0800 BLAZIN or +64 21 991 564

Scenic Helicopter Tours

Experience the Ruapehu district as never before, as you helicopter over breath-taking, panoramic, aerial views from the Whanganui River to historic farmsteads and bush.  The views are incredible, from pristine native forest where the awa winds its way through deep bush-clad canyons to rocky whitewater rapids.  

For no extra cost you can experience the river a little closer up and combine a helicopter and jet boat experience, complete with lunch!


Note: Bookings are essential as we need to provide plenty of notice for the helicopter pilot.

Our Helicopter Experiences

Scenic Flight from Blazing Paddles Base - Three Peaks

Includes approx one hour in the air up to 5 passengers

Experience our local area as you never have before. Take off from Piriaka and enjoy breath-taking, panoramic, aerial views up the Whanganui River trench to view Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro and Ngaruahoe which dominate the Central North Island landscape.
Available ex our base in Taumarunui, or Raetihi

Make Booking Enquiry    call us on 0800 252 946 to check availability.

Helicopter to Posh Pioneers - Rock and River

Helicopter one way, optional Jet Boat return or vice versa up to 5 passengers

Travel in style and helicopter back in time to Posh Pioneers gorgeous, off-grid glamping site and lodge, down the historic Whanganui River. The views are incredible as you pass over pristine native forest where the awa winds its way through deep bush-clad canyons and rocky whitewater rapids. Arrive to warm country hospitality, your hosts Fritz and Heather will transport you on ATV from the river bank to a delicious home-cooked lunch with excellent organic barista coffee. After lunch you have the choice of return by helicopter, or forge a more close and personal connection with Te Awa Tupua – the only river in Aotearoa to be legally recognised as a person, as you travel back up river by Jet Boat. Admire stunning waterfalls, wild rapids and deep, bush clad gorges as you journey from untouched wilderness back through bush blocks and farmland to Cherry Grove, Taumarunui.

Make Booking Enquiry    call us on 0800 252 946 to check availability.

Helicopter to Blue Duck Station - Rivers Wild

Helicopter one way, optional Jet Boat return or vice versa up to 5 passengers

Experience the thrill of a birds-eye view as you helicopter in to the iconic Blue Duck Station, on the Whanganui River. The scenery is sublime as you pass over pristine native forest where the awa winds its way through deep bush-clad canyons and rocky white-water rapids. Enjoy lunch at the Blue Duck Café located on a historic farming station where the Retaruke River meets the Whanganui. The Station is well known for its conservation efforts with the rare Blue Duck or Whio. After lunch you have the choice of return by helicopter, or forge a more close and personal connection with Te Awa Tupua – the only river in Aotearoa to be legally recognised as a person, as you travel back up river by Jet Boat. Admire stunning waterfalls, wild rapids and deep, bush clad gorges as you journey from untouched wilderness back through bush blocks and farmland to Cherry Grove, Taumarunui.

Make Booking Enquiry    call us on 0800 252 946 to check availability.

What you need to know


What we provide at our Base: WiFi, Tea, Coffee, Showers, Toilet Facilities and Vehicle Storage at our base.

Discounts may be available for larger group bookings.

Please contact us for any specific requirements. We can customise an exclusive trip for you.