What Are The Best Helicopter Flights & Tours In Grande Terre? Our Top 7 Picks

Grande Terre offers some of the most stunning coastal and island scenery in New Caledonia, making it a prime destination for helicopter flights and tours. Flying over this island paradise gives you a fresh perspective on its turquoise lagoons, lush rainforests, and iconic landmarks like the Amédée Lighthouse. Among the tours listed, we particularly like those that combine breathtaking scenery with good value, such as the Southern Lagoon ride and the private tours over Voh and the Isle of Pines—which promise both spectacular views and a chance to escape the crowds. If you’re after a quick thrill or a more comprehensive exploration, this list has something for every type of traveler.

Quick Overview

Our guide covers a variety of helicopter experiences in Grande Terre, from budget-friendly 45-minute rides to longer, more private excursions. These include scenic tours like the Helicopter Dream Ride with the Southern Lagoon and Malawi Peak, which offers a 45-minute flight over the lagoon and islands, and the Private Helicopter Sightseeing Tour in The Heart of Voh, a 3-4 hour private flight over Voh’s remarkable landscapes. For a comprehensive experience, the Isle of Pines tour showcases remote beaches, rainforests, and mountain views. Budget options like the Magnificent South provide a great way to see the coast in just a couple of hours.

1. Helicopter Dream The Northern Lagoon

Rating: 0/5 (no reviews yet) | Price: $9 | Duration: about 2 hours | Location: Grande Terre

This budget-friendly tour offers a soaring overview of the Northern Lagoon, one of the most beautiful parts of Grande Terre. Starting from the air, you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the Amédée Lighthouse, a key navigational point, and several picture-perfect islands like Mba, Mbo, and Pandanus. While the price is remarkably low, the experience focuses on the essentials: stunning scenery from above that will make your camera work hard.

What makes this tour stand out is the value for money—a two-hour flight at just $9 is hard to beat if you’re on a tight budget or want a quick, scenic overview. It’s a straightforward flight designed for those who want to see the lagoon’s vastness without fuss. Because there are no reviews yet, it’s best suited for travelers seeking an affordable introduction to Grande Terre’s ocean scenery. Keep in mind, it might lack the personalized touch of longer private flights, but it’s a great option if you just want to dip your toes in aerial sightseeing.

Bottom Line: A simple, cost-efficient way to see Grande Terre from above, perfect for travelers with limited time or budget.

2. Helicopter Dream Ride with the Southern Lagoon and Malawi Peak

Rating: 0/5 (no reviews yet) | Price: $49 | Duration: about 45 minutes | Location: Grande Terre

This mid-range helicopter tour covers the highlights of the Southern Lagoon, including Lareignère Island, Escapade Island, Duck Island, and the Amédée Lighthouse. It’s a 45-minute journey that combines the best of the lagoon with a stopover at Malawi Peak, offering a unique chance to see the landscape from a different perspective before returning to Magenta Airport. The tour’s focus on both islands and the barrier reef makes it a well-rounded introduction to Grande Terre’s most famous natural features.

While no reviews are available, the price point suggests good value for those who want a comprehensive yet manageable flight without committing hours. The inclusion of Malawi Peak is a highlight, giving you a view of the island’s mountainous interior and rainforests, something you won’t see from the ground. This tour is best for travelers seeking a quick but immersive helicopter experience that hits all the key scenic spots.

Bottom Line: A solid choice for those wanting a balanced, scenic overview of the lagoon and inland peaks without a long flight.

3. Private Helicopter Sightseeing Tour in The Heart of Voh

Rating: 0/5 (no reviews yet) | Price: $56 | Duration: 3-4 hours | Location: Grande Terre

This private tour is the most personalized experience on our list, flying over the iconic Heart of Voh, a natural formation shaped like a giant heart. Partnered with Helisud, they bring over 20 years of flying experience and an emphasis on discovering the Pacific lagoon, mountains, and rainforests from a bird’s-eye view. The Robinson R44 helicopters provide a stable, intimate experience suitable for smaller groups or couples.

The tour lasts around 3 to 4 hours, providing ample time to explore the rugged, lunar-like landscape of the Heart of Voh**, which was famously discovered during WWII. The flight also includes views of the Pacific lagoon and surrounding rainforests, making it ideal for nature lovers and those who want a more exclusive experience. The review mentions the tour as a way to see why New Caledonia is nicknamed the ‘closest island to heaven’—a poetic but fitting description.

If you’re after a customized, in-depth aerial tour with fewer fellow travelers, this is your best bet. Keep in mind the longer duration means a higher cost, but the privacy and focus on natural beauty make it a worthwhile splurge.

Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a private, longer helicopter experience over Voh’s remarkable landscapes.

