Scenic Flights Waiheke Island – Best Seen From Above
Waiheke Island Scenic Flights - Best Seen From Above
Great Barrier (Aotea): Scenic Flights & Day Trips
Experience Flights to Waiheke Island
Lift off over vine-covered hills, turquoise bays and rugged headlands as Waiheke opens up beneath you. Operated by Waiheke Wings and Island Aviation, our 20, 30 and 50-minute scenic flights showcase the best of the Hauraki Gulf — from volcanic cones and island coastlines to cellar-door country and sweeping beaches. Your pilot will track the day’s best light and conditions, so expect smooth viewing, photo-worthy angles and local insights as you fly.
Prefer to roam further? We also offer Great Barrier (Aotea) flyovers and day-trip options, pairing epic aerial views with time on the island. Whether it’s your first visit or a special occasion, these small-group flights are an unforgettable way to see Waiheke — fast, fun and beautifully scenic.
Most-Booked Waiheke Scenic Flights
Waiheke Buzz Around
Price: $199 per person Child: $149 pp
Family special rates available
Duration: 30 Minutes
Departs: Select when booking
After take-off from Waiheke Aerodrome you will immediately begin to enjoy incredible views. This flight allows you to soak up some of the local beauty right from the get-go, including the local beaches, coastline and many vineyards.
The flightpath allows you to see some of the most popular locations of Waiheke from a bird’s eye view. Heading out over the majestic beach and quaint town of Oneroa, you will see views of New Zealand’s youngest volcano – Rangitoto, with the Auckland CBD in the backdrop.
Flying from the southern side of the Island over to the eastern side, lookout over of the local oyster beds and mussel farms, that provide many restaurants on the island with these seafood delicacies. This flight also offers views of Ponui, Pakatoa and Rotoroa Island which is just one of the country’s many beautiful nature reserves.
The last views on your descent will be of Onetangi Beach and its surrounding vineyards, leaving you wanting to try some of the locally produced wines that the island is globally recognised for.
Hauraki Gulf & Auckland City Scenic
Price: $289 per person Child $217 pp
Family special rates available
Duration: 45 Minutes
Departs: Select time to suit
This flight offers the best of both worlds, the beautiful Hauraki Gulf Islands and the iconic Auckland skyline. After taking off from Waiheke Airport nestled amongst the vineyards, passengers instantly get amazing views of Waiheke Island’s coastline, beaches and many vineyards.
This flight path follows the coastline before breaking off to track towards Auckland City. Great views of Motuhie and Browns Islands before cruising past downtown Auckland, here your pilot will do a half orbit of the Skytower, a great chance to get some awesome photos.
On completion of the half orbit passengers are flown past the Harbour bridge, Davenport Naval Base, North Head Volcano.
Next is New Zealand’s youngest volcano, Rangitoto, peer into its crater as you are flown just 500 ft above its summit. From here passengers are flown back to Waiheke for landing in amongst the Vineyards.
Day Combos on Waiheke
Waiheke Sea, Land & Air
Price: $289 per person. Child $217 pp
Family special rates available
Duration: Full Day
Departs: Select time to suit
Your day will begin at the Auckland CBD ferry terminal, here you will catch the Fullers 360 ferry across to Waiheke Island taking in all the local scenery and surrounding Islands.
At the Matiatia Ferry terminal you will board the Explorer bus where you can enjoy as many stops as you like prior to Stop 9 for your scenic flight.
The flightpath shows you the most popular locations on Waiheke from a bird’s eye view. Heading out over the majestic beach and quaint town of Oneroa, you will see views of New Zealand’s youngest volcano – Rangitoto with the Auckland CBD in the background.
Flying from the southern side of the Island around to the eastern side, enjoy views of the local oyster beds and mussel farms that cater to the local restaurants.
This flight also offers views of Ponui, Pakatoa and Rotoroa Island which is one of the Hauraki Gulfs dedicated conservation sanctuaries. The last views on your descent will be of the beautiful Man O’ War Bay vineyard.
