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Take off with Helicopters Nelson for a half-day heli hike through Abel Tasman National Park, combining thrilling aerial views with guided coastal trekking and optional kayaking.
Take off with Helicopters Nelson for a half-day heli hike through Abel Tasman National Park, combining thrilling aerial views with guided coastal trekking and optional kayaking.
Book with Helicopters Nelson
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Helicopters Nelson · Nelson, Nelson
Abel Tasman National Park, located on New Zealand's South Island, is a mosaic of golden beaches, dense native bush, and crystal-clear waters. Helicopters Nelson elevates your encounter with this coastal paradise by combining the thrill of helicopter flight with intimate guided hiking. The Abel Tasman Heli Hike offers a rare vantage point: starting with a scenic 25-minute helicopter ride over untouched estuaries, sweeping beaches, and rugged granite rock formations, it delivers perspectives unseen by foot or sea alone.
After a smooth touchdown within the heart of the park, guests transition seamlessly from sky to trail. The guided hike, led by experts from Wine, Art & Wilderness, delves into the native flora and fauna, including nikau palms and vibrant pōhutukawa blossoms, while offering insights into the area's Maori heritage and conservation efforts dating back to the park’s establishment in 1942. The trail meanders through coastal forests and along the shoreline, where seals and native birds occasionally make appearances.
For those eager to extend their adventure, kayaking along the turquoise waters during the return trip offers a refreshing contrast, while soaking in the sunlit coastal vistas. Helicopters Nelson’s fully catered half-day tour includes return flights from Nelson Airport, road transfers, and a hearty lunch to complement the physical activity.
This experience is more than a hike — it’s an integration of aerial majesty and ground-level intimacy, perfectly suited for travelers who want to maximize time in Abel Tasman National Park. Weather is always a consideration, but the company’s communication and professionalism ensure a safe, memorable journey. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or looking for a unique day trip out of Nelson, the Abel Tasman Heli Hike-crafted by Helicopters Nelson is an incomparable gateway to New Zealand’s coastal wilderness.
moderate.
3.5 hours.
Suitable for people with good basic fitness who can walk a few kilometers on uneven coastal trails.
No prior hiking experience is required, but guests should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain for about 2 hours.
Yes, a catered lunch with refreshments and beverages is included in the half-day heli hike.
After the guided hike, participants can choose to kayak back along the coast, enjoying calm waters and scenic views.
Flights are subject to weather conditions. Helicopters Nelson offers rescheduling or refunds should flights be canceled.
The tour departs from Nelson Airport with convenient transfers from local accommodation included.
Look for native birds such as tui and kererū, plus occasional sightings of fur seals along the coastline.
Abel Tasman National Park was established in 1942 as New Zealand’s first national park, preserving coastal forests and beaches vital to Maori and recreation today.
Ongoing DOC efforts focus on pest control and habitat restoration to protect native species and maintain the park’s pristine environment.
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