HUNTER PILOT, New Zealand & Galapagos Islands is the first of a two book autobiography series about adventure, self belief, courage and inspiration for all who wish to achieve their dreams.

347 pages of great stories with lots of high quality pictures!

Steve Collins: From his upbringing in the wilderness on the family estate Wainui Trust Station to his adventures in Galapagos Islands; adventures capturing and shooting deer with helicopters since 1979 and his flying in Rotorua. 30 years - 15,500 hours flying, mainly on wildlife restoration programs.

Great read! ---

From a rural upbringing on the Wainui Trust Station, a 18,900 acre sheep and cattle farm in the North Island of New Zealand, life was tough and exciting for Steve and his seven siblings during the 1960s. Wildlife was plentiful, wild Kaimanawa Brumbies were captured and broken in for stock horses. Hunting and fishing put food on the table and adrenaline in the veins. Hard work and independence was expected.

At age 17, Steve climbed into a helicopter for the first time and from that moment he knew he was destined to fly— he was hooked. Three years later, he began a career as a shooter for his oldest brother Joe Collins on venison recovery operations based in Opotiki. He survived a helicopter crash with his two brothers in 1981 and continued shooting until 1983.

Young and eager, Steve became a commercial helicopter pilot, and somehow managed to survive 25 years in the boom and bust, “Last great adventure” era of the industry. Full of carnage, madness, and adventure! Falling foul of the law, poaching, fighting, broken bones, shoot outs, wild women and beer. Getting wiser and older, raising a family and becoming a businessman, entrepreneur, farmer, orchardist, tourist operator, and property developer, he matured into a respected member of the tourist and aviation community.

In 2003, Steve was offered the position as chief pilot and operations manager for Project Isabella in the Galapagos Islands.