Ed Blank's Adventures Main Page Helicopter Fishing
When weather is suitable, an absolute maximum angling potential can be achieved by using the helicopter. This is the ultimate in fly fishing New Zealand's back country rivers. Never any back tracking to get home, all efforts are forward, toward achieving peak angling result for the day. Helicopter fly-outs can add the ultimate touch to both traditional guide days or rafting day trips.
We are located in the South Central North Island, surrounded by large mountainous areas in the East and North. We have a good working relationship with a helicopter operation in Taihape, which allows us to provide relatively economical helicopter fly-outs. Although posted hourly rates for Hughes 500 D helicopters are in the NZ$1300 per hour range, anglers are often surprised to find that we can provide a fly-out rate of as low as NZ$300 / person / day. Magic carpet ride to some unbelievable fly fishing This is based on 2 anglers sharing the ride. Most fly-outs are in the NZ$300 -NZ$700 range (per person, shared event). The price differences relate to the flight times, and relative to the distance of the river from the helicopter base. Guide fees are in addition to the helicopter rates. Remember you can combine a helicopter flight with overnight camping trips which will help justify the cost of the helicopter. Use the bird to get way out and then start walking!
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