Richard Rayward started out his working life as a cameraman with his job taking him into the backcountry filming deer, amongst other things. He then went on to learn to fly and set up air safaris in Tekapo, where he has forged a 60-year career providing aviation services.
Starting with his adventurous days filming deer in New Zealand's backcountry, Rayward recounts how a serendipitous flying lesson advertisement led him to obtain his pilot's licence and eventually transition to aviation.
He delves into the early challenges and successes of Air Safaris, highlighting the pivotal support from local communities and the evolution of agritourism in New Zealand.
Rayward also talks about the evolution of agritourism and how it was controversial when he first started exploring the idea, compared to how prevalent it is today.
Listen to the full chat between Richard Rayward and Dominic George above.
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