Discover the Bay of Islands by helicopter, with an optional landing at the Hole in the Rock. See Cape Brett from above during an aerial tour from Paihia, narrated by a professional pilot. Fly over Russell and Waitangi en route to the Hole in the Rock. Upgrade to land atop the iconic natural landmark, with an optional walk led by a Maori guide.
Scenic helicopter flights over the Bay of Islands
For a unique experience, choose one of the Hole in the Rock landing options
See the iconic natural formation of the Hole in the Rock
Get bird's-eye views of the historic townships of Russell, Paihia and Waitangi
What's Included
Scenic helicopter flight over the Bay of Islands and Hole in the Rock
Commentary by pilot
Hotel pickup and drop off
Meeting And Pickup
Meeting point
Salt Air
Marsden Road, Paihia 0247, New Zealand
Start time
12:00 AM
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
See the Cape Brett Hole in the Rock from the air on a Bay of Islands helicopter tour, departing from Paihia. All seats on board the helicopter provide spectacular bird’s-eye views, and your pilot provides commentary on each stunning natural landmark.
Select one of three options at booking: a 20-minute scenic flight, a 35-minute tour that includes a Hole in the Rock landing or a 1-hour experience with a short nature walk upon landing.
Scenic Helicopter Flight: (20 minutes)This Bay of Islands helicopter tour soars over the historic townships of Russell, Paihia and Waitangi, and above crystal-clear waters and island beaches. Hover above the Hole in the Rock, a natural feature at Cape Brett that can only be accessed by air or water.
Hole in the Rock Landing: (35 minutes)Fly over the Bay of Islands before landing on the helipad atop the Hole in Rock, where you can exit the helicopter for 15 minutes. Take photos of the surrounding cliffs and natural features before returning to Pahia by helicopter.
Hole in Rock Landing and Walk: (60 minutes)Your Bay of Islands helicopter flight lands atop the Hole in the Rock for a short walk with a Maori guide. Learn about the region’s historical, cultural and ecological significance, and revel in the fact that few people have visited the rock island this way before.
Bay of Islands (Pass By)
Additional Info
Total weight per passenger: 100 kg
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
All flights require a MINIMUM of 2 PASSENGERS to confirm, single passengers may need to be waitlisted pending further bookings
Not wheelchair accessible
Please also request what departure time you prefer - we will endeavour to confirm a time close this as possible
Infants must sit on laps
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 5 travelers
Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
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Featured review
Kevin_H
A wonderful experance with a great knowledgeable guide. the view of the Bay of Islands was exceptional. Well worth the cost, value for money and the staff very helpful. Many thanks
Reviews
5.0
67 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 67 reviews
The staff were...
anni_s, Jan 2023
The staff were exceptional & kind. The views were spectacular. We can’t wait to come back for another ride
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Thank you for the wonderful review! We are glad you enjoyed your flight and hope to see you again :)
A wonderful experance...
Kevin_H, Jun 2022
A wonderful experance with a great knowledgeable guide. the view of the Bay of Islands was exceptional. Well worth the cost, value for money and the staff very helpful. Many thanks
Spectacular views
Ashley_S, Apr 2022
View was amazing it was such a beautiful day, ocean was flat so you could see everything including schools of fish. Pilot knew a lot about the area which was very interesting
Response from Host, Apr 2022
So pleased you enjoyed this tour, it was great to meet you.
incredible
Cherise_M, Jan 2022
you don’t realise how beautiful New Zealand is until you’ve done this such an amazing experience would definitely recommend loved it and you capture so many amazing photos
Awesomeness
Snow_C, Mar 2020
Highlight of our trip. This is a must do. Great service, but landing on the rock is hard to explain except, do it.
Response from Host, Mar 2020
Yay, thanks for your recommendation. you’re right, it is hard to explain how awesome it is to land in the Hole in the Rock, but certainly worth doing to find out!
Great tour
RAMIFADLO_S, Dec 2018
Marvellous helicopter ride. Courteous and welcoming staff. Michelle is sweet. Pilot informative and great. Thank you
When I got there, there was no-one...
Paul C, May 2017
When I got there, there was no-one else booked for the same flight, so I got an alternative flight, but they compensated me for the difference by giving me a DVD of photos of the area for nothing. Normal charge 45
An amazing experience. It's costly...
Alan R, Jan 2017
An amazing experience. It's costly, sure, but well worth it. The area is beautiful and to get a chance to see it from above is too good to miss. The pilot provided an interesting commentary on the history and landmarks there and back to the hole in the rock, and even pointed out a huge shoal of fish for us. There are plenty of photo opportunities so make sure your batteries are charged up- you won't want to miss a moment of this magical trip.
Excellent way to view the bay of...
Debra D, Oct 2016
Excellent way to view the bay of islands. Staff were very friendly and professional, went out of their way to ensure we had a great experience.
In a word...
Colin C, Apr 2016
In a word 'fantastic'.
Will worth the trip.
The pilot was friendly and knowledgeable. A great experience.
There's no better way to see Bay of...
Kenneth J P, Mar 2016
There's no better way to see Bay of Islands than by helicopter and landing on the Hole in the Rock was a great thrill. Our pilot/guide was terrific. We highly recommend this adventure.
The tour was fantastic! An absolute...
jrobinson, Mar 2016
The tour was fantastic! An absolute must do, even for those of us who are a little bit afraid of flying in a helicopter. The pilot was exceptionally professional and informative. Be sure to include the landing on top of the rock portion of the tour --- it is well worth it.
This is definitely the way to see...
Curtis H, Dec 2015
This is definitely the way to see the Bay of Islands! This was one of the highlights of our trip. The helicopter company was on time and the pilot was very informative. Would highly recommend.
This tour was brilliant. It exceeded...
catherine g, Jan 2015
This tour was brilliant. It exceeded our expectations. The scenery was breathtaking!
Landing on the Hole in the Rock was a...
Stephen H, Jan 2015
Landing on the Hole in the Rock was a very special experience highly recommended
Great trip out to Cape Brett with...
Robert W L, Dec 2014
Great trip out to Cape Brett with Sean in the R44. Clear blue sky and sparkling waters. Great comentary about local history.
This was the first time my husband...
Monika B, Feb 2014
This was the first time my husband and myself have ever been in a helicopter. It was such an amazing feeling. We could have not picked a better place or time of day to do it. It was just wonderful. We are definatly hooked.
What a ride! Great fun from start to...
Bandit, Oct 2011
What a ride! Great fun from start to finish. It was amazing being able to see the Bay of Islands from the air and being able to grasp just how large the area is. Great views of the bay, the different islands, the boats and of course the hole in the rock! Pilot was very professional and made us feel safe at all times. His commentary was informative and he was able to answer any questions we had. I would highly recommend!
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