Footwear: Closed shoes are a must, as we land at various locations with differing facilities and terrain.Clothing: Dress appropriately for the weather. The cabin temperature will be similar to the conditions outside.

Extended fixed-wing scenic flightWildlife spotting opportunityFlexible routing based on marine activitySafety briefing prior to departure

Important Information

Departure location: 171 Carsons Road, WaihekeMinimum 2 paying fares requiredChild pricing available (2–12 years, with two paid adults)Weather dependent and wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteedReturn to Waiheke AerodromePassenger Weight: Auckland Seaplanes requires passengers to provide combined passenger weights. If an individual passengers weight exceeds110 kg please inform us at time of booking. Failure to do so may prevent your flight from taking place due to weight andbalance requirements and may lead to additional costs.

Adults: 12 years and overChildren: 2-11 yearsInfants: Under 2 years

Cancellations & Refunds

Cancellations 5 days or more before travel: Full refund**Between 48 hours and 5 days: 50% cancellation fee**Less than 48 hours before travel: No refundNote: *Refunds exclude credit card or payment fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Overview Itinerary FAQs

Hauraki Gulf & Auckland City Scenic Flight

North Island

Island Aviation

from

AU$249

per adult

Light aircraft flying over the Hauraki Gulf near Waiheke Island on a scenic flight from Auckland, with a boat visible below.

Experiences

Scenic Plane Flights

Nature & Wildlife

Family-friendly Tours

Half-Day Tours

North Island

Start: Waiheke Island

Locations: Waiheke Island, Auckland

Duration: 45 minutes

Wildlife & Coastal Beauty from the Air

Take off from Waiheke Aerodrome for an extended scenic flight across the Hauraki Gulf. This route is designed to maximise wildlife spotting opportunities while showcasing some of the region’s most spectacular coastal scenery. No two flights are the same, as the pilot may adjust the route to improve marine viewing conditions.

The Hauraki Gulf is home to resident Bryde’s whales, migrating whales and large pods of dolphins. From above, you may witness whales surfacing or dolphins moving through deep blue waters. It’s a perspective that offers scale and clarity not possible from sea level.

Aerial view of Waiheke Island beach with boats in Auckland

Cessna aircraft flying over Waiheke Island’s scenic coastal bays and green hills during an Island Aviation extended scenic flight tour from Auckland

Couple sitting together inside a light aircraft with green fields outside, enjoying a scenic flight to Waiheke Island for a vineyard tour

Light aircraft flying above the Hauraki Gulf near Rangitoto Island and Auckland, en route to Waiheke Island for a premium vineyard lunch and wine tasting tour

From Waiheke to the Coromandel Peninsula

Flights commonly track east of Waiheke toward deeper waters near the Coromandel Peninsula, where marine mammals are frequently sighted. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of oyster beds, mussel farms and the Gulf’s “Treasure Islands.” The mix of turquoise shallows and darker offshore waters creates striking contrasts from the air.

Depending on conditions, you may also fly past Rangitoto Island, Motutapu Island and Motuihe Island. Auckland landmarks such as the Harbour Bridge and Sky Tower may also appear in the distance. The return leg offers fresh angles of Waiheke’s beaches and vineyards before landing back at the aerodrome.

Extended fixed-wing scenic flight
Wildlife spotting opportunity
Flexible routing based on marine activity
Safety briefing prior to departure

Departure location: 171 Carsons Road, Waiheke
Minimum 2 paying fares required
Child pricing available (2–12 years, with two paid adults)
Weather dependent and wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed
Return to Waiheke Aerodrome
Passenger Weight: Auckland Seaplanes requires passengers to provide combined passenger weights. If an individual passengers weight exceeds
110 kg please inform us at time of booking. Failure to do so may prevent your flight from taking place due to weight and
balance requirements and may lead to additional costs.

Adults: 12 years and over
Children: 2-11 years
Infants: Under 2 years

Cancellations 5 days or more before travel: Full refund**
Between 48 hours and 5 days: 50% cancellation fee**
Less than 48 hours before travel: No refund

Note: *Refunds exclude credit card or payment fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Itinerary

Frequently asked questions

We keep our group sizes small to ensure a more personalized experience.

There are no specific age restrictions, but all passengers must wear a seatbelt at all times during the flight.

Footwear: Closed shoes are a must, as we land at various locations with differing facilities and terrain.
Clothing: Dress appropriately for the weather. The cabin temperature will be similar to the conditions outside.

Yes, individual passenger weights are required. If a passenger’s weight exceeds 110 kg, please inform our staff prior to the flight.

Passengers must declare any dangerous goods. While many can be transported, some are prohibited, and carrying them may result in prosecution.