THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
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.
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.
Book with Helicopters Nelson
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Helicopters Nelson · Nelson, Nelson
Soaring above the rugged contours of the Nelson-Marlborough Region, the Karearea Falcon Experience offered by Helicopters Nelson combines the thrill of flight with an intimate encounter with one of New Zealand’s rarest native predators. Launching from Nelson Airport, your helicopter ride spans the vibrant Richmond Ranges and sweeps across the country’s largest wine region, setting the stage for days that blend natural marvels with cultural depth.
The karearea, or New Zealand falcon, embodies a compelling mix of speed and stealth — capable of flying at speeds up to 200 km/h and taking down prey larger than itself. This agility positions it not only as a king of the sky but also a valuable ally for Marlborough’s vineyards, where these birds naturally reduce pest populations. With fewer than 8,000 left in the wild, encountering a karearea is a rare privilege.
Guests arrive at the Marlborough Falcon Trust to meet an advocate falcon and receive a private guided tour through their aviaries. The highlight is a hands-on interaction where visitors, two at a time, wear falconry gloves and summon a trained falcon to land gently on their hands. These moments foster a deep appreciation for the bird’s power and vulnerability, underscored by strict animal welfare standards that prioritize the birds’ wellbeing.
For those who wish to extend the experience, an optional visit to a nearby vineyard offers a rich tasting menu paired with local wines, spotlighting the region’s dual natural and agricultural heritage.
Helicopters Nelson has crafted this blend of aerial adventure, wildlife connection, and gourmet indulgence with care, making it a unique addition to the outdoor adventure landscape of New Zealand. Whether you’re a bird enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or a cultural traveler, this experience offers a striking perspective on Nelson-Marlborough’s wild and cultivated beauty.
easy.
3–4 hours.
Minimal physical exertion required; suitable for most fitness levels.
Yes, guests take turns wearing a falconry glove and have the chance to call a trained karearea to land on their hand under expert supervision.
Helicopters Nelson can accommodate children, but please check age and weight restrictions when booking.
Flights are weather dependent; in such cases, rescheduling options will be provided whenever possible.
The vineyard visit is optional and incurs an additional cost. Please enquire when booking.
Plan for about 3 to 4 hours, including helicopter flight, falcon trust visit, and optional vineyard time.
Yes, only about 5,000 to 8,000 karearea remain, making conservation and responsible interaction priorities during the experience.
The karearea has cultural significance in Māori tradition, representing speed and keen sight.
The Marlborough Falcon Trust promotes conservation through advocacy, breeding, and pest control initiatives to support local ecosystems.
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