Helicopters Nelson

Helicopters Nelson is a helicopter company based at Nelson Airport in New Zealand. The company says it is the largest privately owned helicopter company in the Top of the South. It is owned and operated by a large aviation family. The company also has a base at Motueka Airport, and it flies in and out of lodges, venues and private properties across the country.

Its tours cover the three National Parks of the region: Abel Tasman, Kahurangi and Nelson Lakes. Other tours visit the Marlborough Sounds, Golden Bay and the wild West Coast. The Lord of the Rings tours visit scenery from the films, and the company offers a Signature Collection of four of its most popular experiences.

Heli fishing is a long running part of the business. The company says it has taken anglers to well known reef and back country river spots for over 20 years. Guides are available for day trips and for multi day hut stays. Adventure tours include heli biking, heli hiking, kayaking and hunting trips.

Helicopters Nelson also offers romance and event flights, including intimate alpine ceremonies, wedding flights, wine and dine flights and family friendly flights. Guests can stay at some of the most remote places in the Top of the South, and private charters and transfers are available.

The company also runs commercial helicopter services, fire and emergency services and flight training. It works with Fire and Emergency New Zealand on a rural rapid response. A four person crew with specialist cutting gear is flown to car crashes and other serious incidents in the Top of the South.

The main tourism helicopter is the Airbus AS350. It seats six passengers, with two front seats and four in the back, and it cruises at 110 knots. The MD520N is a light turbine helicopter that seats three passengers in window seats, with noise cancelling headsets.

The company says its owners have more than 30 years of aviation experience and that its pilots are highly experienced in mountain and coastal terrain. It says its aircraft are maintained to a high standard. The company has been awarded Qualmark Gold.

Services

• Scenic tours
• Signature Collection tours
• Lord of the Rings tours
• Heli fishing
• Heli biking and adventure tours
• Private charters and transfers
• Pilot training
• Fire and emergency services
• Romance and wedding flights
• Stays at remote lodges