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Guided Luxury Adventure

Luxury Travel & Adventure Experiences in Nelson, New Zealand

Home / Day Trips / Mount Owen Alpine Heli-Hike
Helicopter on Mt Owen
Hiking Mt Owen
Helihiking on Mt Owen
Guide on Mt Owen Summit

Mount Owen Alpine Heli-Hike

An active alpine helihike through the big, bold and fascinating marble karst landscape with a vast array of alpine meadow plants and the highest peak (just under 1900 metres) in the Kahurangi National Park.

It is non-technical, but suitable for reasonably fit and agile travellers who want to challenge themselves a little to enjoy the wonderful 360° views from the summit.

Rob, just wanted to thank you and your team for our EPIC 21 day hiking trip throughout the South Island including the awesome day on Mt Owen before we flew to the Bay of Many Coves. We had a great time throughout the entire adventure. You, Emma and Tracy were awesome. Please feel free to use us as references if you need any.
Craig Coppola - Arizona - January 2015

Locations: Kahurangi National Park| Mt Owen - Kahurangi National ParkActivities: Helicopter based trips| Walking/HikingDuration: One Day

Trip Summary

At 1875m, Mt Owen is one of the most remote locations in the Kahurangi National Park, as well as the highest peak. While it is possible to hike to the summit of Mt Owen, many people prefer to fly in to experience the hike by helicopter.

Yet another iconic film site for Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogies, this is the place where the fellowship escaped the Mines of Moria in the Fellowship of the Ring.

It provides a stunning landscape of glaciated marble karst with picturesque views over Tasman and Golden Bay, Mount Owen is a magical location that few people will get to experience in their lifetime.

Trip Detail

Mt Owen offers a big, bold and fascinating marble karst landscape, a vast array of alpine meadow plants and the highest peak (just under 1900 metres) in the Kahurangi National Park. The unusual landscape, which features some of New Zealand’s oldest rock, was one of the sites used in the Lord of the Rings filming. Flying from Nelson or Motueka, the 25 minute helicopter flight with its ascent up Blue Creek is a dramatic introduction to the area, before landing in an alpine meadow called “The Hay Paddock” (not that hay would ever have been made up here), surrounded by impressive landscape near Sentinel Hill on the Mt Owen massif.

The Owen Plateau is a raised platform of limestone with curious geology, old gold history and the highest peak in the Northwest Nelson region. After the helicopter departs to its standby location, the route winds its way through the labyrinth of karst boulders and fissures to the flat top of Mt Owen, where you will have stunning 360 degree views of the Kahurangi and Nelson Lakes National Parks. It’s around 300 metres of non-technical climbing from the tussock basin through curious and convoluted rock structure, full of crevasses, slumps and sinkholes; a strange and at times adventurous landscape requiring some agility to negotiate.

Rejoining the helicopter near Sunrise Peak, you will fly past the impressive escarpments on the southern side of the mountain where the entrance to Bulmer cave provides access to over ninety kilometres of caving system, then take a superb descent through the narrow bush clad Granity Creek on our way back to base. The scene from the first Lord of the Rings Movie “Mines of Moria” was filmed here.

The trip is suitable for reasonably fit and agile travellers who want to challenge themselves a little. It is non-technical, but it is a steady climb for around two hours. The overall trip from departure in the helicopter to return is around five hours, with three of these climbing and walking.

The trip cost is lowest from the helibase near Nelson, but we can collect you by helicopter from any Lodge at additional cost.

Included

Helicopter, guide and lunch.

We can supply extra clothing, day packs and walking poles if you require them.

FAQs

How strenuous is the hike?

It is a 300 metre (1000ft) steady climb which requires reasonable fitness. There is a route rather than a track, which at time requires scrambling over firm marble surfaces. It is not technical.

What would happen if bad weather descended quickly?

The helicopter remains on the mountain with us. We have radio and phone contact with it, and in the event of a sudden change, such as low cloud/poor  visibility we are able to call the helicopter to leave immediately. There is also a hut about 40 minutes walk from our landing site on the mountain which can be used in the event of an emergency.

What kind of gear/clothing do I need?

This is an alpine trip and the weather can change quickly in New Zealand. You should have a polypropylene or wool undergarment next to your skin, shirt, and a warm fleece or wool pullover, plus a windproof jacket. Most New Zealanders wear shorts, preferably of the quick drying type, although travel type trousers are fine. Avoid cotton garments if possible. We can usually supply this type of clothing if required. Trainers or running shoes are adequate for this trip, light hiking shoes or boots are better. A day pack and water bottle are useful. (we can also supply these)

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Simply Wild Journeys logo

Since 2006 Simply Wild Journeys have been offering unique privately guided trips in the top of New Zealand’s beautiful South Island.

Encompassing walking and hiking, cycling and mountain biking, sailing, sea kayaking, and rafting, plus exploring the regions art, wine and culture, Simply Wild Journeys can provide you with a wonderful private day or multiday trip to remember during your New Zealand vacation.

On a Simply Wild trip you can see, do and enjoy more at your own pace.

EST. 2006

 

Mt Owen vista
Kea on Mt Owen
Mt Owen Tomo
Descent Mt Owen
Mt Owen Helihike – Simply Wild Journeys
Mt Owen guides
Simply Wild guides Rob & Naomi – Mt Owen helihike
Helihike – Mt Owen – Simply Wild Journeys

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Simply Wild Journeys are the experts in private bespoke luxury travel & adventure experiences in Nelson, New Zealand.

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There’s nowhere else in the world where you’ll find, within a short distance, three spectacular National Parks, glistening golden sand beaches and turquoise crystal clear waters, alongside alpine meadows and snowy mountain ranges.

Enjoy all year in a climate that rivals the Mediterranean.

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