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Heli-Bike Adventures

In Partnership with Gentle | Mental Cycling.

We’re proud to partner with Gentle | Mental Cycling to bring you unforgettable heli-biking adventures. Combining our scenic helicopter flights with their expert biking experiences, we offer a seamless and exhilarating way to explore the region by air and on two wheels.

Your Epic Adventure awaits!

In Partnership with Gentle | Mental Cycling.

Get exclusive access to pristine backcountry trails and breathtaking mountain peaks surrounding Nelson. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or new to the thrill of downhill adventure, we have trails for every skill level.

This is the dream day out for intermediate to advanced riders who want to ride hard and fast, experience epic backcountry terrain, and make the most of every descent.

Take your riding to next-level epic with a Heli-biking adventure at Wairoa Gorge! Maximize your descent time with three scenic Heli uplifts, giving you a view of the best handcrafted trails in the country before you shred down them.

With over 70km of world-class singletrack, Wairoa Gorge is an MTB paradise, packed with flowy berms, technical rock gardens, and steep, high-speed descents—all set in lush native bush. Whether you’re looking for fast, flowy fun or rowdy, technical riding, the Gorge delivers.

Kick off your ride with a breathtaking flight over the mineral belt to the historic Dun Mountain summit. Soak in panoramic views of lush native bush and the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary—a massive, predator-free bird haven that feels like Jurassic Park… minus the teeth!

This 40km adventure is packed with thrilling terrain, stunning scenery, and unique features that make it a must-ride. Primarily a Grade 3 trail, it boasts an epic Grade 4 descent from Coppermine Saddle into the Maitai Valley, delivering an adrenaline rush with every turn

Ride down one side or both – Each descent has its own character, but they’re equally fun and rewarding.

Step back in time on this former gold rush trail, now an adrenaline-fueled Grade 4+ ride deep in the rugged Richmond Ranges. This track is raw, untamed, and packed with technical challenges, making it a must-ride for fit and experienced MTB enthusiasts. If you love remote backcountry riding, this one’s for you!

Upgrade Your Old Ghost Road Adventure with a Heli Experience.

Take your Old Ghost Road ride to the next level with a Heli-assisted adventure, letting you focus on the thrill of the ride while we handle the logistics. Whether you’re looking for a scenic shortcut, a food and gear drop, or an unforgettable aerial journey, we’ve got you covered!

We’re proud to partner with Gentle | Mental Cycling to bring you unforgettable heli-biking adventures. Combining our scenic helicopter flights with their expert biking experiences, we offer a seamless and exhilarating way to explore the region by air and on two wheels.

We’re proud to partner with Gentle | Mental Cycling to bring you unforgettable heli-biking adventures. Combining our scenic helicopter flights with their expert biking experiences, we offer a seamless and exhilarating way to explore the region by air and on two wheels.

Since the 1980s, the Kill Devil Track has been a must-ride for adventurous mountain bikers, earning its place as one of New Zealand’s premier backcountry trails. This Grade 4/5 challenge weaves together technical terrain, dramatic landscapes, and rich history, delivering a truly raw and rewarding MTB experience.

We’re proud to partner with Gentle | Mental Cycling to bring you unforgettable heli-biking adventures. Combining our scenic helicopter flights with their expert biking experiences, we offer a seamless and exhilarating way to explore the region by air and on two wheels.

Experience an 18km alpine ridgeline adventure with stunning views over Nelson Lakes and the Southern Alps!

Take off from Wakefield and enjoy breathtaking views over the Mount Richmond Forest Park before landing on Beeby’s Ridgeline. A Grade 2+ ride, mostly easy but with some climbs requiring moderate fitness. We take it at a leisurely pace, so you can enjoy the ride without rushing.

Some notes...

  • Bike and equipment hire available via Gentle | Mental Cycling.
  • Vehicle Transfers available
  • We offer an option for all skill levels
  • A moderate level of biking fitness and skills recommended
Get in touch

Guided Adventures

In Partnership with Gentle | Mental Cycling.

