NELSON RENTALS FIELD GUIDE
Helicopter to Mt Olympus: South of Rivendell’s Pinnacles in Kahurangi National Park
A 2‑hour helicopter outing that includes roughly 50 minutes in the air and a mountain landing on Mt Olympus to view the columnar pinnacles used as the Lord of the Rings location “South of Rivendell.”
Helicopter to Mt Olympus: South of Rivendell’s Pinnacles in Kahurangi National Park.
Fly northwest from Nelson over Kahurangi National Park and into Golden Bay for a remote mountain landing on Mt Olympus, where wind‑and‑weather‑sculpted columnar pinnacles frame sweeping native bush and rugged mountain vistas—the exact terrain filmed as “South of Rivendell.” This helicopter‑only excursion compresses a vast, seldom‑seen landscape into a dramatic aerial experience.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
South of Rivendell, from the air
The tour visits a recognized Lord of the Rings filming site: the pinnacles and rocky outcrops of Mt Olympus that stood in for the rugged country south of Rivendell.
Columnar pinnacles and native bush
Mt Olympus features striking column‑like rock formations formed by long‑term erosion, set amid native bush and remote mountain landscapes reached only by air.
A compact, cinematic helicopter outing
Approximately fifty minutes of flight time lets you traverse Kahurangi National Park into Golden Bay, offering aerial perspectives on unique landforms, habitats and wildlife before a mountain landing.
What the day feels like
What the outing feels like
This is a focused helicopter excursion: after boarding you spend about fifty minutes in the air exploring Kahurangi National Park and flying into Golden Bay, guided by two‑way communication with your pilot, before touching down on Mt Olympus for close views of the pinnacles and the surrounding, hard‑to‑reach wilderness.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The full outing is listed as 2 hours total, with approximately 50 minutes of flight time exploring the park.
Included: ~50 minutes flight time, two‑way communication with the pilot, and one mountain landing.
The landing site is extremely remote and accessible only by helicopter; flights and the route are subject to change with weather conditions.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The total duration is 2 hours, with approximately 50 minutes of flight time exploring Kahurangi National Park.
Do we land on Mt Olympus?
Yes. The outing includes one mountain landing on Mt Olympus to view the pinnacles.
Is this a Lord of the Rings filming location?
Yes. The pinnacles and rocky outcrops at Mt Olympus were used to portray the country “South of Rivendell.”
Is the trip suitable for children and seniors?
Yes. The physical activity level is rated Easy and the tour is suitable for adults, children and seniors.
Can the flight be changed or cancelled?
All flights are subject to change and weather conditions, so scheduling may be adjusted for safety.