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Nelson Air & helicopter tours

Our most recommended Nelson Air & helicopter tours

Nelson: Abel Tasman Cruise-Fly Day Tour

1. Nelson: Abel Tasman Cruise-Fly Day Tour

From Nelson Airport, relax and enjoy the shuttle transfer by road to Kaiteriteri, theTasman regions very own seaside town. Enjoy a 90-minute scenic boat cruise the length of the Abel Tasman National Park to Totaranui, keep a look out for seals and dolphins along the way! Totaranui with it's pristine, beautiful golden sand, clear water, lush bush and walking tracks in all directions is the perfect place to enjoy your picnic lunch and soak up the scenery with an hour and a half of beach time. Go swimming, relax on the beach, take a short walk in the National Park or read about the area's history at the DOC Visitor Centre. Leaving Totaranui at 12:30pm travel the limestone coastline to Takaka aboard a 50-minute shuttle tour with commentary, hearing about the history and environment of Golden Bay along the way. Stopping at Te Waikoropupu Springs - New Zealand's largest freshwater springs and the largest cold water springs in the southern hemisphere, enjoy a short 30-minute loop walk taking you through the forest to a platform that sits partly over the water of Te Waikoropupū Springs. The easy walkways have interpretive panels along the way. A must see while in the 'Bay'. Then it's time to farewell Golden Bay in style with a scenic flight back to Nelson, flying over the Abel Tasman coastline. During your flight, you will be wearing a headset so you can talk to others and the pilot, and listen to the pilot's commentary about the places you fly over. Your tour ends on your arrival at Nelson Airport.

Nelson: Helicopter Flight with Mountain Landing & Bay Views

2. Nelson: Helicopter Flight with Mountain Landing & Bay Views

From our convenient base at Nelson Airport, board your private helicopter for a 30 minute flight of Nelson, landing at high altitude to take in the stunning surrounds of Tasman Bay and the National Parks. You will have two-way communication with your pilot who will point out landmarks and answer your questions. After landing at high altitude, the helicopter will shut down and your pilot will escort you to the best viewing spots for photos. After you've taken in the sights, you will re-board your helicopter and be returned to our base.

From Nelson: Helicopter Ride to Golden Bay Tequila Farm

3. From Nelson: Helicopter Ride to Golden Bay Tequila Farm

Board your private helicopter at our convenient base at Nelson Airport. Fly up the golden sand coastline, marveling at the water-ways in all shades of blue and green. Two-way communication with your pilot ensures all the landmarks are pointed out. Over-flying the Abel Tasman National Park you will appreciate the dense green native bush. Your pilot will land the helicopter at the private heli-pad of Kiwi Spirit Distillery in Golden Bay. Their team will meet you and escort you to the private tasting room. Be entertained in the onsite tasting room by a master of cocktails. Gin and whiskey tastings with a private tour of the tequila farm and options to purchase. Optional extras include a grazing platter which must be organised prior to the flight. Your return flight back to our base at Nelson Airport will be just as scenic following the coastline, taking in the stunning scenery.

From Nelson: Marlborough Sounds Scenic Helicopter Flight

4. From Nelson: Marlborough Sounds Scenic Helicopter Flight

Discover the beautiful Marlborough Sounds as you take a scenic helicopter flight from nearby Nelson. Admire the scenery and land on your choice of either a beach or mountain top before you return. Board your private helicopter at the activity provider's base at Nelson Airport and set off on a scenic flight to the Marlborough Sounds. Follow the coastline on the way as your pilot points out landmarks via two-way headset communication. Admire the natural beauty of the Marlborough Sounds from above. Look out over the Pelorus, Kenepuru, and Queen Charlotte Sounds, enjoying views of this pristine natural environment. Land at your choice of either a beach or mountain top before you return to the meeting point.

Abel Tasman National Park: Helicopter Flight with landing

5. Abel Tasman National Park: Helicopter Flight with landing

Experience a private helicopter flight from Nelson Airport and witness impressive views of Abel Tasman National Park. Land at Awaroa Bay and have time for a walk, a swim, or lunch at the lodge. After boarding your private helicopter at Nelson Airport, you'll be whisked away to the stunningly beautiful Abel Tasman National Park. Following the coastline, marvel at the golden sand beaches and turquoise waters from the air before landing at Awaroa Bay. This slice of paradise is so remote, that access is by boat, helicopter, or foot. There are no private vehicles. Your pilot will ensure you see all the beautiful highlights of the National Park with two-way communication during your flight. After landing, your pilot will escort you through the bush and direct you to the beach or the lodge for refreshments or lunch. You'll have time for a swim, a beach walk, or just to soak in the serenity and beauty of the National Park.

From Nelson: Scenic Helicopter Ride and Mountain Picnic

6. From Nelson: Scenic Helicopter Ride and Mountain Picnic

From the helicopter base at Nelson Airport, board your private helicopter and be transported into the Mount Richmond Forest Park. Enjoy birds eye views of Nelson, Marlborough, The Sounds and Tasman Bay. Land at high altitude on a secluded mountain peak and be guided by your pilot to a picnic spot to enjoy time together in the great outdoors. Toast your friends and family, creating lasting memories. The stunning views and remote natural beauty will take your breath away. Your pilot will ensure all the landmarks are pointed out to you. Re-board the helicopter and return to base.

Nelson: Kahurangi National Park and Mt Owen Helicopter Tour

7. Nelson: Kahurangi National Park and Mt Owen Helicopter Tour

From Nelson Airport, fly southwest before entering the Kahurangi National Park for a landing on Mt Owen. Filming for Lord of the Rings was undertaken here for 10 days with the result being one of the most moving moments in the film. It was here, distraught at the loss of Gandalf, the remaining members of the Fellowship escaped the mines and threw themselves to the ground in their grief. Mt Owen showcases some of the oldest rock in New Zealand and has priceless geological properties. As you ascend, a landscape of glaciated marble karst is exposed and you appreciate the challenges for film crew working within the harsh alpine environment. Your pilot will guide you and allow time for plenty of photos and for soaking in the atmosphere of this unique location. Re-board your helicopter for the return flight back to Nelson Airport. A flight of a lifetime you won't forget.

Other Sightseeing Options in Nelson

Want to discover all there is to do in Nelson? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Nelson

An amazing experience!

A truly memorable day trip with breath-taking views of the stunning coastline with its beautiful natural colours.

jam packed activity packed day. everything went like clockwork!