Choosing a guided tour means elevating your ride into a truly memorable experience. We can tailor each tour to your interests and ability, ensuring your day is as relaxed or adventurous as you wish.

Half-day or full-day: 20-50km (you choose)

For those who seek the extraordinary, few mountain biking experiences rival the thrill and majesty of a heli-accessed ride on the Coppermine Trail — one of New Zealand’s official Great Rides and an unforgettable adventure by air and trail.

Tour Inclusions:

  • Full Suspension MTB & helmet
  • Private Heli transfer
  • Experienced guide
  • Snacks and lunch
  • Endless trails to choose from
  • Nelson accommodation transfers
  • Local fruit drink or
  • Local craft beer at the pub after riding

Old Ghost Road: 55km Grade 4/5

For experienced riders seeking the ultimate mountain biking experience, nothing compares to a one-day heli-bike adventure on the legendary Old Ghost Road. This is not just a ride — it’s a journey deep into one of New Zealand’s most remote and awe-inspiring backcountry landscapes, packed into a single, adrenaline-filled day.

Tour Inclusions:

  • Full Suspension MTB & helmet
  • Private Scenic Heli transfer
  • Experienced guide
  • Lunch & snacks
  • Almost endless single track
  • Nelson accommodation transfers

The Gorge – New Zealand’s Premier Backcountry Bike Park

Tucked away deep in the remote Wairoa Valley, just south of Nelson, lies one of Aotearoa’s most legendary mountain biking destinations: The Gorge. Once a billionaire’s private playground, this sprawling network of over 70km of hand-crafted singletrack now offers exclusive access to those seeking the ultimate riding experience. Carved through ancient beech forests, rugged terrain, and flowing ridgelines, The Gorge delivers world-class trails in a wild, untamed setting — and without the crowds

This is not your average bike park.

Tour Inclusions:

  • Full suspension mountain bike
  • Private guide & heli transfers
  • Nelson accommodation transfers
  • Lunch & drinks
  • All logistics managed for a seamless day

Two-day epic adventure & Private Lodge

Far from the beaten path, deep in the heart of the Wairoa Valley south of Nelson, lies one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary mountain biking experiences: The Gorge. Once a secret haven built by a billionaire, this private network of over 70km of meticulously hand-built trails now opens its gates to those bold enough to ride it — and lucky enough to experience it the right way.

This isn’t your average bike park — this is wilderness riding at its most raw, refined, and rewarding.

Tour Inclusions:

  • Full Suspension MTB
  • Private Guide & Shuttles transfer
  • Local snacks & drinks
  • Endless trails to choose from
  • Lodge accommodation
  • Meals
  • Local craft beer

The Ultimate Day Out – Ride, Fly & Dine in Wilderness Luxury

Unlock a truly unforgettable day in New Zealand’s wildest landscapes — where world-class mountain biking, remote beaches, and luxury helicopter transfers combine into one seamless, high-adventure experience.

Tour Inclusions:

  • Full Suspension MTB & helmet
  • Private Scenic Heli flights
  • Experienced guide
  • Lunch and snacks
  • Immaculate single track (Grade 3 with some Grade 4 sections)
  • Nelson accommodation transfers

Some notes...

  • Bike and equipment hire available via Gentle | Mental Cycling.
  • Vehicle Transfers available
  • Experienced local guides
  • We offer an option for all skill levels
  • A moderate level of biking fitness and skills recommended
  • Discount applies when booking larger groups
  • Ideal for people who want guidance and support to optimize their tour
Get in touch

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Stay in luxury

We are ideally situated to offer private charters, airport-to-lodge and lodge-to-lodge transfers throughout New Zealand. Stay at some of the most breathtaking and remote places in the Top of the South Island.  Places that allow you to relax and unwind and literally unplug, enabling you to truly enjoy the person you’re with and what’s around you.

AccommodationHeli-Connect

Testimonials

Over the past five months, I’ve been deeply immersed in an adventurous project that has pushed boundaries and opened new horizons. This job wouldn’t have been achievable without the invaluable support of helicopters and their dedicated team.

