Scenic Flights Paihia – Hole in the Rock & Cape Reinga
Bay of Islands Scenic Flights by Helicopter or Plane
Scenic Flights Over the Bay of Islands To Cape Reinga
Salt Air offer scenic flights over Northland and the Bay of Islands to Cape Reinga at the top of New Zealand.
Salt Air can provide you with a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable experience of the Bay of Islands and Northland from the air, complete with breathtaking views of the coastline and the landscape of the islands.
You will come away from your experience with an appreciation of the local history, culture, and coastal environment that is distinctive to Northland. Through our scenic flights, unique landing places, and guided tour alternatives.
We provide scenic flights in either an aeroplane or a helicopter. The destinations include the breathtaking Bay of Islands and the world-famous Cape Reinga region at the very top of New Zealand.
We can also assist you in surprising someone or giving them a surprise for a particular event, such as a marriage proposal you may be planning.
Salt Air Scenic Flight Tour Options:
Scenic Helicopter Flight Hole in the Rock
Cape Reinga & 90 Mile Beach Half Day Tour
Price: $295 per person
Departs: Trips start at 8:30am each day
Duration: 20 minutes approx
The Bay of Islands features some of the most spectacular coastal and island landscapes in New Zealand. Thus this scenic helicopter trip provides impressive views of these stunning islands leading to the notorious “Hole in the Rock.”
Departing from the beachside helipad in Paihia, the flight heads across Russell with views over to Opua and the surrounding area before following the gorgeous peninsula coastline to Cape Brett and its lighthouse, where you will experience an exhilarating turn to fly around the Hole in the Rock.
The return half of the flight flies directly over the region’s principal islands, providing views of beautiful white sand beaches, appealing blue waters, and several wealthy private houses.
As you approach land, you will soar above the town of Paihia. A must-do activity while at the Bay of Islands! (flight duration approx. 20 minutes)
Price: $495 per person
Departs: Trips start at 8:30am each day
Duration: Five Hours
Our flight to Cape Reinga takes you past spectacular harbours with small coastal towns and villages and across to the west coast, flying up Ninety Mile Beach before you land just 20 km from Cape Reinga. Once on the ground, our airconditioned bus will meet us for a two and half hour tour to Cape Reinga lighthouse, where the Tasman sea and Pacific ocean meet. A short distance from here is stunning Tapotupotu Bay, time for a stroll on the beach and some light refreshment before heading to Te Paki quicksand stream for sand surfing down the giant dunes.
It is an alternative and quicker way to travel to the top of New Zealand to experience its history and stunning scenery from the air and land.
Our return flight takes us down the East Coast with some of Northland’s most spectacular coastal scenery.
Land on the Hole in the Rock - 35 mins
Price: $445 per person
Departs: Trips start at 8:30am each day
Duration: 35 minutes approx
We have flown thousands of tourists over the Hole in the Rock in the Bay of Islands, which many have loved for its distinctive beauty and rich history for many years.
Now you can enjoy it up close and on foot by landing on our newly constructed helipad on the island’s summit. There will be a quick stop at the island’s helipad and viewing platform for those one-of-a-kind photo opportunities!
Very few individuals, including Maori, have ever been to the island in this manner throughout history. It’s sheer cliffs (over 150 metres high) and breathtaking views of Cape Brett and its surroundings. This unique landing place will undoubtedly appeal to the adventurous.
PLEASE NOTE YOU CAN REQUEST A DEPARTURE TIME TO SUIT YOU IN THE BOOKING FORM.
Land on the Hole in the Rock - 45 mins
Price: $495 per person
Departs: Trips start at 8:30am each day
Duration: 45 minutes approx.
Where many visitors have visited and gone through on local cruise boats, A new adventure for 2013, the unique Salt Air Helicopter experience is the option to land by helicopter on top of this iconic landmark of ‘Hole in the Rock’ on our newly built helipad.
Steep cliffs surround it, over 150 metres high, giving the best vantage point in the Bay of Islands, taking in panoramic views of Cape Brett and its surrounds to the Poor Knights Islands in the South, the Cavalli Islands in the North and views over the Bay of islands to Paihia and Russell.
The thrilling scenic flight over the Bay of Islands and unique landing location will no doubt appeal to the adventurous with its exciting landing on the Hole in the Rock, and cultural aspects will combine to reward visitors with a thrilling and utterly unique New Zealand experience
PLEASE NOTE YOU CAN REQUEST A DEPARTURE TIME TO SUIT YOU IN THE BOOKING FORM.
Scenic Heli Flight Coastal Discovery
Price: $385 per person
Departs: Trips start at 8:30am each day
Duration: 30 minutes approx
An opportunity to explore a little more of the unique and stunning coastline surrounding the Bay of Islands region with an extended version of the Hole in the Rock flight.
This flight flys from Paihia over the Russell area to Whangamumu then heads up the east side of the peninsula to Cape Brett turning there to return to Paihia with views over the picturesque Bay of Islands and Kerikeri Inlet areas covering the local townships.
Duration: just under 30 minutes
PLEASE NOTE YOU CAN REQUEST A DEPARTURE TIME TO SUIT YOU IN THE BOOKING FORM.
Availability and Booking Information
- This flight flys on demand with availability throughout the day so when booking please enter what time you would like to request.
