Milford Sound Extended Heli Tour

Explore Milford Sounds’ stunning fiord from the air.  Fly past sheer cliffs and gushing waterfalls out to the Tasman Sea where you will land on a wild West Coast beach.  In Milford, enjoy a short nature walk before embarking on an exhilarating flight past spectacular rivers, valleys and mountains with blue-green ice falls.  Land upon a glacier/snow (subject to weather and availability) in the heart of Fiordland National Park before returning to Blanket Bay.

Fiordland Heli Traverse

Experience flying up close to 2000 feet waterfalls and traversing the majestic fiords.  Drop in amongst the New Zealand fur seals and forage for fresh lobster.  Hover over glaciers and land in the snow for photo memories against the mountain backdrop.  Enjoy a gourmet BBQ picnic lunch, with complimentary New Zealand wines and beverages, at a special location chosen on the day.  This is an unsurpassed experience, and unquestionably a highlight of any trip to this region of New Zealand.

Wilderness Jet-Boat Safari

Our private Dock serves as the perfect launch pad for this unique combination of breath-taking scenery and an exhilarating ride as you follow the braided, glacier-fed rivers by jet boat. Your guides give you their authentic touch, talking about the area’s rich history, the Greenstone trail and countless Maori legends. After tying up the boat, take a short walk amongst the ancient beech tree forests – an atmosphere you may recognize from The Lord of the Rings films.

Funyaks (kayaks)

Combine the exhilaration of a wilderness jet boat ride with a leisurely downstream float on the easy to use Funyaks (inflatable kayaks). Ideal for families to explore the truly unique Dart River.  Following the jet boat ride up the Dart River deep into the heart of Mt Aspiring National Park, travel back down river at your own pace in the unique Funyaks.  Explore pristine waters as they flow from the Southern Alps to Lake Wakatipu, hidden side streams with amazing rock pools and dramatic chasms.

Perhaps our most popular ride “The Rees River Trail” showcases the best of the region.  “This 2.5 hour ride caters for beginners, intermediate and experienced riders looking for a relaxed paced scenic trail. Designed to take in the stunning scenery that is Glenorchy, the Rees river trail takes clients across farmland and onto the Rees River. You will experience crossing glacial fed waters, ride amongst the lupin / wild flower fields, and be awe inspired by our beautiful snow-capped mountain ranges known famously from LOTR, Hobbit, The Chronicles of Narnia, Mission Impossible and Wolverine origins. Come and have a REAL Kiwi experience!”

Minimal riding experience required, but please note the weight limit of 95kgs/210lbs per rider.

The Season
November 1st to May 31st. Best time of the season Nov to mid Dec and March to April. Busiest time Jan – Feb. Rivers further afield open at the beginning of October.
Rivers
A number of rivers are within driving distance of Blanket Bay. Most rivers can be accessed by helicopter, the cost of which depends on the distance flown. It is best NOT to pre book a helicopter as the weather and choice of river determines the feasibility and cost of the flying. The decision to fly can be made the preceding evening. The rivers are mostly small to medium free stone rivers, holding brown and rainbow trout. Early and late season offer the best opportunity to catch one of our larger trout.
Guides
Two anglers maximum per guide. Daily guide fee approximately: NZ$850.00, which includes fishing equipment. To pre-book a guide, the minimum charge out will be a full days guiding fee. Additional Charges: back country fishing license, lunch and any helicopter time.
Cancellation Policy
Reservations are essential for flyfishing. Cancellations inside seven days of fishing date will incur a fee of 50% of the daily fishing rate. Cancellations inside 48hrs of fishing date will incur the full rate of day or days booked.
Anglers
As you will be sight fishing, it is often necessary to walk long distances over varying terrain, a reasonable standard of fitness is required. To further enhance your experience, you should be able to cast at least 30ft accurately and into a moderate wind. In other words, you do need to be reasonably experienced to be successful. Guides provide all necessary tackle. For those wishing to bring their own, the following is most suitable:
Tackle: Fly rods 5/6 weight with matching weight forward floating lines, dark colors are preferable.
Leaders & Tippet: 12 / 14 foot leaders tapering to 4x; tippet material 3,4,5,6 x
Dry Flies & Nymphs: Royal wolf, Humpy’s green and yellow, Adams, Pheasant tail, Hares ear to name but a few.
Clothing: Avoid bright colors especially white. Sand fly repellant is a ‘must’. Repellant is available to buy from the Lodge, if required.

Heli-fish New Zealand’s most remote rivers

Take a helicopter from the lawns of Blanket Bay to the most remote rivers of New Zealand’s South Island and experience some of the world’s best fly-fishing.

There are waters with Brown trout only and some with sea run trout (Steelhead). Within 15 minutes of the Lodge by helicopter there are many miles of wilderness rivers and streams, inaccessible to vehicles, and only accessed by foot with great difficulty. Helicopter access makes the most of these virtually untouched waters.

We will recommend a great fishing plan, arranging helicopter as well as all gear and tackle if required. Our guides possess ‘insider’ knowledge and can take you to stretches of water possibly not fished this season by any other angler, where you can stalk wild Rainbow and Brown trout.

If you are even more adventurous then we can arrange an exciting full day heli-fishing experience on up to three different rivers. A trip to Fiordland combines sensational scenery with unsurpassed fishing. Alternatively visit the West Coast where rivers flowing into the sea can produce sea run Browns at selected times of the year.

The helicopter pilots are very experienced and have extensive knowledge of the diverse Fiordland, Southland and Otago landscapes. They are all familiar with unique weather patterns in these regions, a very important aspect when flying in this mountainous terrain.

