HeliBike - High Country Mountain Biking with Helicopter Access

For many, helicopter mountain biking (HeliBike) is the golden grail of mountain biking. For us, it's a way of giving you an awesome day out in the mountains surrounding the Cromwell Basin. And no, you don't have to be a semi-expert rider - we offer up a fun filled day combining a scenic helicopter flight, a day out riding in New Zealand's high country and a whole lot of fun, history and good company. Small groups guaranteed.

We use existing farm tracks and our philosophy is to showcase the unique Central Otago high country to you - without having to ride uphill for hours to get there. There are no jumps, no tight berms, no pressures - the tracks are often described as Enduro or touring routes. Whilst being bike-fit is advantageous, the trails are not hardcore, but will dazzle you with magnificent views, open spaces and lots of photo opportunities.

And you end up at a local cafe, winery, historic pub or fruit-laden orchard at the completion of your ride!

Guided and Self-Ride Heli Mountain Biking
High on the mountains surrounding Cromwell you will be subjected to amazing Central Otago scenery with views to the Southern Alps, and on a clear day you can see Aoraki/Mt Cook gracing the northern horizon. This barren, rocky landscape is dominated by native tussock, spaniard, and matagouri (native flora). Enjoy this big, big country that is uniquely Central Otago.

Grab your bike, board the helicopter, ride down the stunning Central Otago ranges surrounding the Cromwell Basin.

Bring your own bike, or hire one of our Scott Genius 720 full suspension carbon MTB with 150mm travel, and we'll take the scenic route in the helicopter! Flat pedals are the standard setup, so let us know if you prefer SPDs.

The heli-biking routes are approx 25km long, and cater from the beginner to the intermediate mountain biker. Check out the route options here. Flight time is approx 10 minutes to any of the start points.

The guided heli-bike experience includes your own guide, a packed lunch, road transport at the end as required, and lots of laughs and local stories.
Guided trip $499pp BYO bike
Bike hire +$100pp +$25 bike insurance
Available all year, subject to weather.
Minimum 2 people.
The self-ride heli-bike experience is an organised trip: fly to the start of your chosen trail and hit the track; includes a packed lunch, route maps, trail descriptions, and road transport back to base at the end of the ride as required.
Self-Ride trip $449pp BYO bike
Bike hire +$100pp +$25 bike insurance
Available Oct-May, subject to weather.
Minimum 2 people.

Helicopter Mountain Bike Shuttle
 Travelling on a budget? Try the heli-shuttle instead.

The heli-shuttle drops you off at Duffers Saddle (1173m) - from here you can take the fast track down the gravel Nevis Road, or for the more experienced rider take the Carricktown Track past the Young Australian Waterwheel. Both options end up at Bannockburn. After refreshing yourself at one of the cafes/wineries, cycle along the Kawarau River back to Cromwell.

An alternative drop-off point is on Mt Michael (1163m) - an epic  downhill farm track with more fabulous views into the Cromwell Basin and into the Kawarau Gorge. Great photo opportunities at Twin Rock. Finish on Ripponvale Road and ride back to the Heliview base via a well-deserved ice cream stop at Dam Good Fruit. (Mt Michael is closed 1 Oct - 30 Nov due to lambing.)

With this option we provide only the helicopter transport to the top - you are responsible for your own maps, food and safety, hence the reduced cost.

The heli-shuttle can also be an option if you want to ride tracks that are not currently on offer here. Talk to us about your ideas so we can quote you for accurate flight time.
Shuttle $349pp BYO bike
Bike hire +$100pp +$25 bike insurance
Available Oct-May, subject to weather.
Minimum 2 people.

