Rough Terrain Geotechnical

Geotechnical investigations

Webster Drilling delivers specialised heli-portable and rough-terrain geotechnical drilling services across challenging and remote locations throughout New Zealand, the Pacific and internationally.

Our extensive experience in helicopter-supported operations makes us New Zealand’s most experienced rough-terrain drilling contractor, with most staff trained in safe helicopter work practices and extensive working relationships with helicopter operators.

Our heli-portable capabilities are designed to overcome access challenges where traditional drilling methods are impractical or impossible. We excel in steep terrain, remote locations and sites with restricted access, including operations under airport flight paths and in environmentally sensitive areas.

6 heli-portable boreholes up to 110m depth located along steep cut slope sites from Ngauranga Gorge to above the Hutt Road, Wellington. All boreholes were heli-portable and completed on the Wellington Airport flight path, demonstrating our expertise in controlled airspace operations.

Two-phase investigation in Taranaki, New Zealand, utilising four rigs concurrently with both heli-portable and track access operations. Completed 50 boreholes with 2,103m of core drilling, 1,126m of piezometers, 150m VWP installation, and 650m CPTu testing across challenging terrain.

656m of PQ core drilling across 13 boreholes in highly fractured Greywacke formations, demonstrating our capability in challenging geological conditions requiring specialized drilling techniques.

6 heli-portable boreholes and 11 track access boreholes for initial Manawatu Gorge replacement investigations, showcasing our ability to provide integrated access solutions for major infrastructure projects.

Extensive heli-portable geotechnical drilling and HQ coring program including high-angle under-river drilling. Total program: 5,341 meters over 163 boreholes using five heli-portable rigs (maximum four concurrent operations) plus heli-portable CPT unit. Additional work during construction phases totaled approximately 16,000m drilled over 450 boreholes.

Remote heli-portable geotechnical drilling and pneumatic packer testing for hydropower feasibility study on the Purari River, Gulf Province. All crew access via helicopter or boat. Five rigs of various sizes achieved 2,000m of HQ/NQ core drilling and packer testing across 57 highly remote boreholes.

Nearly a decade of involvement in geotechnical investigations including initial heli-portable work and all subsequent investigations. Over 300 boreholes drilled totaling 22,000+ meters with seven varieties of drilling rigs, demonstrating our long-term project commitment and adaptability.