HELI-SKI À LA CARTE – MOUNTAINS OF UNTRACKED POWDER AWAIT

Contrary to the perception that heli-skiing is only reserved for the extreme skier/boarder, with New Zealand’s unique geography you can heli-ski on moderate terrain (ski field blue run equivalent) with your own private helicopter right from Blanket Bay’s doorstep. The average Southern Alps’ heli-ski run is 750 vertical meters.

FIRST TURNS

Up to 6 runs

Experience New Zealand’s jaw dropping alpine glow and untracked snow. Be back to the lodge before lunchtime with this early morning private charter.

Groups up to 4 people.

$5,900/charter

SILVER

8-10 runs

Enjoy your own private helicopter for the day. The perfect option for smaller groups of intermediate skiers/boarders looking for complete freedom.

Groups up to 4 people.

$7,900/charter

GOLD

8-10 runs | 2 groups

Your charter option for larger groups up to 8 people to enjoy exclusive use of your helicopter for a day of uninterrupted skiing.

2 groups share 1 helicopter, up to 8 people.

$10,900/charter

ELITE

12-15 runs

The Southern Lakes mountains are your domain to find your dream lines. Make it the ultimate day of heliskiing with 12 – 15 runs!

Groups up to 4 people

$9,900/charter

UNLIMITED

Unlimited Runs

For skiers looking for maximum vertical and unrestricted runs. If you have the legs, we’ll keep flying. The only limit to the number of runs you make is the setting sun!

Groups up to 4 people

$13,900/charter

Jack’s point golf course is not only one of the most spectacular in the world, but as an 18 hole par 72 championship course it offers golfers of any calibre a challenging and unforgettable experience.

With a backdrop of 2300 vertical metres of the razorback Remarkables mountain range and an armchair view of an outstanding lake and mountain panorama, Jack’s Point Golf Course is not only one of the most spectacular in the world, but as an 18 hole par 72 championship course it offers golfers of any calibre a challenging and unforgettable experience.

The course works with nature, not against it. Designed with minimal excavation, the 6538 metre (7150 yard) course is built on the most spectacular of Jack’s Point terrain, weaving through tussock grasslands, dramatic rock outcrops, steep bluffs and swathes of native bush to the edge of Lake Wakatipu.

Just as the rough-hewn stone walls adjacent to the fairways evoke its high country farming heritage, so the entire Jack’s Point Golf Course has been designed to take full advantage of its history and terrain – raw, dramatic and wild. With preservation and restoration of surrounding wetlands, matagouri and native bush, each hole has been carefully aligned to a magnificent backdrop, offering the player a full 360 degree experience of the high country landscape.

Along side Jack’s point, Millbrook and the Hills you can also play the scenic 18-hole Queenstown Golf Club, the historic 18-hole Arrowtown Golf Club, as well as the local 9-hole Glenorchy Golf Club just minutes from Blanket Bay.

Some of the local wineries, like the award winning Amisfield Winery & Bistro and Gibbston Valley winery also boast restaurants and tasting facilities in spectacular settings with cuisine to match. Here is the perfect opportunity to relax, have lunch and enjoy local flavours and superb scenery.

For those guests who would like to experience some of the rich local culture, the team at Blanket Bay can organise your day, whether self-drive or with a chauffeur driven car, sampling the local wine, enjoying a fabulous lunch at Amisfield Bistro and Gibbston Valley winery while meeting the artists at their studios.

New Zealand’s art and the artists themselves offer a refreshing insight into how kiwis continue to make a name for themselves on the world stage. Locally we are fortunate to have some of New Zealand’s most interesting and respected artists in residence; to be able to visit them in their own studios is one of the great attractions of the region.

*Because of our mountainous region most activities are dependent on the weather.  With the exception of a fishing guide and the Funyaks, there is no need to pre-book any activities. Upon your arrival we can talk through all your interests and options, take a look at the weather and then book accordingly.

Jet Boat on the Dart River

Navigate deep into the alpine corridor of Mount Aspiring National Park, the challenging grandeur of the mountains and valleys will leave a lasting impression. Discover ice-capped mountains and glaciers, cascading waterfalls and crystal clear streams and pools, all while enjoying the thrill of being aboard your purpose built jetboat that picks up or drops off at Blanket Bay’s private jetty.

Funyaks

Begin the adventure with a Dart River Jetboat trip upstream, remove the sound of the V8 and replace it with bird song and cascading waterfalls as you paddle to Paradise in your inflatable canoe. Glaciers, rocky peaks, dense rainforest, crystal blue waters and shady chasms can be enjoyed from the serenity of your canoe. An adventure perfect for a family.

Bungy Jumping

For over ten years people have been thrilled at this Queenstown icon either by jumping themselves, or as official spectators. Bungy Jump (or watch) from the world’s first commercial site, or choose between four other heart stopping jumps ranging between 42 metres and 102 metres. Guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.

Mountain Biking

Blanket Bay has Six Specialized bicycles are available for guests to use. Jump aboard and head off along the beach, or take a picnic lunch and venture further afield into Mount Aspiring National Park or Paradise itself.

Rafting

Experience the exhilaration of rafting on either the Shotover or Kawarau Rivers. No previous experience required- professionally trained guides will provide instruction and give a safety briefing. The more challenging Shotover River begins over peaceful waters, heading towards the exhilarating rapids of the lower Canyon. Flowing through the beautiful Kawarau Gorge, passing beneath the Gibbston and Chard vineyards, the Kawarau River offers a mix of gentle flowing water and mighty rapids.