Bay of Islands Flights

Bay of Islands Flights
Flying is one of the best ways to see the Bay of Islands, where turquoise water, hidden coves and the Hole in the Rock are easiest to appreciate from above. Flights here range from a short helicopter loop over the coastline to a longer scenic plane trip that reaches as far as Cape Reinga, so the right choice comes down to how much time you have and how far north you want to go.

Helicopter Flights over the Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands Scenic Flight over Hole in the Rock departs the Salt Air helipad on the Paihia beachfront and covers the coastline in 20 minutes of flight time. Your pilot narrates as you pass over Russell, Waitangi and Cape Brett, then loops in close to the Hole in the Rock itself. The return leg swings past the bays and private headlands north of Paihia, so you see the region's best known landmark without giving up a whole day.

Scenic Plane Flights to Cape Reinga
For a longer trip north, the Cape Reinga Scenic Flight & Half Day Tour departs Kerikeri Airport, with pickups from Paihia accommodation, and pairs a 45 minute flight over Northland's harbours and Ninety Mile Beach with a guided minibus tour at the top of the country. On the ground, the tour visits the lighthouse where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean, stops for morning tea at Tapotupotu Bay and climbs the Te Paki sand dunes, before a return flight tracking the Cavalli Islands and the Bay of Islands coastline back to Kerikeri.

Choosing a Bay of Islands flight
A short helicopter flight over Hole in the Rock suits travellers after an aerial highlight without committing a big block of the day. The Cape Reinga flight and tour suits those keen to reach the top of New Zealand and see Ninety Mile Beach and the Te Paki dunes in the same trip. Both depart from towns around the Bay of Islands, so either works well as a half or full day out from Paihia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best scenic flight in the Bay of Islands?
It depends on how much time you have. A short helicopter flight over Hole in the Rock covers the region's best known landmark in around 20 minutes of flying time, while the Cape Reinga Scenic Flight & Half Day Tour suits travellers who want to reach the top of New Zealand and see Ninety Mile Beach and the Te Paki sand dunes as well.
Where do Bay of Islands scenic flights depart from?
Helicopter flights over Hole in the Rock depart the Salt Air helipad on the Paihia beachfront. The Cape Reinga scenic flight departs Kerikeri Airport, with complimentary pickups available from Paihia accommodation.
Can I see Hole in the Rock from the air?
Yes. The Bay of Islands Scenic Flight over Hole in the Rock is built around a close loop of the landmark, flying over Russell, Waitangi and Cape Brett on the way.
How long does the Cape Reinga scenic flight tour take?
The full Cape Reinga Scenic Flight & Half Day Tour runs around five hours door to door, combining a flight north, a guided tour of the lighthouse and sand dunes, and a scenic flight back to Kerikeri.
What will I see on a Bay of Islands helicopter flight?
Turquoise water, sandy coves and coastal headlands around Russell, Waitangi and Cape Brett, finishing with a close loop of Hole in the Rock before heading back to Paihia.