owning a Helicopter
While owning a helicopter can be convenient, it also comes with a significant price tag. A new luxury model can cost around $7 million, while a used one can cost around $3 million. Additionally, the application process for a helipad can be expensive and time-consuming, involving planners and potentially lawyers. In the case of rich-listers Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams, their application for a helipad at their $24 million Westmere home attracted 1300 submissions against it and prompted a six-day public hearing.
The Status Symbol of Helicopter Ownership
Having a helipad on one’s property is a status symbol, with many rich-listers using their own helicopters for recreation rather than business. Greenwood notes that while some may claim that their helicopter is for business, in reality, most of the time it is used for recreational purposes. The convenience and flexibility that comes with owning a helicopter make it an attractive option for those who can afford it.
The Future of Helicopter Travel in Auckland
As the number of residential helipads in Auckland continues to grow, it is likely that helicopter travel will become even more popular among the city’s wealthy residents. With its convenience, flexibility, and status symbol, helicopter ownership is likely to remain a desirable option for those who can afford it. However, it is also important to consider the potential impact of increased helicopter traffic on the environment and local communities, and to ensure that the necessary regulations and safety measures are in place to minimize any negative effects.
