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Fly over Abel Tasman National Park with Helicopters Nelson on a 2.5-hour journey featuring golden beaches and mountain landings. Discover why this aerial tour is an unmissable outdoor adventure in New Zealand.
Fly over Abel Tasman National Park with Helicopters Nelson on a 2.5-hour journey featuring golden beaches and mountain landings. Discover why this aerial tour is an unmissable outdoor adventure in New Zealand.
Book with Helicopters Nelson
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Helicopters Nelson · Nelson, Nelson
Helicopters Nelson offers an extraordinary way to experience Abel Tasman National Park, located at the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island. This 2.5-hour aerial journey cuts a unique path above one of the country’s most iconic coastal reserves, revealing golden beaches, dense native bush, and crystal-clear waters that define the park’s rugged shoreline. Abel Tasman, established in 1942, remains distinguished for its unspoiled beauty and abundant birdlife, and seeing it from the air brings a fresh perspective that few ventures can match.
The adventure begins from Nelson Airport, where guests board a state-of-the-art helicopter for an approximately 50-minute flight cruising over the park. From this vantage point, the coastline unfolds in vibrant colors: the warm hues of sun-drenched sands drift into deep green forests and turquoise bays. Native birds like the tīeke (saddleback) and kererū (New Zealand pigeon) occasionally punctuate the view beneath.
A highlight of the tour includes a landing at Awaroa Bay, a remote beach known for its tranquil waters and soft sand, perfect for a serene stroll or refreshing swim. Optional mountain landings offer dramatic lookout points for photographers and nature lovers, where panoramic views reveal the park’s jagged ridgelines and coastal inlets.
Helicopters Nelson combines safety, expert piloting, and immersive communication with passengers throughout the flight, ensuring an informative and comfortable experience. This trip is accessible to all ages and fitness levels, making it a standout for families and solo adventurers alike.
In an area where sea kayaking and hiking reign, this aerial tour provides a rare and spectacular way to connect with Abel Tasman’s diverse landscapes and ecosystems. It offers a lasting impression of the park’s scale and beauty, making Helicopters Nelson a key player in the region’s outdoor adventure scene.
easy.
2–3 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required aside from short beach walking.
Yes, the flight is suitable for all ages, including children and seniors.
Flights are subject to weather conditions; if canceled, you can reschedule or receive a refund.
Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own food, or you can arrange catering through Helicopters Nelson.
The mountain landing is an optional add-on that offers extra photo opportunities.
The stop typically allows 20-30 minutes for a stroll or swim before returning to Nelson.
Weight restrictions apply for safety and balance; contact Helicopters Nelson for specific details.
Abel Tasman National Park was New Zealand's first coastal national park, established in 1942 to protect its unique landscapes and ecosystems.
Helicopters Nelson supports sustainable tourism by adhering to strict environmental guidelines, minimizing noise and disturbance to native wildlife during flights.
Helicopters Nelson is a helicopter operator based in Nelson, New Zealand, offering a wide range of scenic flights, luxury heli-transfers and backcountry experiences. The business operates a varied program of trips from short city scenic flights to full-day Marlborough Sounds adventures, heli-hiking, guided backcountry fly fishing and specialised packages such as reef fishing on D’Urville Island and free-range hunting. Tours include the 10-minute Nelson City Scenic family spin, Marlborough Sounds scenic options, Lord of the Rings landings at Mt Olympus and Mt Owen, Abel Tasman heli-hikes and alpine lake picnics in Kahurangi National Park. Helicopters Nelson also provides luxury landings and transfers to lodges such as Bay of Many Coves, Stonefly Lodge, Okoro Villa, Awaroa Lodge and Westhaven Retreat. The operator highlights culinary and hospitality partnerships on longer trips, for example reef fishing with a beachside meal or transfers that connect guests with local hosts and sustainable eco-stays. Trial flight lessons and vineyard tours are available for those seeking shorter introductions to helicopter flying. Pilots and crew operate to local regulations and focus on passenger safety, comfort and clear briefings before each flight. Helicopters Nelson markets experiences for families, couples, anglers and adventure travellers seeking aerial access to remote New Zealand landscapes. Booking options cover short scenic spins, bespoke luxury transfers and multi-hour guided excursions, all launching from Nelson. The range of tours and clear trip descriptions help guests select experiences that match fitness, time and interest. Customer booking details, safety information and availability are provided on request by phone.
Book with Helicopters Nelson