- We will respond within 24 hours to confirm your booking and departure time we can offer
- Flights require a minimum of 2 people, however if 1 person we will aim to book you with other confirmed passengers
- Children are the same price as adults for ages 4 years and over. Infants are under 4 years and can fly seated on the lap of an adult free of charge
- Flights are subject to weather
- When booking please provide the weight of each passenger in the fields provided
- A $5 per person fuel surcharge currently applies for all bookings
Heli Scenic Flight & Island Cruise Combo
Price: $430 per person
Departs: Trips start at 10:00 am each day
Duration: 5 Hours cruise 30 Minute heli flight
Depart Paihia boarding the Island Getaway boat for a relaxing 5-hour cruise to the islands stopping at two islands to enjoy island walks, swimming, snorkelling, paddle boarding or just relaxing. Once you return to Paihia you will booked in to experience a spectacular scenic helicopter flight to the Hole in the Rock and over all the islands returning back to Paihia.
Booking Information
- The 5-hour cruise is a seasonal tour available from October until end of March
- The boat departs Paihia for the Islands at 10.00am until 3pm, the helicopter scenic flight can be scheduled anytime before or after the cruise
- Morning tea is provided at the first island stop (Roberton Island), but you will need to bring your own lunch and drinks
- Flights require a minimum of 2 people, however if 1 person we will aim to book you with other confirmed passengers
- The boat cruise only operates subject to minimum numbers so may not be confirmed when booking
- Child rates apply for 4-12 year olds, Infants are under 4 years are $89 and will fly seated on the lap of an adult
- Flights are subject to weather
- When booking please provide the weight of each passenger in the fields provided.
- A $5 per person fuel surcharge currently applies for all bookings
Bay of Islands Exclusive Helicopter Tours.
Are designed for the discerning traveller and is personalised and tailored to your requirements.
Our comfortable air-conditioned vehicle will meet our flight to take you on a 3-hour tour to Cape Reinga Lighthouse, Tapotupotu Bay and an option to sand sled down the giant dunes at Te Paki stream. Whether it’s a day on the golf course at Carrington or Kauri Cliffs, a flight to Cape Reinga via some of Northland’s most spectacular harbours, flying up the west coast over Ninety Mile Beach and landing just 20 km from Cape Reinga.
Our flight home takes us over the remote and spectacular scenery of the silica sands of Parengarenga Harbour and Great Exhibition Bay, stopping for a leisurely lunch at Henderson Bay. Our flight back down the east coast takes us over Houhora Harbour, Whangaroa Harbour, Cavalli Islands and the stunning Bay of Islands.
ENQUIRE NOW
Return to the Bay of Islands Page:
Salt Air Bay of Islands Reviews
-
Reviewer: John D. (Auckland)
Rating: 5/5 (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Date: July 15, 2024
Review: “Absolutely stunning flight—the view of the Hole in the Rock was breathtaking and unforgettable.” -
Reviewer: Emily Smith (Wellington)
Rating: 4/5 (⭐⭐⭐⭐✰)
Date: August 03, 2024
Review: “Great experience overall. The flight was a bit shorter than expected, but the views were spectacular.” -
Reviewer: Liam Johnson (Christchurch)
Rating: 5/5 (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Date: September 10, 2024
Review: “This flight exceeded my expectations. Amazing service and a once-in-a-lifetime view of the islands.” -
Reviewer: Sophie Brown (Dunedin)
Rating: 5/5 (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Date: October 02, 2024
Review: “Absolutely unforgettable! The pilot was knowledgeable and friendly, and the aerial views were magnificent.” -
Reviewer: Michael Lee (Hamilton)
Rating: 4.5/5 (⭐⭐⭐⭐✰)
Date: November 05, 2024
Review: “A superb scenic flight with pristine views—the experience was well worth the price.” -
Reviewer: Olivia Davis (Auckland)
Rating: 5/5 (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Date: November 20, 2024
Review: “Magnificent flight! The views were stunning and the overall experience was smooth and memorable.” -
Reviewer: Noah Wilson (Queenstown)
Rating: 4/5 (⭐⭐⭐⭐✰)
Date: December 10, 2024
Review: “Very enjoyable with spectacular views. It was a bit noisy, but overall, a great experience.” -
Reviewer: Ava Martin (Tauranga)
Rating: 5/5 (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Date: January 15, 2025
Review: “The best way to see the Bay of Islands! The views of the Hole in the Rock were simply breathtaking.” -
Reviewer: William Taylor (Napier)
Rating: 5/5 (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Date: February 05, 2025
Review: “Incredible flight experience. The panoramic views and top-notch service made it a highlight of my trip.” -
Reviewer: Isabella Thompson (Wellington)
Rating: 4.5/5 (⭐⭐⭐⭐✰)
Date: March 10, 2025
Review: “A memorable flight with fantastic views. I’d highly recommend it for first-time visitors to the Bay of Islands.” -
Reviewer: James White (Auckland)
Rating: 5/5 (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Date: March 25, 2025
Review: “Absolutely amazing flight! The scenery was breathtaking and the service was excellent from start to finish.” -
Reviewer: Mia Harris (Christchurch)
Rating: 5/5 (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Date: April 05, 2025
Review: “An unforgettable experience—this flight offered unique perspectives of the Bay of Islands that you simply can’t see from the ground.”