Bay of Island Scenic Flight Experience - Helic Scenic Flight/Cape Reinga Fly/Drive

Hole in the Rock Scenic Flight

The Bay of Islands offers some of the best coastal and island scenery in New Zealand so this helicopter scenic flight offers exceptional views of these beautiful islands leading to the infamous “Hole in the Rock”. Departing from the beachfront helipad in Paihia the flight heads across Russell with views over to Opua and surrounds before tracking along the stunning peninsula coastline to Cape Brett and it’s lighthouse where you will experience an exciting turn to fly around the Hole in the Rock. The return portion of the flight flys directly over the main islands of the area with birds eye views of their white sandy beaches, inviting turquoise waters and some of the luxurious private residences. Coming into land you will fly past the Waitangi Treaty grounds and Paihia township. An exciting must do while in the Bay of Islands!

Cape Reinga Fly/Drive Tour

The initial stage of the tour consists of a 45 minute flight up to Cape Reinga via Northlands’ spectacular harbours, such as the Whangaroa Harbour and the Rangaunu Harbour. We also pass across some beautiful beaches such as Coopers Beach, Doubtless Bay and of course the famous Ninety Mile Beach. From Ninety Mile Beach we then fly inland where we land at our airfield, which is only 20km from the Cape Reinga lighthouse. Once on the ground a comfortable air-conditioned mini-bus will meet the aircraft. It will take you on a 2½ hour tour around the top of New Zealand. Including: The Cape Reinga Lighthouse where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean, A short drive to Tapotupotu Bay where we enjoy a freshly baked light refreshment. There is time for a stroll on the beach, Then we move across to the Te Paki quicksand stream with its giant sand dunes; (we have sleds available for those who wish to experience the exhilaration of sliding down the sand dunes and try some “sand surfing”). The return 1 hour flight to the Bay of Islands includes some of the most spectacular coastal scenery Northland has to offer. You will fly over the Parengarenga Harbour and Great Exhibition Bay, which are only visible by air or by sea. This area is very remote and without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand with it’s pure white silica sand and crystal clear water. The flight also passes across the Houhora Harbour, the Cavalli islands, Kauri Cliff’s golf course and the spectacular Bay of Islands.

The Hole Experience

For many years visitors have come to the Bay of Islands to venture through this top New Zealand icon the Hole in the Rock on boats, we have flown them over it thousands of times, and it has been admired by many for its unique appearance and history. Now it can be experienced up close and on foot, landing by helicopter on our newly built helipad on top of the island.  Visitors have the option to land on the island with a brief stop on the viewing platform or be hosted on the island by a local Maori Guide, who will share the islands’ unique history and its cultural and ecological significance. Very few people in history, including Maori, have ever ventured on the island in this way before. Being surrounded by steep cliffs (over 150 metres high) and stunning scenery looking towards Cape Brett and its surrounds, this unique landing location will no doubt appeal to the adventurous.