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About Us

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Our Story

Experience the South Island better with Team True South

True South Flights was founded in 2012 by Peter Daniell, driven by his lifelong passion for aviation. Although Peter has recently stepped into retirement, he remains closely connected to the business. The reins have been passed on to three of our longstanding senior team members, each equally committed to upholding Peter’s legacy and the values upon which the company was built.

While we’ve expanded over the past few years, we’ve held onto our small-business spirit and pride ourselves on delivering the best personalised customer service of all the scenic flight operators in Queenstown. Our goal is to make your experience with us seamless, stress-free, and the highlight of your holiday. From the moment we collect you, you can relax knowing that every detail has been taken care of.

Meet Our Team

Team True South Flight

Peter Daniell – Founder

With a lifelong passion for aviation that ignited during his early teenage years, Peter’s fascination with flight led him to the captivating Queenstown area in 2004, where he immediately fell in love with the region’s awe-inspiring landscapes and unique flying experiences. As the founder, Peter’s leadership was marked by innovation, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to providing guests with unparalleled adventures. In 2025, after years of shaping the company’s success and sharing his passion for aviation with countless visitors, Peter retired, leaving behind a legacy of excellence. Beyond flying, he is a motorcycle enthusiast, avid surfer, and motorsports lover. From conquering clouds to waves and tracks, Peter has always embodied the spirit of exploration in every realm.  

Team True South Flight

Deborah Fraga – CEO

An aviation enthusiast, she embarked on a transformative journey when she left Brazil for a New Zealand vacation in 2017. Unbeknownst to her, this adventure would shape her new home and a fulfilling career in aviation. With over five years dedicated to the major airline industry, her path shifted in September 2022 upon joining True South Flights. This transition unveiled her passion for small aircraft, sparking a dedicated commitment to excellent service. 

Team True South Flight

Jason Yang – Chief Pilot

Born in the bustling metropolis of Shanghai, China, and nurtured amidst the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand, he joined True South Flights in 2017, where his role as a pilot allows him to introduce passengers to the awe-inspiring beauty of Fiordland National Park, showcasing its lush forests and captivating fjords. Beyond his career, he is all about embracing nature’s awesomeness, chasing new horizons, and digging into some seriously good eats.

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Andrew Adamson – Safety Manager

Andrew has been part of True South since the early days, playing a big role in shaping the fun, welcoming culture we’re known for. Even through the ups and downs of COVID, his passion for True South never faded — in fact, he loved it so much that he came back to rejoin the crew! Known as the party-starter of the team, Andrew is always ready to find the next reason to celebrate, whether it’s a milestone, a Monday, or just good vibes. When he’s not at work, you’ll probably find Andrew happily diving into a new spreadsheet project (yes, really!) or taking his Tesla out for a spin.

Team True South Flight

Luke Hancock – Senior Pilot

Coming from the vibrant city of Christchurch, Luke gained his commercial pilot license and moved to Queenstown late October 2023 to join the team. In his leisure time, you’ll often find him casting a line in serene waters, navigating off-road trails in his trusty 4WD or carving up the surf of the Southern seas.

Team True South Flight

Tanmay Patel – Senior Pilot

While originally from India, he spent his upbringing in the lively urban landscape of Auckland. However, his professional pursuit of aviation directed him to Queenstown in the early months of 2023. During his off-duty hours, Tanmay’s immerses himself in the mesmerizing scenery of New Zealand’s South Island. Whether he’s embarking on treks through woodlands or simply taking in the breathtaking vistas, he consistently seeks outdoor escapades. Additionally, Tanmay takes immense pleasure in sampling the eclectic culinary offerings presented by the local eateries in Queenstown.

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Michael Stott – Senior Pilot

Michael has lived and worked in seven different locations around New Zealand and has flown everywhere from the top to the bottom of the South Island. He confidently says that Fiordland is his absolute favourite place. When he’s not flying, he’s usually searching for his next tramping or trail-running adventure in the hills. Anyone joining him for a trip will likely hear about all the secret spots he’s discovered—though fair warning: if you go tramping with Michael, you shouldn’t expect a hot shower for a week or two!

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Lily McLean – Line Pilot

Originally from Auckland, Lily joined True South in late 2024, and is excited to call Queenstown her new home. Lily was exposed to aviation from a young age and feel lucky to have scored her dream job here in the South Island. As a self-proclaimed Middle-Earth enthusiast, Lily is more than happy to point out iconic locations during your flight. In her spare time, you will find Lily exploring Queenstown, making the most of the incredible scenery.

Team True South Flight

Daniel Ogden – Line Pilot

Originally from Australia, Daniel brings his enthusiasm for aviation and adventure to the True South Flights team. Before moving to Queenstown from Christchurch, he spent several years working in the Air Force, where his passion for flying really took off. Daniel is always eager to get into the air and share the stunning views of the Southern Alps with passengers. When he’s not flying, you’ll find him out mountain biking and making the most of Queenstown’s epic trails.

