Top 4 Coastal Helicopter Tours in New Zealand

1.Bay of Islands and Hole in the Rock Scenic Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 115 reviews · from $206Our pick

Fly from Paihia over Russell, Waitangi, island beaches, and Cape Brett on a 20-minute helicopter trip with pilot commentary. Upgrade to land on the Hole in the Rock, or choose the one-hour option for a short walk with a Māori guide. Flights carry up to five people.

“It is a phenomenal way to aquaint yourself with the Bay . I strongly recommend this activity if the weather is great.”

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2.Wellington South Coast Discovery Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14 reviews · from $268

Fly from Queens Wharf with Wellington Helicopters for about 22 minutes over the South Coast, Cook Strait, seal colonies, Karori Rock Lighthouse, and Makara Wind Farm. Your pilot, including Andrew or James on some flights, provides commentary through a headset. The trip lasts about 40 minutes and returns to the wharf.

“Visiting the seal colony. Seeing major iconic sites of Wellington from a different angle. The commentary from the pilot on where we were flying over and his relaxed manner. Pilots stories were interesting”

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3.Mount Cook: Tasman Glacier and West Coast Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 50 min · from $499

Fly from Aoraki/Mount Cook over Tasman Glacier Lake, cross the Southern Alps, and see Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers from above. You will land on a glacier for photos and snow time. The English-speaking pilot provides commentary, and check-in is at Glacier Helicopters on Bowen Drive.

“Once-in-a-lifetime experience. The views were so spectacular I thought I was in heaven. The ride was smooth. The pilot was knowledgeable and friendly - when we stopped on the glacier he took great photos of us. I am afraid of heights and was on fence about the entire experience - but I am so glad I did it. It was a highlight of the trip.”

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4.Wellington: Scenic South Coast Discovery Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 4 reviews · from $255

Take a 22-minute helicopter flight from Wellington with an English-speaking pilot and room for up to six people. Fly west past Makara Wind Farm, follow the rugged south coast, look for seal colonies and Karori Rock Lighthouse, then return over Wellington Harbour. Clear days may reveal the Marlborough Sounds.

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