Kayaking helicopter rides in NZ?

My sis is visiting NZ for the first time later this year. One of the things she wants to do is go sea kayaking. What's the best area? She is thinking of tying it in with a visit to Milford Sound, but since we've never been, I can't recommend anything to her.

Same with the heli trips. Where's best?

Hoping to take my daughter when she visits in Sept sea kayaking in Abel Tasman.

Shropshire Blue;422246 wrote: Hoping to take my daughter when she visits in Sept sea kayaking in Abel Tasman.

+1
Well represented with operators, brilliant mostly sheltered sea conditions and excellent scenery

There's a good local helicopter operator that does scenic flights over Taranaki including Mt. Egmont if you find yourself in the Naki.

have been sea kayaking in the abel tasman and found it great

I went on a helicoptor trip with my mum over one of the glaciers and landed in the snow. It was amazing.

my son is just off on a months road trip filming various aspects from cape to bluff.
when he gets to the helicopter ride part, i will let you know what he thinks is best as he says they are having a few rides at various vantage points.
oh to be young, free wheeling and sponsored to explore NZ!!!

Abel Tasman is pretty nice.

Well, thanks! I'm thinking I need a road trip myself, so will probably take myself off with her when she comes. I haven't seen her in 10 years!

Both Milford and Doubtful Sounds are lovely - we did the sea kayaking on Doubtful Sound (as part of an overnight cruise package). If you haven't been there then the fiords a must see.

Had a neice and nephew visit last year and they asked me to prepare their itinerary and make all the bookings. I couldn't bring myself to choose between Milford and Doubtful Sounds - so I scheduled their trip such that they drove Q'town to Milford Sound (and just took picutres from the shore there) - then stayed the night in Manapouri and boarded a Doubtful cruise the next day.

I once helicoptered from Wellington City to the Marlborough Sounds - aaaaamazingly beautiful.

10 years since you've seen her - how exciting! Best wishes for a lovely visit!!!

+1 for Milford Sound.

I walked the Milford Track just prior to Christmas and saw the sea kayakers out on the sound. It looked idyllic the day we were there with perfect weather, but I have to say that is a rarity in Milford Sound! Both other times I've been there it was hosing down, but the waterfalls were awesome!

I've also heard lots of good things about Sea Kayaking in the Abel Tasman area.

You can also go kayaking at Akaroa to see the Hector's dolphins. We did that on our honeymoon eight years ago. It's good because it combines kayaking with dolphin watching.

Cable bay near Nelson is a great spot, we like it for Kayaking as there are less speed boats tearing around always a problem with Kaiteriteri in the summer, Marahau (Sandy Bay) isn't bad and if the tides out they take you to the waters edge in wagons towed by tractors,

THanks for that! I'm hoping she chooses the Nelson area, as I want an excuse to spend more time up there myself.

Able Tasman for the kayak and Franz Joseph glacier for the helicopter flights