Scenic Flights from Paihia – Hole in the Rock & Cape Reinga
Scenic Flights from Paihia – Hole in the Rock & Cape Reinga
Take to the skies with Salt Air on a spectacular scenic flight from Paihia and experience the Bay of Islands from above. Fly over the famous Hole in the Rock, Cape Brett Lighthouse and the stunning island-dotted coastline before continuing north toward the dramatic landscapes of Cape Reinga.
Choose from quick scenic flights around the Bay of Islands, landing flights for unforgettable photo opportunities, or the popular Cape Reinga fly-and-coach tour combining aerial views with a guided return journey.
Scenic Flights Over the Bay of Islands To Cape Reinga
Scenic helicopter and plane tours with Salt Air departing from Paihia
Salt Air offer scenic flights over Northland and the Bay of Islands to Cape Reinga at the top of New Zealand.
Salt Air offers unforgettable scenic helicopter and aeroplane tours over Northland and the Bay of Islands, departing from Paihia. From the air you’ll see the island-dotted coastline, remote beaches and dramatic headlands that make this region one of the most beautiful parts of New Zealand.
Choose from scenic flights around the Bay of Islands, special landing experiences, or the popular Cape Reinga fly-and-coach tour to the very top of New Zealand. Each flight provides a unique perspective of Northland’s history, culture and coastal environment.
For something truly memorable, Salt Air can also help create a special moment in the sky — from surprise proposals to unforgettable celebrations above the stunning Bay of Islands.
Salt Air Scenic Flight Experiences from Paihia
Salt Air offers several scenic helicopter and plane flight experiences departing from Paihia in the Bay of Islands. These range from short scenic flights around the famous Hole in the Rock to extended coastal discovery flights and the spectacular Cape Reinga fly-and-coach adventure.
Visitors can choose from quick aerial sightseeing flights, unique summit landings on the Hole in the Rock, or longer journeys exploring Northland’s dramatic coastline and the top of New Zealand.
Scenic Helicopter Flight Hole in the Rock
Price: $325 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)
Cape Reinga & 90 Mile Beach Half Day Tour
Price: $525 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: $480 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: $525 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: $415 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: $447 per person Child $390
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.
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Bay of Islands Helicopter Tours from Paihia
A helicopter tour over the Bay of Islands is one of the most spectacular ways to experience this famous coastal region. Departing from Paihia, Salt Air’s scenic helicopter flights showcase the turquoise waters, island-dotted coastline and dramatic headlands that make the Bay of Islands one of New Zealand’s most beautiful destinations.
From the air you can see Russell, the Cape Brett Peninsula, the famous Hole in the Rock and remote islands scattered across the bay. Some helicopter tours also include unique landing experiences or extended journeys to Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach at the northern tip of New Zealand.
Whether you choose a short scenic helicopter flight or a longer adventure combining air and land travel, these tours provide an unforgettable perspective of the Bay of Islands.
FAQ: Bay of Islands Scenic Flights with Salt Air
Salt Air operates scenic helicopter and plane flights from Paihia over the Bay of Islands, including routes past Cape Brett Lighthouse and the famous Hole in the Rock.
Most scenic flights run ~20–30 minutes for Bay of Islands circuits. Landing experiences are ~35–45 minutes. The Cape Reinga fly-and-coach is a half-day outing, while cruise-plus-heli combos span several hours. Exact durations vary with route, weather, and loading; your booking confirmation will include the expected flight time.
Yes. You can request a preferred time during booking; the team will confirm the closest suitable slot (subject to aircraft/crew availability, weather, and other bookings). If you’re flexible, note a time window—mornings often offer calmer conditions and smoother air for coastal photography.
Provide each passenger’s weight at booking. Most flights require a two-passenger minimum (solo travellers can usually join an existing trip). Operations are weather-dependent; if conditions change, you’ll be rebooked to the next suitable window. A small fuel surcharge may apply. Children 4+ pay the child/adult fare; infants <4 can travel on a lap.
Salt Air pairs iconic coastal scenery with rare experiences such as landing on the Hole in the Rock. Routes showcase rugged headlands, island chains, and turquoise bays; longer trips add Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach. Small groups, local commentary, and flexible departures make the flights memorable and easy to fit into your day.
Yes—Salt Air operates summit-landing flights (availability and conditions apply). You’ll enjoy a short time on the island for photos and elevated views. Landing experiences run longer than standard scenics; book early in peak season and allow buffer time in case weather shifts the schedule.
Flights depart from Paihia (confirm your meeting point in the booking email). Aim to check in 20–30 minutes before your confirmed time for a safety briefing, weight/balance checks, and boarding. If driving, allow extra time for parking—Paihia can be busy on sunny weekends and holidays.
Dress in layers with a windproof outer, closed shoes, and sunglasses (glare can be strong over water). Tie back long hair and secure hats. Bring a compact camera or phone with plenty of storage; avoid loose items around rotors. For landing flights, expect cooler conditions at the summit.
In addition to helicopters, Salt Air also operates fixed-wing sightseeing and the Cape Reinga fly-and-coach experience. If you prefer a plane, select a fixed-wing product when booking or ask the team which option best fits your route, budget, and photo goals.