Te Tau Ihu West Coast Wilderness

If you’re dreaming of taking in some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking natural scenery from above, the Te Tau Ihu West Coast Wilderness tour might just be what you’re looking for. While I haven’t personally flown this particular route, from what I’ve gathered, it offers a memorable blend of soaring vistas, landings in iconic spots, and a touch of luxury all wrapped into a roughly 5-hour experience.

What really grabs our attention is the chance to see Kahurangi National Park and Abel Tasman from the air, along with exclusive mountain landings that promise jaw-dropping views. Plus, the inclusion of a picnic lunch with a platter of cheeses, grapes, and bread sounds like a delightful way to relax after a scenic soar. On the flip side, the price—over five grand for a group—may seem steep, but when you consider the private nature and the unique experience, it might be worth it for special occasions or those wanting something truly out of the ordinary.

This tour is best suited for travelers who are comfortable with flying, appreciate scenic exclusivity, and are eager to explore New Zealand’s wild coast from a perspective few get to enjoy. If you’re after a luxurious yet adventurous day with unbeatable views, this could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Private helicopter tour tailored for up to 6 people offers exclusivity and personalized service.
• Multiple stops including Kahurangi National Park, Abel Tasman, Wharariki Beach, Farewell Spit, and Golden Bay provide a broad taste of the region’s natural beauty.
• Mountain and beach landings add a special touch, giving you the chance to step onto unspoiled landscapes.
• Approximately 120 minutes of flight time ensures plenty of aerial sightseeing without feeling rushed.
• Includes a delicious picnic lunch with cheese, crackers, bread, and grapes, perfect for a relaxed meal in nature.
• Cost reflects premium experience with all fees, landings, and drinks included, but isn’t cheap—think of it as a splurge for a truly memorable day.

Getting Oriented with the Itinerary

One of the biggest perks of this tour is its carefully curated itinerary that balances aerial views with hands-on landings. It’s designed for travelers who want to see and experience several iconic spots without the hassle of organizing multiple trips or transport.

Stop 1: Kahurangi National Park

Your adventure kicks off with a mountain and beach landing in Kahurangi, which is a real highlight. The landings here give you an opportunity to step onto the rugged terrain of one of New Zealand’s lesser-known but stunning parks. The rugged peaks, lush forests, and wild coastlines offer some of the most breathtaking panoramas. The tour’s description calls this a “premium” experience, and from the reviews, it certainly seems to deliver, with guests describing it as “an amazing experience” and “unforgettable.”

Stop 2: Abel Tasman National Park

Next, you’ll glide over Abel Tasman, famed for its golden beaches and sculpted granite cliffs. Flying over this park offers a perspective most visitors don’t get, allowing you to appreciate its scale and beauty. If you’ve ever been tempted to hike the coast track, this aerial view might inspire you, but it’s the combination of flying and landing that makes this tour special. Reviewers mention the “wonderful trip” and praise the pilot’s knowledge, making the flight educational as well as scenic.

Stop 3: Wharariki Beach

A quick but memorable stop at Wharariki Beach will see you exploring the famous rock formations and arches that have become iconic. The beach’s natural features are considered one of New Zealand’s most photogenic spots, and a visit here—especially with a guide—gives you a real sense of its wild beauty. The inclusion of the admission ticket means you can wander freely and take your time to soak in the views.

Stop 4: Farewell Spit and Puponga Farm Park

The tour then takes you to Farewell Spit, a 34 km long natural sandspit that’s one of the longest of its kind. This area is a bird sanctuary and wetland of international importance—perfect for nature lovers. It’s a unique landscape, and being able to see it from the air adds layers of understanding to its scale and ecological significance. The stop here is only an hour, but it’s packed with visual impact.

Stop 5: Golden Bay

Finally, you’ll enjoy a brief stop at Golden Bay, an area renowned for its natural beauty. While only 30 minutes long, this stop allows you to appreciate the environment’s diversity, from sandy shores to lush hills. As one reviewer put it, “Golden Bay is an extraordinary natural environment,” and seeing it from above cements its status as a must-see.

What’s Included and What You Need to Know

This is a private tour, which means you won’t be sharing the experience with strangers—a plus for many who want a personalized outing. The cost covers all fees, including lunch, landing fees, and GST. Plus, it’s flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand—ideal if weather turns or plans change.

The flight duration is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours, giving you plenty of aerial time to take in the scenery. The total tour lasts about five hours, which is a good length for a day of adventure without it feeling overly long or rushed.

Practical Tips

• Bring a camera—the scenery is stunning, and you’ll want to capture it.
• Dress in warm clothing and sturdy shoes, especially since some landings involve walking on uneven terrain.
• The tour is described as “easy”, suitable for most adults, children, and seniors, but keep in mind that physical activity is minimal.
• Remember, the total weight per passenger is 265 lbs, so this might matter if you’re near the limit.

Considerations

While this experience is incredible, it’s not cheap. At over five thousand dollars for a group, it’s definitely a splurge. That said, the reviews consistently highlight the quality of the views, the professionalism of the pilot, and the delicious picnic, making it feel like good value for a special occasion.

Authentic Voices from Past Travelers

Reading reviews, it’s clear that people go home with vivid memories. One traveler called it “Unforgettable Mountaintop picnic,” mentioning the “amazing experience” and complimenting the platter of cheese, crackers, and grapes. Another reviewer praised the pilot’s knowledge and the well-maintained, clean operation, calling it a “wonderful trip”. These remarks suggest that the experience isn’t just about the sights but also the overall quality and comfort.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This helicopter tour is best suited for travelers who want a luxurious, private adventure with a focus on scenery and exclusivity. It’s ideal for special occasions, those who love aerial views and unique landings, or anyone wanting to see multiple iconic spots in one seamless experience. It might be less appealing for travelers on a tight budget or those who prefer more active, ground-based adventures.

Final Thoughts

In the end, the Te Tau Ihu West Coast Wilderness tour offers a luxurious way to experience Nelson’s stunning landscapes from above. You’ll get to see mountains, beaches, and wetlands in one smooth, well-organized trip, with the added thrill of mountain landings and a picnic lunch to relax and soak in the scenery.

While the price might be high for some, the personalized service, exclusive access, and breathtaking views make it a worthwhile splurge—if you’re after a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether celebrating a special moment or simply wanting to indulge in New Zealand’s wild beauty, this tour could be just the ticket.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and children must be accompanied by an adult. The experience is described as “easy,” making it suitable for families with kids who are comfortable with flying.

How long is the flight?
The flight lasts about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours, giving plenty of aerial view time to appreciate the region’s diverse landscapes.

What does the tour include?
It includes private transportation, lunch, all landing and facility fees, national park fees, and alcoholic beverages. Extra landings are not included but can be arranged separately.

Can I cancel if the weather is poor?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. If weather causes a cancellation, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at Nelson Airport, with pickup offered from the same location.

How much does it cost?
The price is $5,068.22 per group (up to 6 people), which reflects the private, high-end nature of the experience.

If you’re looking to combine adventure, comfort, and spectacular scenery in a single day, this helicopter tour could be just what you need. It’s a chance to see New Zealand’s wild coast in all its glory, with the luxury of a private flight and a gourmet picnic. Just be prepared for the price tag, and you’ll likely find it a truly unforgettable outing.