From Nelson: Scenic Helicopter Ride and Mountain Picnic

Planning a trip to New Zealand’s South Island? If you’re craving a mix of breathtaking scenery and a touch of adventure, the Scenic Helicopter Ride and Mountain Picnic offered by Helicopters Nelson might just be your ideal day out. This experience combines jaw-dropping aerial views with a secluded outdoor feast, making it perfect for those who love nature, photography, or simply want to elevate their holiday with a unique perspective.

What makes this tour stand out? We love the fact that it offers panoramic vistas of Nelson, Marlborough, and the Tasman Bay, a private helicopter experience that feels exclusive, and the chance to land in a remote mountain spot for a picnic. However, keep in mind that weather conditions can impact flight availability, so flexibility is key. This experience is best suited for travelers seeking stunning scenery, a dash of adventure, and a memorable family or friends’ outing.

Key Points

• Spectacular Views: The tour offers panoramic vistas of Nelson, Marlborough, and the Sounds.
• Private Group: Exclusivity makes it ideal for families or small groups wanting a personalized experience.
• Secluded Picnic Spot: Land at a high-altitude, private mountain peak for a unique outdoor meal.
• Weather Dependence: Flights are weather dependent; plans can change if conditions aren’t suitable.
• Value for Unique Experience: For around $1,371, you gain a memorable, photo-worthy adventure suitable for up to 6 people.
• Guided Tour: The pilot acts as a knowledgeable guide, pointing out landmarks and sharing insights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What to Expect from Takeoff to Landing

The adventure begins at Nelson Airport, where you’ll meet your helicopter pilot and enjoy a brief safety briefing. Once aboard your private helicopter, the true magic begins as you lift off into the skies. From your window, you’ll be able to see Nelson’s charming cityscape, the lush landscapes of Marlborough, and the shimmering waters of Tasman Bay. The pilot, an experienced guide, will point out notable landmarks and share interesting tidbits along the way—making the flight both scenic and educational.

The flight duration is approximately 1.5 hours, giving plenty of time to absorb the views without feeling rushed. As you soar through the air, expect to be wowed by the bird’s-eye perspective of Mount Richmond Forest Park and the surrounding wilderness. These views are especially spectacular given the varied terrain, from the rolling hills to rugged mountain peaks.

Landing in Seclusion

After approximately an hour of sightseeing, the helicopter will land on a high-altitude mountain peak within the Richmond Ranges. This spot is completely secluded, offering a sense of being on your own private mountain retreat. It’s a chance to step out into the wilderness, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and take in the panoramic views that stretch far and wide.

Many reviewers highlight how smooth and professional the landing process was, with pilots taking care to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. Once on the ground, you’ll be guided to your picnic spot—an ideal location to relax, chat, and take photos of the stunning backdrop.

The Mountain Picnic Experience

The highlight for many is the grazing box picnic, thoughtfully curated with local cheeses, meats, fresh fruit, and crackers. Beverages of your choice are included, making it perfect for toasting the moment or simply enjoying in the serenity of the mountains. The picnic area provides a truly picturesque setting, with sweeping views that make the meal feel like a special occasion.

Guests often comment on how peaceful and beautiful the environment is. Some mention that the seclusion enhances the feeling of escaping into nature, away from crowded tourist spots. This part of the tour is as much about connecting with nature as it is about the food and company.

Returning to Nelson

When you’re ready, re-board the helicopter for the return flight. The pilot will point out additional landmarks missed on the way in, providing a complete picture of the region’s natural beauty. The entire experience wraps up back at Nelson Airport, leaving you with a sense of achievement and plenty of memorable photos.

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Practical Details and Value

Price: At $1,371 for up to 6 people, this experience offers a good balance of value, especially considering the exclusivity and personalized nature of the tour. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate a special occasion or indulge in a unique adventure during your trip.

Duration: 1.5 hours total—perfect for travelers with tight schedules yet seeking a meaningful experience. The actual helicopter time is about an hour, with additional time allocated to the picnic.

Group Size: Private groups ensure a tailored experience, and the price is per group, not per person. This makes it more affordable than it might seem at first glance, especially for families or small groups of friends.

Weather Conditions: As flights are weather dependent, flexibility is essential. If conditions aren’t suitable, the tour provider will cancel with no charge, and you’ll be notified via telephone. It’s wise to have a backup plan or be prepared for possible rescheduling.

What to Bring: Comfortable shoes and clothing suited to the weather are recommended. Warming layers are advised, especially if you’re landing on high-altitude peaks where temperatures can be cooler.

Inclusions: Headsets with two-way communication mean you can easily hear your pilot’s commentary. The picnic is thoughtfully prepared, and the experience promises plenty of photo opportunities and memorable moments.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

One reviewer mentioned how “the views from the helicopter were breathtaking and the pilot was very knowledgeable”, noting that the pilot was particularly good at pointing out landmarks and sharing interesting facts. Another highlighted how “landing on the mountain peak felt like a secret, private spot—completely untouched and stunning”, emphasizing the seclusion and tranquility.

A common theme among reviews is appreciation for the professionalism of the pilots and the smoothness of the flight, which is especially reassuring for those who might be nervous about flying. The picnic was described as “delicious and well-curated, perfect for relaxing after the flight”, with many pointing out the beautiful setting as a major highlight.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who want to see Nelson and its surrounds from a new perspective. It’s perfect for families, couples, or small groups looking for a special, memorable outing. If you’re interested in photography, the views are unbeatable, offering countless opportunities for stunning shots.

However, those with sensitivity to flights or strict schedules should note the weather dependency. It’s also better suited for those comfortable with mild outdoor terrain, as landing on a high mountain peak involves stepping into a rugged natural environment.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

For anyone wanting a once-in-a-lifetime view combined with a scenic outdoor picnic, this helicopter and mountain picnic experience delivers. It captures the essence of New Zealand’s wild beauty in a way that few other tours can match, especially with the added touch of exclusivity and comfort.

The professional guides and knowledgeable pilots ensure both safety and insight, transforming a simple helicopter ride into an engaging adventure. The seclusion of the mountain picnic spot makes it a standout option for travelers craving a private, peaceful escape amid stunning scenery.

While weather can be a factor, the overall package offers fantastic value for the unique experience and photographs you’ll take home. If you’re seeking a memorable, scenic highlight of your Nelson visit, this tour is well worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the entire tour?
The experience lasts about 1.5 hours, including the helicopter flight, landing, picnic, and return.

What is included in the experience?
You receive a private helicopter ride, headsets with communication, a mountain picnic with a grazing box and beverages, and guidance from your pilot.

Is this a group or private experience?
It’s a private group experience, meaning your group will have exclusive use of the helicopter.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the weather, plus layers if it’s cool at the mountain top.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Flights are weather dependent. If conditions make flying unsafe, Helicopters Nelson will cancel without charge and notify you by phone.

Can I cancel this experience?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How many people can go on this tour?
Up to 6 people can join, making it ideal for small groups or families.

What kind of views can I expect?
Expect panoramic scenes of Nelson, Marlborough, the Sounds, and Tasman Bay, with detailed landmark explanations from your pilot.

Is this suitable for children?
While the information doesn’t specify age restrictions, given the private and scenic nature, it’s likely suitable for older children comfortable with helicopter rides. Always check with the provider if traveling with young kids.

This helicopter and mountain picnic experience offers a blend of adventure, comfort, and stunning scenery, perfect for creating lasting memories in New Zealand’s South Island. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply wanting to see the region from a different angle, it’s a tour worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: