Combine birds’ eye views of the Nelson-Marlborough Region with an up-close-and-personal experience with one of New Zealand’s rarest native birds

About

This tour has been selected for guests to learn more about the Kārearea (New Zealand Falcon).

Lifting off from Nelson Airport you will quickly discover how beautiful our region is from above.

Head East over the Richmond Ranges to New Zealand’s largest wine region before landing at the Marlborough Falcon Trust, where you will be greeted by their ambassador for a private tour of their facilities.

Kārearea (New Zealand Falcon) Experience:

• A unique experience learning about New Zealand’s last remaining endemic bird of prey.

• See restoration efforts in action with a behind the scenes Private Centre Tour, and the opportunity for an up close and personal Kārearea Encounter

• Option to wear a falconry glove and experience holding trained advocacy kārearea.*

• Kārearea Encounters are always subject to the willingness of our advocacy kārearea to ensure we uphold and champion positive animal welfare standards.

Included:

• Private Centre Tour: go behind the scenes with a KFT staff member to learn about kārearea and see our rehabilitation and breed-for-release facility.

• Kārearea Encounter: guests will be welcomed two at a time into an aviary with a KFT staff member. Each person will take turns wearing a falconry glove and experience calling a trained advocacy kārearea to fly over and land on their hand.

• Guests are welcome to take photos during this up-close experience.

• Complimentary gift from the Kārearea Falcon Trust.

Capable of flying at speeds up to 200 km/h and catching prey larger than itself, the New Zealand falcon is one of our most spectacular birds, assisting wine-makers in the region by scaring off grape-gobbling pests!

Today only 5,000–8,000 kārearea remain!­­­

The Kārearea Falcon Trust operates as a bird rescue, rehabilitation, restoration and release centre in the heart of the Marlborough region. They take sick, injured, and orphaned birds from the whole of the South Island.

Includes Flight Time – 60 minutes

Inclusions:

• Return flights from Nelson Airport to Marlborough Falcon Trust

• Two-way communication with pilot

• 1 landing

• Private guided Falcon Experience & Encounter

• Optional vineyard visit with wine tasting and dining options – extra cost

Optional Vineyard Visit

From the Falcon Experience, you have the option of visiting a nearby vineyard for wine tasting and dining.

There are numerous options and we are happy to assist with your selection.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL:
Easy: Suitable for adults and children over the age of 10.

PLEASE NOTE:
All flights are subject to change and weather conditions.

WEIGHT & SIZE GUIDELINES:
Helicopter weight and balance changes with every flight because of passenger weight, pilot weight and length of flight (fuel weight). It is important that we have accurate body weight from every passenger. CAA regulations require all passengers to declare their weight on check in and if required passengers and carry on luggage will be weighed before the flight. If a standard airline seat belt is too small or you weigh over 100 KG (220 LBS) you must notify us on booking so that we can plan the loading of the aircraft, as we cannot exceed the helicopters maximum permissible weight. (A surcharge may apply in this situation). Please call our office for more information. Thank you for your cooperation.

CANCELLATION POLICY:
Changes or Rescheduling:
We require 48 hours notice prior to flight time to change or reschedule your reservation. Tours cancelled with less than 48 hours notice affect other guests booked and don’t allow enough time to resell the cancelled seats. If you need to change or reschedule your reservation, please provide us 48 hours notice prior to your tour time and we will be happy to accommodate you.

Cancellations:
If the weather conditions make flying unsafe on the day of the trip, Helicopters Nelson will cancel the flight at no cost, or rebook you for another day, if space is available. This is at the pilot’s discretion and there is no charge in this situation.

Flights cancelled between 48 hrs-24 hours will incur a 50% cancellation fee. No refund will be given for no-shows or changes you make to bookings within 24 hours of the tour.