Taking Off: Pioneering Small Airlines of New Zealand 1945 - 1970

The pioneering small airlines of the 1950s and 1960s, like Fred Ladd's Tourist Air Travel in Auckland and Popeye Lucas's Southern Scenic in Queenstown, were colourful examples of post-war optimism and the 'can do' attitude which changed New Zealand forever.

Illustrated by many rare photographs, this book reveals new and fascinating insights into the post-war New Zealand. It describes how these pioneer airlines, and those who ran them, endeared themselves to many - including royalty, farmers, politicians, clergy, tourists and most importantly to thousands of ordinary New Zealanders.

Published 2003.