NELSON WALKING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Heli-Hike Te Araroa: Ascend the Richmond Ranges for the Best Views of Nelson Tasman
A short, guided heli-hike that places you above the tree line on the Richmond Ranges to sample the most dramatic sections of the Te Araroa Trail in roughly two and a half hours.
Heli-Hike Te Araroa: Ascend the Richmond Ranges for the Best Views of Nelson Tasman.
The Te Araroa Trail runs the length of New Zealand; in the Richmond Ranges of the top of the South Island you find some of its remotest, steepest and most rewarding country. With Helicopters Nelson you bypass days of hard approach: a scenic return flight deposits you among high tussocks well above the tree line so you can walk the best parts of the trail in a single outing, framed by three national parks and the curve of Tasman Bay with Nelson below.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Panoramas of Three National Parks and Tasman Bay
From the landing site the views open to the three national parks that surround the Richmond Ranges and the sweep of Tasman Bay, with Nelson visible below — a compact taste of Te Araroa’s best vistas.
Helicopter Access to Remote, High Country
Skip the long approaches and hard climbs: a return helicopter flight places you in the tussock high country well above the tree line so the most remote sections of the trail are reached in minutes rather than days.
A Guided, Short-Route Taste of Te Araroa
An experienced private guide leads the walking portion while the pilot maintains two‑way communication; the outing includes return flights, road transfers and refreshments so you can focus on the views and the terrain.
What the day feels like
What the Heli-Hike Feels Like
The trip moves at helicopter tempo: a short transfer from your accommodation, a scenic return flight and a single landing high in the tussock to begin a guided walk. In just two and a half hours you experience the highlights of a section of Te Araroa that would otherwise take an experienced hiker many days, all with an experienced pilot and guide handling navigation and logistics.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — check with the operator for personal requirements.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Refreshments and beverages are provided during the outing; if you have specific dietary or other personal requirements, call the operator to discuss them.
Return road transfers from accommodation and return helicopter flights are included as part of the experience; two‑way communication is maintained between pilot and guide.
For further information on the flight, timings or any special needs, contact the operator directly — they are happy to discuss personal requirements.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the heli-hike?
The outing is organised so you can experience the highlights of the trail in approximately two and a half hours.
What is included in the trip?
The trip includes return helicopter flights, return road transfers from accommodation, one landing, an experienced private guide, two‑way communication with the pilot, and refreshments and beverages.
How remote is the landing site?
The helicopter lands among high tussocks well above the tree line in the Richmond Ranges, providing access to parts of Te Araroa that would otherwise require multiple days of hiking.
Who leads the walking portion?
An experienced private guide from Wine, Art & Wilderness leads the guided walking section while the pilot handles the flight operations.
How many landings are there?
The outing includes one landing at the high‑country site.
Can I discuss special requirements before booking?
Yes — the operator asks that you call them directly to discuss any personal requirements or questions about the flight.