Nelson, on New Zealand’s South Island, offers some of the most stunning helicopter experiences in the country. Its proximity to pristine beaches, lush national parks, and rugged mountain ranges makes it a natural playground for aerial adventures. Whether you want to land on a remote beach, soar over Marlborough Sounds, or enjoy mountain views with a picnic, Nelson’s helicopter tours deliver unforgettable perspectives. We especially appreciate the Abel Tasman National Park: Helicopter Flight with landing, which combines the thrill of flight with the chance to step onto one of New Zealand’s most famous beaches.
While all these tours are remarkable, the best choice depends on what you’re after—scenic views, unique landings, or a taste of local flavor. If you’re short on time but want a quick adrenaline rush, the Nelson: Helicopter Flight with Mountain Landing & Bay Views offers a high-altitude adventure in just an hour. For a longer, more immersive experience, try the Abel Tasman National Park: Helicopter Flight with landing, which provides access to one of New Zealand’s top-rated beaches.
1. Abel Tasman National Park: Helicopter Flight with landing
Taking off from Nelson Airport, this tour provides a bird’s-eye view of Abel Tasman National Park—a highlight for anyone visiting the area. This experience includes a landing at Awaroa Bay, one of the most beautiful and isolated beaches in New Zealand. You’ll have time for a walk, a swim, or a leisurely lunch at the lodge, making it more than just a sightseeing flight. The scenery here is incredible—dense native bush, turquoise waters, and golden sands—accessible only by helicopter or boat.
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of luxury and exclusivity. It’s perfect for travelers craving a private, intimate experience, away from crowds. The 2.5-hour duration allows plenty of time to soak in the landscape and enjoy the remote serenity. With a near-perfect rating of 5/5 from two reviews, travelers appreciate the professionalism of the pilot and the breathtaking scenery.
This tour is ideal for those wanting to combine scenic beauty with a touch of adventure. It’s especially suited for couples, honeymooners, or anyone celebrating a special occasion. The price of around $2,026 for a group of six provides excellent value considering the exclusivity and access it offers.
Bottom Line: A luxurious, scenic flight with a memorable beach landing—perfect for honeymooners or travelers seeking quiet natural beauty.
2. From Nelson: Helicopter Ride to Golden Bay Tequila Farm
This tour takes you from Nelson over the stunning Golden Bay to visit New Zealand’s only tequila farm, Kiwi Spirit Distillery. If you’re a fan of liquor tasting and want a more interactive experience, this ride combines spectacular scenery with a behind-the-scenes look at tequila-making—something quite unique in New Zealand. Once over Golden Bay, the helicopter lands at the private heli-pad, where you can explore the distillery and sample their liquors.
Flying over the Abel Tasman National Park en route makes this trip particularly scenic. The highlight is the guided liquor tastings, which include tequila, gin, and whiskey. You can even purchase bottles directly from the distillery. The total trip lasts about 2.5 hours, with the flight itself being a key part of the adventure.
While this tour doesn’t have reviews listed, it’s a great pick for travelers interested in local spirits with an emphasis on scenic flight. It offers a unique combination of scenic beauty and tasting experience, making it ideal for foodies and spirit enthusiasts. The price of around $2,431 for a group of six reflects the exclusivity of landing at a private distillery and the experience of flying over some of the best scenery.
Bottom Line: Perfect for flavor adventurers who want to see Golden Bay from the air and enjoy a tasting at New Zealand’s only tequila farm.
$2,431 per group up to 6
3. From Nelson: Marlborough Sounds Scenic Helicopter Flight
This scenic flight offers a panoramic view of Marlborough Sounds, including Pelorus, Kenepuru, and Queen Charlotte Sounds. The flight lasts around two hours and includes a landing on a remote beach or mountain top—your choice. The Marlborough Sounds are known for their complex network of fjord-like waterways, lush forested hills, and serene coves.
What makes this tour special is the opportunity to land in a truly remote location—either on a mountain or a secluded beach—adding a sense of adventure and exclusivity. The pilot will point out key landmarks, making it an educational as well as visually stunning experience. It’s a great option for those who want to combine scenic flights with a bit of exploration.
Pricing at approximately $2,431 for a group of six, this tour offers excellent value for the chance to see some of New Zealand’s most pristine scenery from a truly unique vantage point. It’s suitable for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone wanting a memorable, quiet escape.
Bottom Line: An immersive, scenic exploration of Marlborough Sounds with the added thrill of a remote landing.
$2,431 per group up to 6
4. From Nelson: Scenic Helicopter Ride and Mountain Picnic
This 1.5-hour guided helicopter tour delivers stunning views of Nelson, Marlborough, and the surrounding Tasman Bay. The highlight is landing at a secluded mountain peak in Mount Richmond Park. From this vantage point, you’ll enjoy sweeping vistas of the landscape below, perfect for photography and simply absorbing the scenery.
The tour includes a grazing box picnic, complete with beverages, which you can enjoy amid the tranquility of the mountain top. It’s a fantastic way to combine a short flight with a relaxing meal in an extraordinary setting. The short duration means it’s ideal for travelers with limited time or those looking for a quick but memorable adventure.
Rated highly, this tour appeals to families, friends, or couples wanting a personalized outdoor experience. The ability to land on a mountain top offers a sense of achievement and unique photo opportunities. The $1,371 price for six people makes it a good value for the quality of experience.
Bottom Line: A swift, scenic flight culminating in a mountain picnic—great for a special outing or a quick adventure.
$1,371 per group up to 6
5. Nelson: Helicopter Flight with Mountain Landing & Bay Views
This one-hour helicopter flight delivers spectacular views of Nelson, Tasman Bay, and nearby national parks. The highlight is landing at a remote mountain range at high altitude, providing some of the best photo opportunities of the region. The flight is short but packed with visual drama, soaring over the rugged landscape.
The pilot will point out landmarks, enhancing the experience with informative narration. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a taste of Nelson’s natural beauty without a lengthy commitment. It’s a straightforward, high-value scenic flight at around $1,216 for up to six people.
If you’re a photographer or just want to see Nelson from above in a quick trip, this offers great views and a mountain landing without breaking the bank. It suits those with limited time or who prefer a shorter aerial experience.
Bottom Line: An ideal quick scenic adventure with high-altitude mountain landing and unbeatable views of Nelson.
$1,216 per group up to 6
How to Choose the Right Helicopter Tour in Nelson
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, available time, and what kind of experience excites you most. For a luxurious, private beach landing, the Abel Tasman is hard to beat, especially if you want to combine a scenic flight with relaxation. If you’re into spirits and tasting, the Golden Bay Tequila Farm offers a rare look at a unique local distillery.
For those who love wilderness and remote landscapes, the Marlborough Sounds and mountain picnic tours combine stunning scenery with the thrill of landing in untouched spots. Shorter trips like the mountain landing are perfect if you’re pressed for time but want an authentic experience.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season (summer months in New Zealand, November to March), to secure your preferred date and experience.
Nelson’s helicopter tours range from scenic flights to landings that allow you to step into the wilderness or indulge in local flavors. Whether you want a quick flight with a mountain picnic or a luxurious beach landing, these options promise unforgettable views and memories. For those who appreciate a sense of adventure and unique perspectives, Nelson’s helicopter experiences are well worth planning ahead for.