The hangar is buzzing
HOW READY FOR SUMMER ARE WE?
The Helicopters Nelson hangar has been buzzing lately – and not just with the noise of helicopters starting up. The borders are open, our tour groups are back, bookings are flying in. Roll on summer, we are ready and waiting!
WE HAVE BEEN LISTENING
We are very lucky that we get to spend precious moments with our clients and love to hear their feedback on our tours. Based on client feedback, we are able to design and tweak our tours to ensure maximum wow factor. Here are a couple of new tours proving to be extra special:
1. Heli-Farm Tour Middlehurst Station
The Team at Helicopters Nelson recently took a flight into the Awatere Valley to meet Sue and Willy at Middlehurst Station. Straight away, we knew our clients would love this slice of authentic New Zealand. The incredible views, warm hospitality, sharing of knowledge and insights will impress even the most experienced traveller. Add to that a gourmet lunch catered by Middlehurst’s professional chef. We can’t wait to share Middlehurst Station with you!
2. “Treasured Possession” Kahurangi National Park
Of all New Zealand’s national parks, there’s something extra special about Kahurangi. Named for the Maori word meaning ‘treasured possession’, Kahurangi is renowned for its unique plant species, rare birds and intricate cave systems. On this flight into the Kahurangi, we will be landing at this helicopter-only access to Garabaldi plateau. Let us design a unique tour for you or your clients incorporating this outstanding feature in the Kahurangi National Park.
3. Macmillan Gallery – new designer heli-pad!
We love our visits so much to this Gallery in the Moutere, we now have a heli-pad! We expect to be dropping in more often with clients. The Upper Moutere has become a destination for locals and visitors to the Nelson region with its wealth of artists and artisan producers. Throughout the last fourteen years Michael MacMillan and partner Jackie Crow have created their own boutique destination, Sculpture & Country Homeware, a combination of two gallery spaces showcasing Michael’s exquisite sculpture along with items made from traditional French oak barrels, photography, painting, jewellery and country homewares.
Housed in a rusticated barn with beautiful bricked courtyard, it is a place where visitors can also enjoy a coffee while appreciating the surrounding views and outdoor sculpture. For more info click here >
STAY IN THE TOP OF THE SOUTH
Accommodation in the Top of the South could become scarce as we inch closer to Summer. We’re always happy to assist finding that extra special place. Check out our Stay page on our website for some heli-friendly lodges we can highly recommend.
UPLIFT IN KIND
Helicopters Nelson is super proud to partner with Uplift in Kind, creating awesome aviation experiences for those less fortunate. We recently had the pleasure of taking Cam and his family for a scenic flight around Nelson. For more photos of Cam and his family, check out our new Community page on our website.
KEEP ON KEEPING ON – WHAT WE DID WHILE TOURISTS WERE SHUT OUT
Many businesses have done it tough without international tourism, and our business is no exception. Looking back over the last 3 years, it’s really quite amazing the journey we travelled. We have pivoted so many times we’re a little dizzy 😊 Here’s a little of what we did to make it through:
- We took on more flight training students. Lucky students, getting to train with our experienced pilots in an actual commercial operation. They’ve all done so well and are launching their own aviation careers now. We’ve set up a page on our website to acknowledge our students and keep track of their progress. Check it out >
- We designed, manufactured and patented an environmentally friendly electric grapple for the forestry and logging industry. Click here to find out more >
- We built a camp and leased a block in the Waihopai Valley for recreational hunters. Check it out >
OUR COMMITMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT
Extending our commitment to the environment, we have worked with the South Marlborough Landscape Restoration Trust and Tasman Environmental Trust to ensure the continuation of protecting what we love while sharing our beautiful big backyard.
Thank you for your continued support, we look forward to flying you soon.
From The Team at Helicopters Nelson