Top Wellington Helicopter Tours

An hour or so north of Wellington, Martinborough is fast making a name for itself as one of the Southern Hemisphere’s leading wine regions. Each weekend, Wellingtonians make the trek over the Remutakas to escape to this European-style wine village. This small group tour is a convenient way to visit Martinborough. There’s no need to stress about driving on country backroads, and no need to plan the day’s itinerary - leaving you to focus on the wine and the iconic scenery.

Wellington’s south coast is both a popular choice and a missed opportunity for visitors; although a visit to Weta Workshop is a popular choice, many visitors pass up the chance to see the rocky beaches and rough surf that Wellington locals have learned to love. From the Weta Cave to the Taputarenga Marine Reserve, this small group tour offers the full south coast experience.

Zealandia is the world’s first fully fenced urban eco-sanctuary and home to some of New Zealand’s most extraordinary wildlife. This 2-hour guided walking tour will introduce you to native birds such as kakariki, tui, and bellbirds; rare species like takahē; and unique reptiles including green gecko and tuatara. Entrance fees are included.

Board the InterIslander ferry for a 3-hour cruise across Cook Strait, which links New Zealand’s capital city in the North Island to a charming enclave in the South Island. The Wellington-to-Picton ferry offers daily service one way, with jaw-dropping views along one of the world’s most scenic waterways.

Lift off above the city of Wellington on a 9-minute helicopter flight that gives a thrilling perspective on New Zealand's capital. You'll get aerial views of the Museum of New Zealand, Parliament House, and the forests and trails that surround the city center. On clear days, watch Marlborough Sounds and the Southern Alps appear on the horizon, then soar across Wellington's Queen Wharf as you fly back towards the helipad. This helicopter tour of Wellington includes personal headsets so you don't miss a word of the pilot's commentary.

Combine award-winning wine and gorgeous scenery on a full-day small-group tour from Wellington to Martinborough that also explores the Hutt Valley, Rimutaka Ranges, Wairarapa coast, and Lake Onoke. You'll visit Martinborough wineries for cellar tours and tastings, pause for lunch in a vineyard restaurant, then eat dinner at the edge of Lake Onoke after a short shoreline hike. The tour includes a platter lunch, restaurant dinner, and a wine tasting.

Explore the outskirts of Wellington and the landscape beyond on this helicopter flight tour. While listening to commentary from your pilot/guide, fly over the rugged shores and seal colonies of the South Coast, the Cook Strait, the Karori Rock Lighthouse, and the Makara Wind Farm.

Tick off the top attractions of the Windy City on this private full-day tour of Wellington. Experience the myriad delights of New Zealand’s capital as you take in the views from Mt Victoria, spot seals at Red Rocks, then go behind-the-scenes with a short tour of the Weta Cave, where the special effects for Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were created. After a scrumptious lunch at the Chocolate Fish Café (included), ride the cable car over Wellington and visit landmarks like the Botanical Gardens, the Parliament Buildings and the Beehive.

Wellington, long-celebrated for its bohemian liberal arts and cafe culture, is fast-becoming renowned as New Zealand’s capitol of craft beer. Visit four Wellington and Hutt Valley breweries, tasting a range of tasty local beers at each establishment on this small group day tour designed for lovers of ales, stouts, lagers and everything hoppy in-between.

The hills around Wellington offer a spectacular backdrop for a cycling tour, but pedaling uphill is tiring. Take the effort out by joining an e-bike tour and focus on enjoying the sights and views. This half-day tour will take you past many of the capital’s highlights, including Te Papa, the Wellington Waterfront, and the Maupuia Walkway. Morning or afternoon departures are available.

Make easy work of Wellington’s hills and devise your own itinerary on this self-guided electric bike tour. Opt for a 1 or 2-day bike rental and zip between sights like the Weta Workshop, Te Papa Museum, or Zealandia Sanctuary; glide along the Wellington Waterfront; or escape the city to cycle the Rimutaka Rail Trail or take in the views from Mt Victoria.

Every member of your group can enjoy cycling around Wellington with e-bike rental that makes it quick and easy to get around. You’ll be provided with a quality e-bike, instructions, a helmet, a lock, and a cycle map of the city. Follow the map’s recommendations or create your own itinerary as this is a self-guided tour. Cycle with ease along the waterfront or up to some of Wellington’s hilly neighborhoods.

Get a personal introduction to Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s premier museum based in Wellington. This 1-hour guided tour provides an overview of the museum’s interactive exhibits, artifacts, fine art and natural history displays so that you can better explore the collection on your own. You’ll get a deeper look at Maori cultural heritage and colonial history with an expert guide who share insights and offers suggestions for galleries that might suit your interests.

Lovers of good food and drink will enjoy this small-group food walking tour of Wellington. Sample some of the capital’s finest cuisine, including local specialties. Your guide will show you the best spots, and eat at places that you might miss when touring independently. Whether you’re a first-time or repeat visitor to Wellington, you’re sure to try something new.

Set amid 5,000 acres (2,000 hectares) of lush countryside and rolling hills, the Wharekauhau Country Estate is an idyllic spot for a lunch date and the most spectacular way to arrive is by helicopter. Make like a VIP on this 3-hour tour from Wellington, with round-trip transfers by helicopter and a 5-course lunch of gourmet cuisine and wine.

Soar over Wellington Harbour in a helicopter during this 15-minute flight. Learn about the history, culture, and environment of the harbor's landscape through your pilot's commentary. Get views and aerial photo ops of the Cook Strait, Matiu Somes Island, and some of Wellington city's landmarks.