Golden Bay Distillery Tour with Helicopters Nelson

Golden Bay, cradled on New Zealand’s northern South Island, is a striking blend of rugged coastlines, wide golden beaches, and verdant wilderness. This famously creative nook—long favored by artists and free spirits—sits between Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks, making it a gateway to some of the country’s most iconic outdoor landscapes. Helicopters Nelson taps into this scenic richness with their “Golden Bay with Kiwi Spirit Distillery” experience, a unique airborne journey that combines adventure with a rare taste of New Zealand craftsmanship. The trip delivers a carefully curated 2.5-hour helicopter flight from Nelson, lifting you above lush valleys and coastal panoramas en route to Golden Bay’s secluded setting. Here, the Kiwi Spirit Distillery awaits, one of New Zealand’s few family-owned distilleries and the country’s only tequila farm, producing 100% Blue Agave Tequilana spirits. The distillery prides itself on handcrafting each batch with homegrown ingredients—offering a distinct alternative to the mainstream, with a commitment to quality steeped in decades of reverence for spirit-making traditions. Once landed, guests enjoy a guided tasting featuring gin, whiskey, and tequila varieties—four tastings included in the price—providing a hands-on insight into the production process paired with Golden Bay’s unparalleled natural backdrop. Optional mountain landing add-ons can extend the adventure further, enhancing aerial perspectives of the region’s unique geology and coastline. Helicopters Nelson is more than a flight operator; it is a local institution offering access to New Zealand’s wild places in ways few others can. This trip stands out for blending aerial exploration with a deep dive into local culture and small-batch craft distilling, all wrapped in the extraordinary setting of Golden Bay’s dramatic landscape.