Combine breathtaking helicopter flights over Nelson-Marlborough with a rare chance to interact with New Zealand’s karearea falcon. This unique wildlife experience is completed by an optional vineyard tour and wine tasting, making for a perfectly balanced day of adventure.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical exertion required; suitable for most fitness levels.
Wildlife
History
The karearea has cultural significance in Māori tradition, representing speed and keen sight.
Conservation
The Marlborough Falcon Trust promotes conservation through advocacy, breeding, and pest control initiatives to support local ecosystems.
Helicopters Nelson
Combine breathtaking helicopter flights over Nelson-Marlborough with a rare chance to interact with New Zealand’s karearea falcon. This unique wildlife experience is completed by an optional vineyard tour and wine tasting, making for a perfectly balanced day of adventure.
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.
Base Location
Nelson, Nelson
Operating from Nelson in the South Island
Tours Offered
36
Range of scenic and luxury flights
Shortest Flight
10 min
Nelson City Scenic family spin
Key Destinations
Marlborough Sounds, Kahurangi
Iconic landscapes and national parks
Reserve a scenic spin, luxury lodge transfer or guided heli-adventure — check availability and book your trip from Nelson now.
Book in Advance
Limited availability means early reservations are recommended to secure your spot for the helicopter and falcon experience.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
Layered clothing and comfortable, sturdy shoes are advisable to handle variable weather and on-ground walking during the falcon trust visit.
Respect Wildlife
Venues enforce strict animal welfare policies; follow all guidelines and staff instructions to ensure a safe interaction with the falcons.
Be Prepared for Weather
Helicopter flights are weather dependent—check conditions and plan for potential rescheduling.
Layered Clothing
Protect yourself from variable weather during flight and ground visits.
Sun Protection
Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are important for summer flights and vineyard time.
summer
Sturdy Walking Shoes
Required for safely navigating the falcon trust grounds.
Camera or Smartphone
Capture aerial views and up-close falcon encounters.