'Achingly special' video tribute to Wanaka heli pilot

Alpine Helicopters have shared a moving video tribute to Wanaka pilot Nick Wallis ahead of his funeral tomorrow.

Nick, who was the director and general manager of Alpine Helicopters and the youngest son of Sir Tim Wallis, was killed alongside Department of Conservation workers Paul Hondelink and Scott Theobold in a helicopter crash in Wanaka last Thursday.

The crash came less than three months after Nick's brother and fellow pilot, Matthew Timothy Wallis, was killed in a helicopter crash in July.

The video,  which shows Mr Wallis flying through stunning mountain landscapes, has been viewed more than 60,000 times on the Alpine Helicopters Facebook page.

Alpine Helicopters captioned the video: "We think this is pretty special. We think you will find this special too. Toby & Jojo."

It prompted an outpouring of grief and support, with those who commented on the post praising Nick's flying skills and offering support to the Wallis family.

One person said they had lost "two of the best people I've ever come to know".

"My life will forever be partially empty going forward but thankful for having the honour of these 2 rare and dynamic individuals in my life."

Others called the footage "stunning" and one said the video was  "achingly special".

Nick's funeral is being held at Wanaka Airport at 2pm on Saturday.

Mr Hondelink's funeral will be held on Sunday afternoon at the same location.

The family of  Mr Theobald, who was also killed in the crash, will hold two funeral services - one at 2pm on Wednesday at Glentanner Holiday Park near Aoraki/Mt Cook, and one at 2pm on Saturday November 3, in Whangarei.
 

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