Private Helicopter Tours, Shaped Around You
See Central Otago from above, then experience it up close.
There are parts of Central Otago that few visitors ever see — remote valleys, rugged peaks and backcountry landscapes far beyond the usual touring routes.
In partnership with Central Heliwork, Obelisk Tours creates private Central Otago helicopter experiences designed around you. Local pilot Paul was born and raised in the region and brings an exceptional knowledge of its landscapes, conditions and hidden corners to every flight.
Your helicopter experience can begin from your accommodation or a convenient nearby location and may include an alpine picnic, winery lunch, private guided touring or time on Lake Dunstan.
Every experience is bespoke, but these three guest favourites are a good place to begin.
Central Otago Alpine Picnic On A Peak
A gourmet Central Otago picnic, served somewhere unforgettable.
Fly deep into the Central Otago backcountry before landing in a remote location chosen for the conditions and the views.
Your local guide will join you for a relaxed gourmet picnic featuring a platter prepared by chef Gabi of The Kitchen Garden, paired with your choice of delicious soft drinks.
There are no crowded lookouts or busy lunch tables here. Just extraordinary scenery, locally made food and the rare chance to pause somewhere most people will never reach.
Experience highlights:
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Private scenic helicopter flight
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Remote backcountry or peak landing
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Local guide
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Gourmet platter by The Kitchen Garden
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Non-alcoholic drinks
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A completely private experience
From Skyline to Grapevine
From your accommodation to a Central Otago vineyard — with a rather better view along the way.
Begin with a private helicopter pickup from your accommodation or a suitable location nearby. Take to the skies for a scenic flight across Central Otago before landing at Carrick Winery in Bannockburn.
Once you arrive, settle in for a wine tasting and vineyard lunch surrounded by the distinctive landscapes of the Cromwell Basin.
After lunch, choose to return by helicopter or travel back by private vehicle with Obelisk Tours. The driving option allows you to see the landscape from a completely different perspective and include additional stops along the way.
Experience highlights:
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Private helicopter pickup
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Scenic Central Otago flight
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Landing at Carrick Winery
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Wine tasting and vineyard lunch
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Choice of helicopter or private road transfer home
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Optional bespoke additions
OUR UNIQUE Sky To Shore Heli-boat Experience
See Central Otago from the air, then explore the same landscape from the water.
Our Heli-Boat Experience brings together two completely different perspectives in one remarkable private tour.
Spend the morning flying over Central Otago’s backcountry, taking in its mountains, valleys and vast open landscapes from above. After landing, you’ll be met by Andrew aboard the Lake Dunstan Explorer for a private journey across the water.
From the lake, you can look back at the country you have just flown over, visit historic ruins and discover stories hidden along the shoreline. It is an experience that connects Central Otago’s geography, heritage and scale in a way few other tours can.
Experience highlights:
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Private backcountry helicopter flight
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Scenic landing and seamless boat connection
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Lake Dunstan Explorer experience
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Historic ruins and local stories
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Views from both the air and the water
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A unique, privately curated Central Otago itinerary
Bespoke Helicopter Experiences
Your flight, your Central Otago adventure.
We can create a private helicopter itinerary around the places, food, wine and landscapes you would most like to experience. Whether you are celebrating something special, planning a memorable day during your New Zealand holiday or simply want to go beyond the usual visitor routes, we will help shape the experience around you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bespoke Tours
Are your Central Otago helicopter tours private?
Yes. Obelisk Tours specialises in private, bespoke experiences. Your helicopter itinerary will be designed around your group rather than shared with a larger public tour.
Can you arrange a helicopter flight from Queenstown or Wānaka?
Tell us where you are staying when you enquire. We can explore the most suitable departure and transport options based on your location and preferred experience.
Can you arrange a helicopter flight from Queenstown or Wānaka?
Tell us where you are staying when you enquire. We can explore the most suitable departure and transport options based on your location and preferred experience.
Can we create a different helicopter itinerary?
Absolutely. These experiences are inspiration rather than fixed packages. We can combine a scenic helicopter flight with wine, food, private road touring, historic locations or other Central Otago experiences.
Where do Central Otago helicopter experiences depart from?
Pickup may be available from your accommodation or another suitable location nearby. The exact departure point will depend on your location, the planned itinerary and operational requirements.
Are helicopter experiences weather dependent?
Yes. Helicopter flights and landing locations are subject to weather, safety and operational conditions. We will work closely with Central Heliwork and keep you informed if the itinerary needs to change.
Can you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes. Please let us know about any allergies or dietary requirements when enquiring so these can be considered when arranging your picnic or lunch.
How far in advance should we book?
We recommend enquiring as early as possible, particularly during the busy summer and autumn seasons. Availability will depend on your preferred date, itinerary and the helicopter’s operational schedule.
