About Golden Bay Air

Kia Ora—I’m Mike Gallagher, the Chief Pilot/Operations and Training Manager at Golden Bay Air.

I’m a local of sorts, I’m from Tasman Bay and make the trip over Takaka Hill for my days of fun. Flying is still fun, even after more than 40 years in the air. Starting out learning to fly in Motueka many moons ago, I recently returned home after a couple of decades living and working overseas for an Airline in Dubai. To be back home flying the routes where I started my career and working for the amazing Golden Bay Air team, albeit in slightly smaller aircraft, is an incredible experience.

When I am not flying, I enjoy hiking, mountain-biking and sailing, and enjoying as much time as I possibly can with my grown-up daughters and the rest of my family.

G’day, I’m Michael and the one you’re just as likely to see in a white shirt and epaulettes or overtaking you on the uphill section out on the track. I’ve been flying since I was 19 and have since flown all over the country from Cape Reinga down to Stewart Island and most of it in between. Half the reason I got a pilots license is so I could scope out places to go tramping so if you go up with me you’ll be sure to hear about all the secret spots and interesting places to visit.

I’ve lived all over the country but Takaka is home at the moment so if you want to go somewhere off the beaten path or the best spot in town for a brew, I’m your guy.

I am your friendly, informative shuttle driver based in Nelson. Be it to the beautiful Abel Tasman Park, Golden Bay or a pick up from Karamea, I enjoy driving and feel very lucky that the top end of the South Island is my office. During the quieter month or when not on the road, you will catch me at the end of the phone or e-mail, as I answer your queries or make bookings for you.

I am a German-Kiwi, with Czech and Polish roots, married to an Italian, living in Nelson, New Zealand. I grew up in Leipzig, former East Germany and been living in the top of the South Island since 1996. In my spare time I enjoy oil painting, traveling, hiking, running, baking, gardening, good food and wine. I have two Ginger cats, Leopardo and Champagne.

Kia Ora! I'm Stella, an admin assistant at Golden Bay Air. You'll find me on the other end of the phone or email, answering your questions and ensuring smooth operations. I also take charge of our social media presence, capturing and sharing your flights, shuttles and destinations!

I grew up in Golden Bay, so I love being able to help people see and experience the best place in the world. Outside of work I go to university in Wellington, I love swimming in rivers, making music and facetiming my parents.

Born and bred on the West Coast I originally trained as a veterinarian and practised in Christchurch for 25 years.

The outdoors and tramping have always been a great passion of mine. Looking for a change in career direction, I joined Hiking NZ, a Christchurch based guiding company. For the next 5 years I had the dream job of guiding their clients all over the South Island on safaris style tours and really getting to know my own country!

I then returned to my West Coast roots with my German born wife Birte and we settled in Hokitika. In 2013 we set up the Wilderness Trail Shuttle business which operated on the newly developed West Coast Wilderness cycle trail. Mountain biking became a passion and we rode several of the new trails on both islands.

After another stint as a veterinarian working for the Ministry of Primary Industries on the West Coast we’ve now moved to Tasman and are already in love with the district, especially Golden Bay.

I’m looking forward to meeting Golden Bay Air clients, showcasing this amazing region, and yarning about great hiking, biking, and travel destinations.

I’m Golden Bay Air’s ‘officially retired’ part time shuttle driver. I drive local school bus routes, am chairman of the local Menz Shed Group and is currently converting my Toyota Coaster bus to a mobile home.

I’ve lived in Golden Bay for over 20 years so I’ve got a wealth of local knowledge to share.

Kia ora koutou katoa – I’m part owner of Golden Bay Air with Richard. My main role is safety coordinator. I used to be Principal Policy advisor for the CAA, now I contract to the Pacific Aviation Safety Office, so I’m well placed to make sure that Golden Bay Air has everything in place to make your journey as safe as possible. It is really important to me that we have a positive impact on our planet and the wellbeing of our community – so I also keep an eye on Golden Bay Air’s sustainability commitments.

I got my private pilot’s licence before I could drive (my dad had to drive me to my flying lessons!) and I love getting out amongst it, skiing, tramping or travelling with Richard and our two girls, Stella and Hazel who have now grown up in Golden Bay just like our business.

I’m Chief Executive and part owner of Golden Bay Air. I look after the overall running of the company and I also still do a lot of the background design work for our marketing as in my early days I was also a graphic designer.

I also been a private pilot for 30 years, although lately I have been too busy to stay current! My interest in flying is partly why we started Golden Bay Air. My partner Lisa and I flew ourselves to Takaka in our Piper Warrior in the early 2000's. We arrived on a picture-perfect day and immediately decided we should live in Golden Bay

I’m also a keen skier, tramper, biker, musician and traveller