After your flight you can take full advantage of the 15 convenient bus stops at some of the most popular locations on the Island. The rest of the day is up to you, hop on and off as much as you desire. Finally, guests board the ferry back to Auckland city at a time of their choosing.
Waiheke - Fly & Dine Experience
Price: $649 per person. Child: $486
Family special rates available
Duration: 6 + Hours
Departs: Select time to suit
This day-long package covers all of the awesome things Waiheke has to offer and an excellent way of getting away from the grind and noise of the city
Hop on to Fuller 360 from downtown to Matiatia on Waiheke Island where you will be picked up by the Ecozip shuttle. After strapping in for three exciting zipline rides, you will be taken on a guided 30 minute bush walk back to the summit where a shuttle will take you to the airfield.
Experience flying like never before as you soar through the air in a Cessna 172 aircraft, the most famous aircraft ever built. Fly from the southern side of the Island to the eastern side, as you take off, you will start to be hypnotised by the spectacular coastlines that lie below you.
After these activities, you may be ready for a three-course lunch accompanied by a glass of wine or wine tasting at one of the top vineyards/restaurants on the Island. You can either relax at the vineyard or stroll down to one of the iconic beaches on the Island.
Finally, a ferry will take you back to Auckland at the end of the day. That is an adventure, alright!
Waiheke Ultimate Experience
Price: $577 per person. Child $433
Family special rates available
Duration: Full Day
Departs: Auckland Downtown 9:00 am
This day-long Waiheke Ultimate Experience package covers all of the awesome things Waiheke has to offer.
Hop on to Fuller 360 from downtown to Matiatia on Waiheke Island where you will be picked up by the Ecozip shuttle. After strapping in for three exciting **zipline rides, you will be taken on a guided 30 minute bush walk back to the summit, where a shuttle will take you to the airfield.
Experience flying like never before as you soar through the air in a Cessna 172 aircraft, the most famous aircraft ever built. Fly from the southern side of the Island to the eastern side, as you take off, you will start to be hypnotised by the spectacular coastlines that lie below you.
After these activities, you may be ready for lunch accompanied by a glass of wine or wine tasting at one of the top vineyards/restaurants on the Island. You can either relax at the vineyard or stroll down to one of the iconic beaches on the Island.
Finally, a ferry will take you back to Auckland at the end of the day.
That is an adventure, alright!
This package is an excellent way of getting away from the grind and noise of the city.
Hauraki Gulf Island Hopper Experience
Price: $990 per person. Child $743
Family special rates available
Duration: Full Day
Departs: Auckland North Shore 8:30 am
Set off on an extraordinary adventure with our exclusive multi-island ticket, showcasing the best of Auckland, Great Barrier Island, and Waiheke Island. Your journey begins with a stunning flight from Auckland over the picturesque Hauraki Gulf, where you’ll marvel at breathtaking coastal landscapes and a rich variety of marine life across 1.2 million hectares of coastal waters and islands.
Upon arrival at Great Barrier Island, you’ll be guided on a fascinating 3-hour tour that reveals the island’s unique ecosystem, natural beauty, and diverse landscapes. The adventure continues with a scenic flight over the Coromandel Peninsula as you head towards Waiheke Island. There, you’ll enjoy premium wine tasting and a delectable 3-course meal at the island’s highest vineyard, all while taking in spectacular views of Rangitoto Volcano and downtown Auckland.
To wrap up your tour, we provide a convenient drop-off service at Matiatia Ferry Terminal, allowing you to relax and enjoy a leisurely return to the mainland. This comprehensive journey offers an unforgettable exploration of these remarkable islands and their unique attractions.
New Zealand Destinations (Private Flights & Transfers)
The versatile fleet of Island Aviation can take you to and from many small airports around the North Island of New Zealand or private runways at lodges or. Given the topography of Aotearoa and the many islands our flights can save you time and maximize your holiday experience or take you to a work meeting without long drives or ferry connections.