I’m immensely grateful to the pilots and staff at Helicopters Nelson for their unwavering commitment to safety and their relentless hard work. Their dedication has been instrumental in making this project a success. Their pride in serving our community and region shines through in every action they take.

Nathan Faavae

I did my license conversion CASA to CAA and AS350 rating with the crew at Helicopters Nelson and what a awesome experience it was, cannot recommend a better place to do it. Very close to the mountains makes it a great spot to get that experience up with hut landings and confine spaces of all levels from basic to tricky, snow landings at the right time of the year and long line situations that require short and longer lines to get that real world situation awareness/experience.

Ethan

Training for my private and commercial pilots licence with Helicopters Nelson was an awesome experience that I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish. They have very professional and knowledgeable instructors that not only got me flying to a commercial level but also to a level where I’m confident, feel safe and enjoy every minute in the air! I highly recommend training with the team at Helicopters Nelson – they make the whole experience very enjoyable while keeping to a very professional standard and I can’t wait to see where it will lead me in future.

Karl

Great company and staff that I have had the privilege of doing my flight training with, highly recommend getting in touch with the team at Helicopters Nelson if you are at all interested in learning to fly.

Jake

I was trained by Pete, Thomas and Charlie and I can’t thank them enough for the work they put in to get me to that commercial license. Gave me a lot of real world flying knowledge and skills that have given me an opportunity to go out and find work in Australia. Very professional family owned company. Would recommend them to anyone looking for a start in aviation.

Matt

Now that I am back in Auckland and catching up generally, I just wanted to drop you a quick note to say thank you to both you and Charlie for making my Dad’s birthday flight so amazing 🙂

The flight was incredible and it was so good for Dad having someone who really knew the area, we were all super impressed with Charlie and felt like we were in safe and very knowledgeable hands every minute.

Big thanks to you also for making all the logistics and arrangements so easy, nothing was a problem and I so appreciated that.

If we ever get the chance to charter another flight we will most definitely be back to see you guys.

Thank you for a wonderful experience 🙂

PS – chocolate brownies were pretty damned good too 🙂

Maree Hodgkinson

We had an absolutely amazing time! Thank you so much again for setting up on such short notice!

Sarah Cattaneo

As you requested I can confirm that the Heaphy has spit me out rather sore, tired …. at Kohaihai this midday but also happy to have achieved my challenge.
I would like to thank Charlie, Toby , Pete and the rest of the team for helping making this happen for me.
The flight was AMAZING over the Cobb valley and down the Aorere valley to Brown Hut.
Deb was equally taken with the return journey over Takaka hill and the Abel Tasman.
Our pilot, Charlie, pointed out all the points of interest as well as handling the craft in some unpredictable wind. His knowledge of the terrain and his handling of the helicopter significantly added to the experience for us.
Very many thanks.

John Dillon

We thoroughly loved it, flight was amazing and the whole experience was fantastic, we’re recommending it to all our friends. The meal was great also so apart from the cold wind off the sea on the beach everything was perfect. We really appreciate your attention to detail and your service was outstanding, thanks.

Jan and Norm Double

We just wanted to say a massive thank you for organising our trip and being so helpful with the arrangements – including arranging to have our bags delivered!
We had a fantastic flight, the views were truly unbelievable and the picnic was wonderful. Best experience ever, thanks so much!

Annie

After four wonderful weeks in New Zealand it’s hard to name a single highlight, but our flight to Mt Owen is definitely a prime candidate. Thanks for this unforgettable memory.

Christian - Germany

What a magnificent experience you gave Ray and I today. From the time we took off to our return to base, everywhere were stunning sights and visions to behold. To stand on Mt Olympus and perhaps walk in the hobbit footsteps and recognize the rocks and scenery, to the wonderful morning tea at Mt Owen, and later the journey around the mountain to the Mines of Moria and the Misty Mountains, every single minute has given us and me in particular, amazing memories to relive for years to come.

We are deeply grateful for all you did for us, thank you, thank you, thank you.

Jean
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