Team True South Flight

Bethany Russell – Sales + Marketing Executive

Beth is a UK native who made her way to Queenstown in 2013, enticed by the outdoor lifestyle that the region offers. Her professional journey has been primarily within the realm of tourism, with notable roles such as loading helicopters in Fox and Franz Josef and crewing on boats in Milford Sound. In her leisure time, Beth’s passion for the mountains shines through. She enjoys immersing herself in the rugged beauty of the landscape, whether that involves hiking or simply appreciating the natural surroundings. A loyal companion often joins her on these mountain adventures – her beloved dog.

Team True South Flight

Belinda Farley – Customer Experience Manager

Born in Australia, Belinda’s passion for adventure led her to New Zealand in 2017, where she has since carved a unique path in the industry. For three years, she played a pivotal role as a helicopter loading specialist at Fox Glacier. In her continuous pursuit of growth and new challenges, she relocated to Queenstown in 2022 where she’s worked as a ramp agent for international flights, debunking any luggage mishap myths before joining our team in February 2023. Beyond work, Belinda’s adventurous spirit remains unwavering. She finds joy in mountain biking, running, hiking, and baking delightful treats for the team.

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Florence Carmody-Firth – Flight Coordinator

Originally from London, Flo spent several years working as a flight attendant before trading city life for the mountains of New Zealand. Drawn by her passion for skiing, she made the move two years ago and hasn’t looked back since. When she’s not at work, you will usually find her making the most of the outdoors. Whether it’s mountain biking down local trails, camping or hitting the slopes during winter, she’s always up for an adventure with her pals!

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Jessika Turc – Flight Coordinator

Born in France but a Kiwi at heart, she fell in love with New Zealand while exploring both the North and South Island. The warmth of its people and the breathtaking landscapes made her proud to call Aotearoa home for the past 10 years. After a career in hospitality, her passion for travel and connecting with people naturally led her into the tourism industry. She loves sharing her local knowledge and helping visitors discover incredible scenery, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences. When she’s not in the office, you’ll likely find her enjoying great food, exploring the outdoors, or reading a good book by the lake.

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Ruby Knox – Flight Coordinator

Raised in regional Australia, Ruby crossed the ditch in 2022 and quickly fell head over heels for New Zealand’s epic landscapes and adventure-filled lifestyle. With a background in tourism, she thought she knew excitement until she joined the True South team and discovered a passion for aviation. When she’s not in the office, you’ll find Ruby hiking with friends, crocheting her latest project, or trying to keep up with her rambunctious dog, Hank, who firmly believes every outing should be an adventure.

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Mattia Diaferia – Ground Operations

Originally from Italy, Mattia swapped Roman history, Mediterranean summers, and questionable driving habits for New Zealand’s mountains, lakes, and endless outdoor adventures. After making the move in 2018, he quickly fell in love with the country and has proudly called Aotearoa home ever since. Outside of work, you will often find him hiking, exploring hidden corners of the South Island, or searching for the perfect coffee. Despite years in New Zealand, he still believes pasta can solve most of life’s problems. Looking for ideas on what to do around Queenstown? Mattia is always happy to share his favourite local spots.

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Sam Gregory – Ground Operations

A Tauranga local, Sam moved to Queenstown in early 2026 to chase his aviation dream and spend an arguably unhealthy amount of time around airplanes. When he’s not keeping an eye on the skies, he is watching basketball, attempting to surf, or convincing himself that the South Island’s icy waters aren’t actually that cold.

What People Say

Read what thousands of our happy customers have to say about their experience with True South Flights. 

Our featured Scenic Flights Packages from Queenstown

Whether you’re looking for flight-only options or want to explore Milford Sound from both the air and water, we have the perfect package.

Explore our popular scenic flight options and glacier experiences below.

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TSF 3197

Milford Sound Fly Cruise Fly

  • Flight Time: 1hr 20 mins
  • Trip Duration: 4,5 hrs
  • Adult Price: $795
  • Child Price: $645
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fly over milford sound by true south flights

Milford Sound Scenic Overflight

  • Flight Time: 1 hr 15 mins
  • Trip Duration: 2 hrs
  • Adult Price: $650
  • Child Price: $650
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TSF 5947 Edited

Milford Sound Coach Cruise Fly

  • Flight Time: 40 mins
  • Trip Duration: 9 hrs
  • Adult Price: $819
  • Child Price: $665
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Seasonal Offers and Packages

Mount Cook Helicopter Glacier Landing

  • Flight Time: 2hr 45 mins
  • Trip Duration: 3 hrs 30 mins
  • Adult Price: $1599
  • Child Price: $1250
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