POKOLBIN AIRPLANE FIELD GUIDE
Heli Picnic Over the Vines: A Curated Flight to Calais Estate
A 3.5-hour scenic helicopter flight delivers you to a Kawul-styled private picnic at Calais Estate Vineyard—this guide explains what to expect, who it’s for, and the practical details.
Heli Picnic Over the Vines: A Curated Flight to Calais Estate.
From the air, the Hunter Valley opens into a patchwork of vineyards and river flats; this outing pairs a short scenic helicopter flight with a private, styled picnic at Calais Estate Vineyard, where locally sourced cheeses, olives and house-made dips are served in a casual, romantic setting.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A Bird’s-Eye Look at Australia’s Oldest Wine Region
The trip showcases the Hunter Valley by air, delivering sweeping panoramas of vineyards and landscape en route to the picnic landing—an experience built around seeing the region from above.
A Kawul-Styled Picnic of Local Produce
The centerpiece at Calais Estate is a private picnic styled by Kawul, featuring the best local cheeses, olives and house-made dips laid out with simple floral decor for an informal but elevated meal.
Casual, Romantic, and Celebratory
This outing is framed as a relaxed yet romantic way to celebrate—ideal for dates or special occasions where the combination of flight, wine country scenery and picnic fare replaces formality with atmosphere.
What the day feels like
What the Experience Feels Like
You begin with a scenic helicopter flight over the Hunter Valley Wine Region, taking in vineyard mosaics and open country before touching down at Calais Estate for a Kawul-styled private picnic. The meal is unhurried—cheeses, olives and house-made dips set against vineyard views—after which you board for a return flight, the region shrinking beneath you as the outing concludes.
THE VIEW
A Bird’s-Eye Look at Australia’s Oldest Wine Region
The trip showcases the Hunter Valley by air, delivering sweeping panoramas of vineyards and landscape en route to the picnic landing—an experience built around seeing the region from above.
THE FOOD
A Kawul-Styled Picnic of Local Produce
The centerpiece at Calais Estate is a private picnic styled by Kawul, featuring the best local cheeses, olives and house-made dips laid out with simple floral decor for an informal but elevated meal.
THE MOOD
Casual, Romantic, and Celebratory
This outing is framed as a relaxed yet romantic way to celebrate—ideal for dates or special occasions where the combination of flight, wine country scenery and picnic fare replaces formality with atmosphere.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits—and who should take care.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Total trip time is approximately 3.5 hours.
A$420 per person with a minimum of two passengers.
Notify staff if you have been scuba diving in the past 24 hours. No selfie sticks are permitted on or around the helicopter.
Maximum individual weight allowed is 135KG; combined weight limits apply on flights of three or more passengers.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Styled Heli Picnic?
The total experience lasts approximately 3.5 hours.
What does the price cover and how much is it?
The rate is A$420 per person; there is a minimum of two passengers.
Are there age or passenger minimum requirements?
The outing is listed for ages 18+ and requires a minimum of two passengers.
Are there weight or health restrictions?
Maximum individual weight allowed is 135KG; combined weight limits apply on flights of three or more passengers. Passengers must notify staff if they have been scuba diving in the past 24 hours.
Can I take photos from the helicopter?
Photography is part of the experience, but no selfie sticks are allowed on or around the helicopter.
Where is the picnic held?
The private picnic is held at Calais Estate Vineyard and styled by Kawul.