4. Helicopter Dream Ride in Southern Lagoon

Rating: 0/5 (no reviews yet) | Price: $109 | Duration: 30-60 minutes | Location: Grande Terre

For those wanting a more extensive look at Grande Terre’s southern coast, this Helicopter Dream Ride offers a 30-minute to 1-hour flight over the Southern Lagoon. Operated by Helisud, this tour is similar in scope to the northern lagoon flight but focuses on the southern attractions. You’ll see Lareignère Island, Escapade Island, Duck Island, and the Amédée Lighthouse, with an added stopover at Malawi Peak. The flexibility of the duration makes it suitable for travelers with different schedules.

While it’s priced higher than the northern lagoon tour, the longer flight and the inclusion of Malawi Peak make it a more comprehensive experience. The tour effectively combines island, reef, and mountain views for a well-rounded perspective of the southern coast. It’s ideal for travelers who value a more detailed aerial exploration and want to see the diversity of the lagoon’s landscape.

Bottom Line: A solid choice for travelers wanting more time and variety on their helicopter tour, especially in the southern part of Grande Terre.

5. Private Helicopter Sightseeing Tour in The Forgotten Coast

Rating: 0/5 (no reviews yet) | Price: $157 | Duration: about 1 hour 45 minutes | Location: Grande Terre

This private tour is designed for those wanting to explore the secluded, untouched part of New Caledonia called the Forgotten Coast. Flying over the lunar landscape of the southern coast, you’ll also get views of Yaté National Park, Woodin Canal, and the Amédée Lighthouse. The 1 hour 45-minute duration allows for a deep dive into this remote region, making it ideal for serious explorers or photographers.

The Yaté National Park is known for its reddish scenery, and the Woodin Canal offers a glimpse of the lush waterways. The flight over the Forgotten Coast reveals a landscape largely free of development, perfect for those interested in untouched nature. The tour is a good value considering its length and exclusivity, but it’s best suited for travelers who prioritize off-the-beaten-path sights and private experiences.

Bottom Line: A top pick for travelers seeking an exclusive, longer flight over the most secluded region of Grande Terre.

6. Private Helicopter Sightseeing Tour in The Isle of Pines

Rating: 0/5 (no reviews yet) | Price: $154 | Duration: 2-3 hours | Location: Grande Terre

This tour combines flying over southern Grande Terre with a visit to the famous Isle of Pines, an island renowned for its white sandy beaches, lush rainforests, and dramatic mountains. It was a shooting location for the French version of “Survivor,” adding a touch of pop culture to the natural spectacle. The flight offers views of the Woodin Canal and the vast, sparsely populated landscapes.

The 2-3 hour experience includes aerial views of the Isle of Pines and the surrounding coast, highlighting remote beaches, turquoise waters, and verdant forests. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a combination of island exploration and scenic flight. The tour’s length and focus on a single, iconic island make it a memorable and visually stunning experience.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting to combine island scenery with aerial photography and a sense of remoteness.

7. Private Helicopter Sightseeing Tour in the Magnificent South

Rating: 0/5 (no reviews yet) | Price: $30 | Duration: about 2 hours | Location: Grande Terre

At just $30, this affordable helicopter tour covers the southern coast, including Yaté Lake, Madeleine Falls, and the Amédée Lighthouse. While shorter than some private options, it provides a broad overview of the region with multiple stops. You’ll fly over Yaté Lake’s reddish scenery, one of the most unique sights, and enjoy views of the lighthouse and coral reefs.

This tour is well suited for budget-conscious travelers who still want to see a variety of landscapes from above. Its two-hour duration allows for a good balance between sightseeing and value, making it a practical option for a quick scenic escape.

Bottom Line: The best choice for travelers wanting a cost-effective, yet comprehensive, helicopter tour of Grande Terre’s southern highlights.

How to Choose the Right Helicopter Tour

When selecting your helicopter experience, consider your budget, time limitations, and what scenery excites you most. If you’re short on time but want a quick overview, the Magnificent South at $30 offers great value. For a more private, in-depth exploration, the Voh or Isle of Pines tours are ideal.

If you’re on a budget, the Northern Lagoon provides an affordable introduction to the region’s stunning seascape. For those seeking a longer, more exclusive experience, the private tours in Voh or the Forgotten Coast deliver breathtaking views and personalized service.

Booking early is recommended, especially during peak season, and always double-check what’s included—some tours offer stops and longer flight times that add to the value.

Final thoughts

Grande Terre’s helicopter tours span a wide spectrum—from affordable 45-minute flights to private, multi-hour excursions. Whether you want a quick glimpse of the lagoon, a private tour over the Heart of Voh, or a scenic flight to the Isle of Pines, there’s an option suited to your style and budget. If you’re eager to see this island paradise from above, don’t wait too long—these tours fill up fast. Happy flying!