Nelson is the gateway city to one of New Zealand's most spectacular regions. With three National Parks on the doorstep, Nelson offers visitors a unique variety of activities, escapes and adventures.
Whether you intend exploring the pristine waters and coastline of the Abel Tasman National Park, venturing a little deeper into the rugged bush of the Kahurangi National Park or slipping away to relax at one of the many luxury lodges or boutique resorts in the Nelson Lakes or Marlborough Sounds region, you can be sure that our Nelson helicopter operation has a service that will suit your needs.
From customised tours and scenic flights to charter group transfers there is no better way to get to where the action, adventure or relaxation is in comfort, safety and style than with a Garden City Helicopters scenic flight or transfer.
Nelson City and the Bay from aboveTake this 20 minute local flight that will give you a fantastic view of our beautiful Nelson and Bay. Taking off from our base at Nelson Airport we fly over Nelson city and the centre of New Zealand. Fly west over Rabbit Island and its long golden beach taking in the views of the Bay. We fly over Mapua, a small town with great local restaurants, before returning to Nelson airport. 20 minute flight |  | $205 per personMinimum numbers apply 03 547 4360 | ||
Abel Tasman National Park, Lunch at AwaroaEnjoy this stunning coastal flight over our beautiful Nelson region and the Abel Tasman Nation Park. Landing on pristine golden sands at the iconic Awaroa Lodge for a gourmet lunch or a coffee, our journey continues up to Harwoods Hole, a 180 metre vertical hole that is New Zealand’s deepest.Allow 3 hours |  | $545 per personMinimum numbers apply To book a flight, call 03 547 4360 | ||
The West Coast & KarameaSee some of New Zealand’s wildest coastline, including Farewell Spit. At 26 kilometres in length, it is New Zealand’s longest sandspit – on a good day you might see Mt Taranaki in the North Island. Flying south down the rugged west coast, we stop at a remote beach for a bite to eat. If in season, indulge in a famous whitebait sandwich. On our way back to Nelson we take in the Kahurangi National Park and follow the famous Karamea River, iconic for its brown trout fishing. Approaching the city, majestic views of Mt Arthur and the Nelson basin unfold before you. Lunch option not included in price. Allow 3 hours |  | $1,150 per personMinimum numbers apply To book a flight, call 03 547 4360 | ||
Golden Bay Tour with lunchTreat your family, friends or work colleagues to a flight through to Golden Bay and stop off for lunch at a venue that takes your interest or we have many options we can suggest. Normally a 3.5 hour return drive from Nelson, we will have you there having lunch in under 30 minutes from Nelson Airport. Our return flight will take us around the Abel Tasman coastline that is truly a majestic place to see. Call us and custom make your itinerary to suit your culinary desires. Lunch not included in price. Allow 2.5 hours |  | $680 per personMinimum numbers apply To book a flight, call 03 547 4360 | ||
Dining at AltitudeAt 5,000 feet above sea level the views are breath-taking! Mt Starveall is a sight to see, with a 360-degree panorama allowing you to take in three of our region’s national parks while enjoying a nice glass of wine or cold beer. A dining experience is optional. Ask us for prices and menus. Allow 2 hours |  | $240 per personMinimum numbers apply To book a flight, call 03 547 4360 | ||
Wine & Dine in Blenheim – The Home of Fine WinesEnjoy some time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and indulge in a glass of wine at one of Blenheim’s iconic estates. Your choice of Giesen or Cloudy Bay wineries. Both estates offer fine wines and a full menu. Order your wine from their website and pick it up in style. Alternatively, if you have an estate in mind that you would like to stop at, do tell us and we can see if it is possible. Dining not included in price. Allow 3 hours |  | $440 per personGiesen $510 per personCloudy Bay Minimum numbers apply To book a flight, call 03 547 4360 | ||
Marlborough Sounds DelightFlying into the Marlborough Sounds is a must do on your touring itinerary. Views of the Pelorus, Queen Charlotte and Keneperu Sounds are stunning, and one of New Zealand’s hidden secrets. We will land for a gourmet lunch on the waterfront at the famous "Bay of Many Coves Resort". This award-winning resort will treat you to world class cuisine, stunning scenery and peacefulness. Take a stroll or indulge in a day spa while you relax. Allow 3 hours |  | $745 per personMinimum numbers apply To book a flight, call 03 547 4360 | ||
Lord of the Rings Tour. Dimrill Dale (Mt Owen)Mount Owen was the location in which represented Dimrill Dale and Moria in Peter Jackson's first of The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, The Fellowship of the Ring. When the characters led by Aragorn leave Moria they emerge onto a rocky plateau. Mt Owen at 6150 feet above sea level it is the highest point in Kahurangi National Park. As the water flows over these limestone rocks, it slowly dissolves them. Cracks and other natural lines of weakness grow larger. Beneath Mt Owen there are many caves, including New Zealand’s longest – Bulmer Cavern. Allow 1.5 hours |  | $545 per personMinimum numbers apply To book a flight, call 03 547 4360 | ||
Lord of the Rings Tour. South of Rivendell (Mt Olympus)Deep in the remote northern end of the Kahurangi National Park are the strange rock formations of Mt Olympus that portrayed an area of rugged country south of Rivendell. in the Lord of the Rings movie. In the film, the group are forced to hide among these spectacular, ancient granite spires away from Saruman's spying black crows. Enjoy spectacular views of the Nelson basin to and from Mt Olympus passing by the dragon’s teeth and looking into Golden Bay. Allow 1.5 hours |  | $575 per personMinimum numbers apply To book a flight, call 03 547 4360 | ||
Ultimate Lord of the Rings TourCombine both Lord of the Rings sites at Mt Olympus and Mt Owen. Get the ultimate experience and take in both of these epic sites. We will also fly past Chetwood Forest (Canaan Downs) as an added extra. Allow 3 hours |  | $915 per personMinimum numbers apply To book a flight, call 03 547 4360 | ||
| GARDEN CITY HELICOPTERS NELSON are situated at 5 McLaren Drive, Nelson Airport. Phone: +64 3 547 4360 or CLICK HERE for full contact details and location map. | ||||
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