NELSON GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Helicopter reef fishing and a gourmet beach picnic on D’Urville Island

A six-hour, full-day helicopter outing from Nelson or Blenheim that pairs reef fishing on D’Urville Island with a freshly prepared seaside picnic and local wine or craft beer.

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Helicopter reef fishing and a gourmet beach picnic on D’Urville Island.

Duration

Contact operator

Location

Nelson

Operator

Helicopters Nelson

Outing Highlights

THE CATCH

Helicopter reef fishing and hands‑on processing

The tour centers on helicopter reef fishing around D’Urville Island; once you’ve made a decent catch, a guide helps with preparation and cooking so your fish becomes the day’s focal point.

THE MEAL

Gourmet outdoor dining with local drink pairings

Freshly caught fish is served as an outdoor gourmet picnic alongside fresh local produce, and accompanied by fine local wine or a cold craft beer while you relax on sheltered beaches.

THE AIR & LANDSCAPE

Coastal flightlines and mountain‑fringed returns

The route follows Tasman Bay’s eastern coastline to D’Urville Island and returns tracking via Mt Richmond Forest Park, offering expansive views of island, coastline and mountain landscapes.

What the day feels like

You spend roughly six hours afloat in a small helicopter, flying about 120 minutes over Tasman Bay and around D’Urville Island, landing once for reef fishing and a sheltered‑bay picnic. The rhythm is flight, fishing with guide assistance, seaside dining with local wine or beer, and a scenic return via Mt Richmond Forest Park.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this tour suits—and who should reconsider.

Small groupsIdeal for small parties: the operation carries a maximum of four passengers, so expect an intimate experience rather than a large‑group outing.

Guests wanting hands‑on supportA guide is provided to assist with fishing, food preparation, cooking and safety, making the trip suitable for travelers who want expert help during the activity.

Weather‑sensitive plannersTravelers who require fixed schedules should note that all flights are subject to change for weather, which can affect timing or routing.

Large parties and groupsNot ideal for large groups—capacity is strictly limited to four passengers, so larger parties would need multiple bookings or alternative arrangements.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Duration & flight time

This is a full‑day, six‑hour outing with approximately 120 minutes of flight time over Tasman Bay and D’Urville Island.

On‑site amenities

The experience includes one mountain landing, outdoor dining (a gourmet picnic of the freshly caught fish) and beverage service with local wine or craft beer.

Guides & safety

A guide accompanies the group to assist with fishing, preparation, cooking and safety; the helicopter has two‑way communication between you and the pilot.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the tour?

The full experience is six hours in duration.

Where does the flight depart from?

Departures are from Nelson or Blenheim.

How many passengers per flight?

Maximum of four passengers per flight.

Is fishing and food preparation guided?

Yes — a guide is provided to assist with fishing, preparation, cooking and safety.

Are drinks provided?

Yes — the outdoor gourmet picnic of your catch is served with fine local wine or a cold craft beer.

Can the flight be changed or cancelled?

All flights are subject to change and weather conditions, and schedules or routes may be adjusted accordingly.