Aotearoa has a certain raw, mystical beauty that captures the minds of both tourists and locals. But when it comes to experiencing that beauty, there’s a certain vantage point that elevates it from the mysterious to the sublime. For the discerning traveller, the corporate leader, or the adventurer seeking something beyond the ordinary, one thing is for sure: the view from a rental car is not going to cut it.
In our beautiful country, particularly in places like the Coromandel or Waiheke Island, it’s true that helicopter travel is the ultimate choice. It’s a key to the inaccessible hiking spots, the reclusive hideaways, or the views no one else gets to see. But planning an excursion to the skies raises one vital question: how much is it to charter helicopters?
Whether you charter helicopter tours for the whole family or you’re envisioning a private, romantic elopement or a corporate retreat, understanding the “why” behind the rates will help you plan your trip properly. To help with that, here is a breakdown of what you’re paying for when you book with the very best charter helicopters in the region.
What Are You Paying For?
Hiring a helicopter is an investment in time, exclusivity, and perspective. Unlike commercial travel, charter helicopters offer a level of flexibility that is unmatched by any other form of transport. Sure, you’re paying for a seat. But it’s more than that.
For one thing, you’re paying for access. The unlimited kind. Reach a remote golf course for the round of a lifetime, or land mere metres from a world-class property for sale without having to navigate traffic.
New Zealand is a beautiful place to drive through, but the third hour in a row of any road trip generally starts to wear on everyone’s nerves.
With charter helicopter tours, you can enjoy two additional benefits that make the trip even more enjoyable: total privacy and a pilot with intimate knowledge of the surrounding landscape. You can become acquainted with spots like the Coromandel or the Bay of Islands one-on-one, from the air, with the gentle voice of your expert pilot helping you to hone in on some of the most interesting landmarks.
In short, you’re paying for a private, personal experience that won’t exhaust you with hours of driving. This is why helicopter charters are well worth the investment.
Typical Flight Rates for Helicopter Charters in NZ
While we encourage anyone considering charter helicopter tours to contact our team directly for a precise quote, it helps to understand the general tiers of helicopter hire pricing in NZ.
We’ll divide this into two categories, each defined by the structure of their payment and purpose.
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Scenic Flight Rates (Per Person)
If you’re booking a pre-defined flight path or package, prices are usually calculated per seat, as the company (in this case, us) has already calculated costs for the flight and return. If you love the idea of charter helicopter tours and you’re in a small group, this is a great option to get the “best-of” highlights of Aotearoa.
Depending on the scenic flight package you choose and the company you select, you can expect to pay anywhere between $299 and $599. Here at Heli Me, the average cost of a scenic flight package is around $299.
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Private Charter Rates (Hourly)
For total privacy and custom itineraries, booking the entire aircraft is the preferred choice for our corporate and luxury clients. This ensures the pilot and the machine are dedicated solely to your needs, and will usually incur a higher charge for the pleasure.
Depending on the length and duration of the flight, as well as the landing location you select and the type of aircraft you require, you can expect to pay anywhere between $2000 per hour and $4000 per hour.
Always reach out for a custom quote to ensure you fully understand the costs of a private helicopter charter.
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Half-Day or Full-Day Experiences
These are the "gold standard" of charter helicopters in New Zealand. They often include multiple landings, catering, and a dedicated pilot-guide for the duration. For example, Heli Me has a variety of packages for specific purposes, such as golfing at the Te Arai links or touching down on Waiheke for a day of wine tasting.
These are half or full-day experiences respectively, costing anywhere between $4000 and $10000 at a fixed rate, with optional add-ons to make your day even more special.
Ultimately, charter helicopters epitomise luxury, as reflected in their pricing. Remember that charter helicopter tours offer a level of customisation that “off-the-shelf” tours cannot. With a private charter, you set the departure time. If the weather is particularly clear over a specific peak, your pilot can linger longer for the perfect photograph.
It’s a bucket-list experience. So, whether you’re impressing international clients or finding a new adventure to enjoy with your partner, this is the way to go.
Enlist a private pilot for your chartered helicopter experience.
We are Heli Me, a private helicopter charter company offering hourly experiences or full-day planned tours. Whether you need a quick jaunt to Waiheke Island or an hours-long Coromandel flyover, we have a team of pilots ready to deploy.
Reach out today for a custom quote on your chartered helicopter.
