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Wellington Air & helicopter tours

Our most recommended Wellington Air & helicopter tours

Wellington: Scenic South Coast Discovery Helicopter Flight

1. Wellington: Scenic South Coast Discovery Helicopter Flight

Explore what lies beyond the city with a spectacular 22-minute helicopter flight over Wellington's pristine southern coastline. After making your way to the meeting point, take to the skies and pass closely by the majestic Makara Wind Farm. Admire a fantastic view of the giant windmills, remarkable examples of modern engineering and sustainable energy. Next, head south to the wild, dramatic coastline where numerous seal colonies hug the rugged shores as waves batter into the towering cliffs. See Karori Rock Lighthouse, an enduring testament to the shipping dangers of the Cook Strait, one of the world's most notorious stretches of water. On a clear day, you may be treated to views of the Marlborough Sounds, the top of the South Island. On returning to Wellington Harbour, enjoy a great overview of the capital city, its impressive landmark buildings, and the surrounding landscape.

Wellington: 9-Minute Scenic Flight Ride

2. Wellington: 9-Minute Scenic Flight Ride

Soar high and get a birds-eye perspective with land and ocean views from all angles. Enjoy a scenic flight over Wellington and discover the city from a unique aerial perspective. Moments after boarding your helicopter, ascend from the heart of New Zealand's capital city on a short 9-minute exhilarating flight. In an instant, the Wellington landscape will be brought into perspective before your eyes. Marvel at the unique birds-eye views of the skyline below you, dotted with iconic buildings such as Te Papa, the Beehive, and the Cake Tin. You may even get to see the Marlborough Sounds and upper South Island on clear days.

Wellington: Scenic Harbour Helicopter Flight

3. Wellington: Scenic Harbour Helicopter Flight

Start your scenic flight adventure in the heart of New Zealand's capital city. Get a safety briefing before taking off to explore the boundaries of Wellington Harbour. Hear about the city's highlights as you fly over them, and discover suburbs perched in the surrounding hills and the tectonic landscape that encompasses the city. Wellington was shaped by a massive earthquake in 1855 and you can see the full extent of these changes from above. Take in aerial views of Zealandia, Matiu/Somes Island, and Cook Strait, the highway for the ferries that shuttle between the North and South Islands of New Zealand. See houses growing more sparse as you fly along the Pencarrow coastline with its famous lighthouse marking the entrance to the harbor. On return to the city, glimpse famous landmarks such as the parliament buildings and Te Papa, the national museum, before landing back on the waterfront helipad.

From Wellington: Abel Tasman & Golden Bay Fly-Cruise Trip

4. From Wellington: Abel Tasman & Golden Bay Fly-Cruise Trip

Departing Wellington’s main airport terminal, start the day with a spectacular scenic flight to Takaka over the Wellington Coast, Marlborough Sounds and Abel Tasman National Park. During your flight, you will be wearing a headset so you can talk to others and the pilot, and listen to the pilot's commentary about the places you fly over. On arrival into Golden Bay, relax and take in the scenery as you travel the limestone coastline to Totaranui Beach aboard a 50-minute scenic shuttle tour – learning about the history and environment of Golden Bay along the way. You’ve got time for a quick bite of lunch (provided) before boarding your boat for a 90-minute scenic cruise along the Abel Tasman coastline to Kaiteriteri, keep a look out for seals and dolphins along the way! Leaving Kaiteriteri you’ll travel the 60 minutes by shuttle over ‘Marble Mountain’ back to Takaka for your return scenic flight to Wellington.

Frequently asked questions about Wellington

What top attractions are a must-see in Wellington?

What are the best day trips and excursions from Wellington?

The best day trips and excursions from Wellington are:

Martinborough

What are the best tours to do in Wellington with kids?

What are the best inexpensive tours in Wellington?

Other Sightseeing Options in Wellington

Want to discover all there is to do in Wellington? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Wellington

I booked this trip for my elderly parents. They absolutely loved it and haven't stopped talking about it since they returned last week. In particular, they commented on how friendly and helpful all involved were. I can personally vouch for Golden Bay Air - always helpful and quick to reply to my emails when I was sorting the booking out. While I haven't yet done the trip myself, I couldn't recommend this more highly and look forward to following in my parents' footsteps by doing the trip with my wife in the next wee while.

Amazing from start to finish really friendly staff that will make you feel right at home from the moment you get there always explaining everything and the ride its amazing and so is the scenery I would definitely score a 5 out of 5

It was the first helicopter ride for my sister and I and it was fantastic. Best pilot, views and the dolphins were the absolute bonus. Highly recommend ..just do it.

Great welcome from James and a very informative, interesting and smooth flight from Aaron my wife is now hooked on these excursions.

Great staff. Amazing pilot and humorous. Perhaps the single most amazing experience I have ever had. Thank you all so much.