How long is the helicopter flight portion of the tour?

The flight from Nelson to Golden Bay and back typically takes about 2.5 hours, including the distillery visit.

Are the spirit tastings included in the price?

Yes, the tour includes four tastings per person featuring gin, whiskey, and New Zealand’s only 100% Blue Agave tequila.

Can I add other stops or landings during the flight?

Optional mountain landings are available to enhance the experience — discuss these add-ons when booking.

Is this tour suitable for children or pregnant passengers?

Due to the nature of helicopter flights and alcohol tastings, it’s not recommended for children or pregnant individuals.

What happens if weather prevents the flight?

Flights may be rescheduled or refunded if weather conditions are unsafe; always check in advance and remain flexible.

Where does the tour depart from?

Flights depart from Nelson Airport, located at 8 Dakota Street, Nelson 7011, New Zealand.

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.

About Helicopters Nelson

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.

Golden Bay Distillery Tour with Helicopters Nelson

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