Heli-Hike Te Araroa

Nelson, NZ
3 Hours

Soar by helicopter to Mt Richmond and hike the legendary Te Araroa Trail through alpine grasslands and dramatic ridgelines. Experience sweeping views from Nelson Lakes to Tasman Bay on this exhilarating half-day mountain adventure.

Tour Type
Private tour
Start-End Time
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (timing can be tailored)
Inclusions
Snacks and refreshments

Tour Type

Private

Tour Length

3 Hours

Start-End Time

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (timing can be tailored)

Hike Distance

Walking Time

Inclusions

Snacks and refreshments

Tailored As

Notes

Tour

overview:

Access one of New Zealand's most remote and spectacular hiking experiences by helicopter, combining breathtaking alpine scenery with a guided walk along the iconic Te Araroa Trail.

Your adventure begins with a spectacular scenic flight from Nelson, climbing above the Tasman coastline before crossing rugged mountain ranges into the heart of Mt Richmond Forest Park. As the landscape unfolds beneath you, enjoy sweeping views of native forest, winding rivers, dramatic ridgelines, and the remote backcountry few people ever experience.

Touch down near Old Man Hut, high on the Te Araroa Trail, where your guided alpine adventure begins. Following backcountry tracks, you'll traverse open tussock tops, alpine herb-fields, and ancient beech forest, with panoramic views stretching across the Marlborough Plains, west towards Kahurangi & Abel Tasman National Parks and south as far as Nelson Lakes National Park and the distant Southern Alps.

Pause at Slaty Hut for a relaxed picnic lunch before continuing your journey through this remarkable wilderness. Throughout the walk, your guide will share stories of the landscape, its unique ecology, and the significance of Te Araroa, New Zealand's 3,000-kilometre long, length-of-the-country trail.

Returning home, you’ll board your waiting aircraft for a final scenic flight home. Soar once more above rugged peaks, deep valleys, and untouched wilderness, gaining a perspective of this extraordinary landscape that few visitors ever experience before descending back into Nelson.

‍

Highlights:
Scenic helicopter flight to Mt Richmond's remote alpine terrain
Hike the Te Araroa Trail through grasslands and rocky scree slopes
Panoramic views of Nelson Lakes National Park and rugged ridgelines
Ridgeline break on Mt Fell with sweeping valley vistas
Breathtaking Tasman Bay panorama with shimmering coastal views
Aerial return journey over the dramatic landscapes explored
Black stylized letter W with a sweeping curved line crossing through it.
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Real

stories

from travellers

Fantastic and magical day in Abel!

It was such a fantastic and most beautiful day in Abel. Alan is the most funny and informative guide I ever had! I had a wonderful time hiking and taking the cruise with this small group day trip from Nelson. Highly recommend if you are a solo traveller like me.

Laura Decker

An absolute must do in Nelson

From start to finish this was an absolutely brilliant experience that we would highly
recommend to anyone who is considering it. Not just a wine tour but a trip around the local area and waterfront. Our driver, Sonia was a wealth of knowledge about the area and the vineyards we visited. Very friendly, easy going and nothing was a problem. Small groups are always the best way to go.

Terry R

Great day in Golden Bay

This is a very valuable excursion because it gives you a taste of lots of the elements that define this region. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who was refreshingly
enthusiastic and accommodating.

Sarah H

If there is one tour you should go on while in Nelson, this is it!

The full day Abel Tasman cruise and hike. Personalised, knowledgeable, and enjoyable. From the moment of pick-up, to cruising the Abel Tasman coast, then a hike to other beaches - learning about the plants and trees, a stop for a fabulous lunch, and a cruise and
drive back. All wrapped up with a terrific guide and host! Thank you Wayne. Truly 5-star!! Outstanding day. Highly recommend

Tony M

Zane was the ideal guide for our day trip exploring this area rich with vineyards, art galleries and nature at its best. Informative and personable, we have every confidence in this business and all they offer.

Margot
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