On the banks of the Motueka River... 
We’ll collect you from Stonefly Lodge and drive you about 25 minutes to the helicopter base for the 15 minute flight to Coppermine Saddle 3000ft on the Dun Mountain Trail.
Now part of the National Cycle Trail network, this old trail, formerly the bed of New Zealand’s first (horse drawn) railway created to mine the mountains behind Nelson City, is now an intermediate to advanced grade downhill mountain bike ride in 23 mile loop rising from sea level at Nelson City to it’s full height at Coppermine Saddle.
The view across the mountains at the top is spectacular, before the 15 kilometre downhill back to Nelson City on a metre to two metre wide track through open mountain tussock, then native beech forest.
As a helibike you have a choice to go down either side of the loop from Coppermine, with advanced single track one way or intermediate the other. We use Giant full suspension bikes and provide a delightful lunch.
Stonefly Lodge is located adjacent to Kahurangi National Park and within 1 hour’s drive of two other National Parks (Nelson Lakes and Able Tasman National park), however these pristine hiker’s destinations can be accessed by helicopter within 20minutes from Stonefly Lodge. The lodge is an excellent base for day walks into these areas with helicopter access to spectacular destinations that are not normally visited. Walks can be tailor made for your level of fitness and expertise. You will be accompanied by an experienced guide and provided with a gourmet lunch.
This hike starts with a spectacular helicopter flight from Stonefly Lodge into the heart of Mt Owen’s limestone landscape, over and past spectacular cliffs and canyons. We will land in the tussock basin below Mt Owen where numerous options are available from a leisurely exploration of the basin, to a climb to the top of Mt Owen for a sensational view of the surrounding countryside. A comfortable Department of Conservation hut is nestled in the valley below where we can brew up some tea or coffee and await the return of the helicopter to fly us home to the lodge.
Lord of the Rings filming was undertaken here for 10 days and the results are one of the most moving moments in the film. Distraught at the loss of Gandalf, the remaining members of the Fellowship escape the mines and throw themselves to the ground in their grief.
There a holidays... and then there are HOLIDAYS... Our stay at Stonefly was just one of those holidays that we wish could have continued for much longer... Read More
Totally in awe of John and Kates determination, skills and professional manner. The scenic helicopter flight and walk through Abel tasman was a real highlight of our 4 week... Read More
Wonderful time in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Incredible Lodge and people. Thank you for your warmth and hospitality... Read More
"The most highly accredited Fly Fishing Lodge in New Zealand"
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