Helicopter lunch Marlborough Sounds from Wellington

Fly to a remote bay, eat lunch overlooking the water, fly back

A 3-hour helicopter tour from Wellington to the Marlborough Sounds includes a scenic flight across Cook Strait, a 3-course meal with wine at the 5-star Bay of Many Coves resort, and time to walk the native forest before the return flight. The experience departs from Wellington and operates subject to minimum passenger numbers and resort availability.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter flight and gourmet lunch

• Fly from Wellington by helicopter
• Enjoy aerial views crossing Cook Strait
• Arrive at Bay of Many Coves resort
• Have a 3-course meal with wine
• Relax and explore resort surroundings
• Return flight to Wellington

The Experience

The helicopter leaves Wellington and climbs south across Cook Strait toward the top of the South Island. You get aerial views of the North Island coastline falling away, then the Marlborough Sounds opening below—a maze of forested inlets and sheltered bays with almost no sign of settlement. The flight itself is the first half of the day, and the commentary on board names what you're passing over.

Landing at Bay of Many Coves puts you at a 5-star resort tucked into native bush on the water's edge. The 3-course meal happens in the waterfront restaurant, and a glass of New Zealand wine comes with it. After lunch, the schedule leaves you free to walk through the forest, sit by the bay, or simply stay at the restaurant—there's no fixed itinerary for this part, so you set the pace. The return flight to Wellington follows the same route in reverse, and the whole outing takes 3 hours from start to finish.

Live commentary in English runs through both flights. The experience is subject to minimum passenger numbers before a flight can depart, and resort availability can affect the booking. Infants ride on an adult's lap; the resort and helicopter are both wheelchair accessible, and the experience suits all fitness levels.

What’s included

• Helicopter scenic tour from Wellington to the Marlborough Sounds and back.
• 3-course meal and a glass of wine at Bay of Many Coves resort.
• live commentary in English during both flights.
• local taxes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Wellington Helicopters

Is this one for you?If you're staying in Wellington without a car, this tour solves the transport problem—the helicopter picks you up and delivers you back to the city, so a remote lunch in the Sounds becomes a half-day escape instead of a full-day logistics puzzle.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What's the helicopter flight like from Wellington to the Marlborough Sounds?

The flight crosses Cook Strait heading south toward the top of the South Island, giving you aerial views of the North Island coast and then the Marlborough Sounds—a landscape of forested inlets and sheltered bays with live commentary on board explaining what you're seeing.

How much time do I have at Bay of Many Coves after lunch?

After your 3-course meal and wine, you have free time to explore the resort grounds, walk through the native forest, or relax by the bay before the return flight to Wellington—the schedule doesn't lock you into a set itinerary for this part.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the helicopter in Wellington?

The tour departs from Wellington, and public transportation options are available nearby, so you can reach the departure point without a rental car or private transport if you're staying in the city.

What happens if the flight doesn't have enough passengers?

The helicopter flight requires a minimum number of passengers before it can depart, so the experience is subject to availability—the operator will confirm this before you finalize your booking.