South Westland Helicopter
Discover one of the most beautiful places on Earth through a luxury heli experience led by a true aviation legend. The sightseeing includes mountains, glaciers, beaches, wildlife, lakes, waterfalls and Milford Sound. The wild food picnic in a remote spot is a gem. And deeper experiences can include snorkelling for your lobster and abalone (crayfish and paua in NZ-speak), discovering jade (pounamu, greenstone) in the wilderness, spending time with whitebait or lobster fishermen, hermits or farmers. Please note Harvey has now retired and the business has moved onto another legendary pilot - Pete Spencer-Bower.
This private helicopter ride offers a gateway into the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area, a primeval wilderness where massive glaciers like Fox and Franz Josef grind down through ancient podocarp rainforests toward the Tasman Sea. From your window seat, you’ll witness the dramatic uplift of the Southern Alps, gliding past 3,000-metre peaks and hidden alpine tarns before descending into the sheer-walled fiords of the south.