Auckland Flights

Auckland looks like an entirely different place from a few hundred metres up, the volcanic cones, the Hauraki Gulf islands and the Waitemata Harbour all arranging themselves into a shape you never quite see from the ground. Whether you would rather take off from Waiheke Island in a fixed wing plane or lift off from the North Shore in a helicopter, there is a scenic flight here to suit the time and budget you have. Here is what is actually flying over Auckland right now.

Waiheke Buzz Scenic Flight

The Waiheke Buzz Scenic Flight departs Waiheke Aerodrome for 30 minutes over the island's vineyards and coastline, with views across to Rangitoto Island, Auckland's Harbour Bridge and Sky Tower, and the smaller Hauraki Gulf islands of Rotoroa, Ponui and Pakatoa. A guaranteed window seat comes with every booking, and child rates apply from 2 to 11.

Hauraki Gulf Scenic Flight from Waiheke Island

The Hauraki Gulf Scenic Flight extends the Waiheke flying experience to 45 minutes, tracking out towards the Coromandel Peninsula with a genuine chance of aerial whale and dolphin spotting over the Gulf's waters, home to semi resident Bryde's whales. Every flight follows a slightly different path depending on conditions, taking in Rangitoto Island, the Auckland Harbour Bridge and Sky Tower along the way.

City and Volcanoes Helicopter Flights

The City and Volcanoes Helicopter Flight lifts off from Albany for an 18 minute ride over Viaduct Harbour, the Sky Tower and Auckland's CBD, before heading out to the summit of Rangitoto Island across the Hauraki Gulf. It is one of the shorter helicopter options in Auckland, and children fly at the same price as adults.

Coast to Coast Helicopter Ride

The Coast to Coast Helicopter Ride is Auckland's longer scenic flight option, 35 minutes crossing from the rugged West Coast beaches and the bush covered Waitakere Ranges to the city skyline and Rangitoto Island on the other side. It is often described as the most visually varied helicopter flight in the region, taking in two completely different Auckland landscapes in one ride.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the two Auckland helicopter flights?

The City and Volcanoes Flight runs 18 minutes over the city and Rangitoto Island, while the Coast to Coast Ride runs 35 minutes and also takes in the West Coast beaches and Waitakere Ranges.

Do I need to already be on Waiheke Island for the scenic plane flights?

Yes, both the Waiheke Buzz Scenic Flight and the Hauraki Gulf Scenic Flight depart from Waiheke Aerodrome, so you will need to take the ferry or Explorer bus there first.

Are Auckland scenic flights suitable for children?

Yes, child rates apply on the Waiheke Buzz flight from age 2, and children are welcome at the same price as adults on the City and Volcanoes Helicopter Flight.

How many passengers are needed to confirm a scenic flight?

Most Auckland scenic flights require a minimum of 2 passengers to confirm departure, though solo bookings are accepted and coordinated with other travellers where possible.

Which Auckland flight has the best views of Rangitoto Island?

All four flights pass Rangitoto Island in some form, though the Waiheke Buzz Scenic Flight and Coast to Coast Helicopter Ride both spend extended time over the volcano and surrounding Gulf.

Local tip: book an early morning or late afternoon flight where possible, the lower sun angle makes the volcanic cones and coastline stand out far more clearly from the air than the flat light of midday.

Book your Auckland scenic flight above and see the City of Sails and the Hauraki Gulf from a whole new angle.