Our Story
The Top of the South’s largest privately owned helicopter company – Helicopters Nelson has evolved into one of New Zealand’s most well-known and respected aviation companies.
Helicopters Nelson is owned and operated by a large and very passionate aviation family, the Darling family.
Our CEO and Flight Training Manager is Pete Darling, a pilot with over 30 years experience, including 14 years working for two major international operators as multi-engine check and training captain.
Alongside our tourism operations, we also operate commercial helicopter services, fire and emergency services and flight training.
We specialise in creating luxury, tailored and unique helicopter tours in and around the “Top of the South”. We offer helicopter charter services and customised tours to some of the country’s most stunning remote locations – there is no better view of New Zealand than from the skies. Whether you’re looking for a corporate event, an active adventure or a romantic escape – anything is possible with Helicopters Nelson.
Your comfort and safety are paramount to us. Our professional pilots have a wealth of experience and local knowledge.
We primarily fly from our base at Nelson Airport but often fly in and out of lodges, venues or private properties nation wide.
Like many of our guests, you’ll want to tell your friends all about it!
Every flight with Helicopters Nelson is an unforgettable one.
Working together with FENZ to provide a rural rapid response in the top of the south
Firefighters with specialist cutting gear will now be flown to car crashes and other serious incidents in the top of the south.
Fire and Emergency NZ (Fenz) Nelson fire station officer Kevin O’Connor said the new rural rapid response initiative meant a four-person crew with equipment to free people who are trapped would be flown to incidents by Helicopters Nelson.
Meet the Crew
Our Fleet
Helicopters Nelson operate a versatile fleet of modern helicopters. We primarily use Airbus helicopters for our Tourism sector; they are lined with state of the art leather interior and soft carpet, along with a compact cabin to allow every passenger the opportunity to enjoy the views through the large windows.
Airbus AS350 (A-Star)
Cruise Speed: 110 knots / 205 kilometres per hour
Passenger payload including baggage: Comfortable 580 kg / 1280 lbs
Seating Configuration: Our AS350 helicopters are equiped with dual front seats allowing us to take six passengers. The dual front seat has a two person max weight limit of 154kg or 120kg for a single person. There are also four seats along the back row.
MD520N
The MD520N is a cost effective light turbine aircraft that seats three passengers with noise cancelling headsets. All passenger seats are window seats.
Our Safety Record
Helicopters Nelson has a 100% safety record.
Helicopters Nelson pilots are highly experienced flying in mountain and coastal terrain.
Our fleet of aircraft are maintained to the highest standard.
Helicopters Nelson’s owners have over 30 years aviation experience.
Helicopters Nelson complies with all Civil Aviation requirements.
Helicopters Nelson has been awarded Qualmark gold.