*All Flights operated by Waiheke Wings & Island Aviation
Essential Info: Check-in, Seating, Weight & Weather
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Where to check in
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Scenic flights: Depart from Waiheke Aerodrome (Waiheke airfield).
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Day combos: Begin at Auckland Downtown Ferry Terminal (Fullers360); your booking email confirms timings.
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Island Hopper (Aotea): As shown in the product card (Auckland North Shore departure).
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Duration & timing
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Most-booked flights are 30 minutes and 45 minutes; day experiences run 6+ hours or full day. Please arrive 15 minutes before check-in.
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Aircraft & seating
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Operated by Waiheke Wings and Island Aviation using small aircraft (e.g., Cessna 172).
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Typical capacity: up to 3 passengers + pilot per aircraft. Larger groups are split across multiple flights or arranged privately.
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Weight & balance
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Small aircraft operate under strict weight & balance rules. Please provide individual passenger weights at booking. Seating may be assigned to keep the aircraft balanced.
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Weather & visibility
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Flights are weather dependent. If conditions aren’t suitable, we’ll reschedule or offer a suitable alternative/refund.
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What to bring
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Sunglasses, camera/phone, flat shoes, and a light layer (cabins can feel cooler). Day combos: bring anything you’ll want for time ashore.
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Comfort & accessibility
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You’ll step up into the aircraft; assistance can be provided at the airfield. If you have mobility needs, please let us know when booking.
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If you’re sensitive to motion, choose morning departures and eat lightly.
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Children & families
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Children are welcome (see product cards for child fares). For infants/boosters or special seating needs, ask at booking.
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Bags & luggage
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Small day packs only on scenic flights. For transfers or custom routes with luggage, enquire in advance.
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Route flexibility
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Pilots tailor routes to the best light and conditions on the day. You’re welcome to request highlights; safety and airspace rules apply.
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Who you’re flying with
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Operated by Waiheke Wings and Island Aviation. Some bookings are processed via Island Aviation’s secure system.
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Frequently asked questions - Waiheke Wings
How long are the flights?
Our most-booked scenic options are 30 minutes and 45 minutes. Day experiences run 6+ hours or full day. Additional durations may be available on request.
Where do flights depart from?
Scenic flights depart Waiheke Aerodrome. Day combos start at Auckland Downtown Ferry Terminal (Fullers360). The Island Hopper to Aotea (Great Barrier) departs Auckland North Shore as listed on the product.
Will we see Auckland City and Rangitoto?
Choose the Hauraki Gulf & Auckland City Scenic (45-minute) for a city orbit and close views of Rangitoto. The Waiheke Buzz Around (30-minute) focuses on Waiheke coastline, Oneroa/Onetangi and nearby sanctuary islands.
Can I request a specific route or fly over my accommodation/vineyard?
We’ll try where possible, but pilot discretion, airspace and weather decide the final routing.
Can I sit in the front seat?
Seating is assigned for weight & balance. Requests are welcome but not guaranteed.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety first. We’ll reschedule you to the next suitable time/date or arrange an alternative/refund.
How many passengers per flight?
Typically up to 3 passengers + pilot per aircraft. Private flights for two or split departures for larger groups are easily arranged.
Are children allowed?
Yes. See each product for child fares. For infants/boosters or special seating, ask when booking.
What should I wear/bring?
Closed-toe shoes, a light layer, sunglasses and your camera. For day combos, bring whatever you’ll want during time ashore (e.g., hat, sunscreen).
I get motion sick — any tips?
Pick a morning flight, avoid heavy meals, and focus on the horizon. If you use motion-sickness medication, take it as directed before check-in.
Is there commentary?
Yes — expect live pilot commentary with local insights throughout the flight.
Do you offer transfers to Great Barrier or Coromandel?
Yes. See Great Barrier (Aotea) options on this page and New Zealand Destinations for private flights (e.g., Whitianga/Coromandel). Custom routes on enquiry.
Are drones allowed at the airfield?
No. Please leave drones at home — CAA/airfield rules apply.
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