Some recent feedback about a heli-biking trip:

“A grand day in Central Otago by helicopter and bicycle” - Sept 2016
It's been a few weeks now since Richard and Yolanda took Leonie and I helibiking and we are still reminiscing. In looking into this sort of activity other similar services were slow to respond and didn't seem all that interested unless we could orgainse a group of four.
Yolanda was quick to respond, answered all our questions and had us in excited anticipation from first contact and right through until we arrived at the hanger and at this point we knew we certainly were not going to be let down. Everything was beyond our expectation. From the super smooth MD600N helicopter, to the guidance, flight commentary, the route, the scenery, lunch and to the bike riding. It's not a trip for the "go big" downhill mtber but perfect for beginner and intermediate XC and Enduro riders. But don't think it's all about the ride, take some time to soak in the environment and if you need to pedal a bit more ask about "the gold fields". The perfect mix of professional and friendly (I highly recommend getting Yolanda to go along as your guide). We would definitely orgainise another trip with Heliview. For now though we are still going over the pictures and talking about the wonderful memories from the day.
https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/ShowUserReviews-g642254-d2180139-r427702964-Heliview_Flights-Cromwell_Central_Otago_Otago_Region_South_Island.html#

"Best day of the trip!" - November 2016

Absolutely fantastic! We did the helibiking. Richard flew us to the top of Cairnmuir with stunning views of Cromwell and the surrounding area. Jolanda was our guide, giving us interesting facts and history of the area as we made our way down the mountain range. We ended up spending the whole day riding in the Cromwell area after our riding with Heliview had finished as Jolanda had given us many suggestions of other good rides. We wish we had spent days in Cromwell exploring rather than just the one. Jolanda and Richard professional, organised and beautiful people. We will definitely be back for more helibiking!
https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/ShowUserReviews-g642254-d2180139-r442102987-Heliview_Flights-Cromwell_Central_Otago_Otago_Region_South_Island.html#

"Fantastic" - November 2016

I cannot speak highly enough of Jolanda and Richard at Heliview! We did the self-guided heli biking trip from the top of Mount Jackson and it was absolutely stunning. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime activity. The team at Heliview are friendly, professional, and very helpful - they even lent us their own backpack when we forgot our own...! I would highly recommend doing a trip with Heliview.
https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/ShowUserReviews-g642254-d2180139-r441994144-Heliview_Flights-Cromwell_Central_Otago_Otago_Region_South_Island.html#

"Spectacular Heli-Biking Trip in Cromwell" - February 2017

Come over from the day from Queenstown for an amazing Heli-Bike Trip with Yolanda and Richard. They were very professional and very friendly throughout the whole trip. We got dropped at the top of the mountain range with huge views and private trip. We took a heaps of photos on the way down, enjoyed the included packed lunch and gladly welcomed a beer at the Bannockburn Pub at the finish! A really cool day out, and glad to have a bit of a scenic flight and commentary of Cromwell on the way up. Cheers guys, will be back.     https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/ShowUserReviews-g642254-d2180139-r462062368-Heliview_Flights-Cromwell_Central_Otago_Otago_Region_South_Island.html

"Great afternoon Mt Biking" - January 2018

We had a wonderful afternoon Mt Biking with great views and understanding the local area of Cromwell and it's history. Our group contained different levels of Mt biking experience but Jolanda was a great guide and coach for everyone. I would highly recommend if you are in this area to get in touch with these guys, they offer great flexibility with their tours and are lovely locals!
https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/ShowUserReviews-g642254-d2180139-r556961242-Heliview_Flights-Cromwell_Central_Otago_Otago_Region_South_Island.html#REVIEWS
Mountainer's Code of Conduct - http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/know-before-you-go/care-codes/activity-minimal-impact-codes/mountain-bikers-code/

Leave No Trace Care Code - http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/know-before-you-go/care-codes/leave-no-trace/ and http://www.leavenotrace.org.nz/uploads/files/lnt_nz_booklet_a6_ed3_web.pdf
Cromwell Walking Map (with biking options) -
walk-cromwell1.pdf
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Cromwell Central Otago - a World of Difference - a must-do day trip from Queenstown and Wanaka
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