Cape Reinga and 90 mile beach are icons of the Northland region of New Zealand. Cape Reinga is popularly treated as the most northern point of mainland New Zealand. The much visited and photographed lighthouse at Cape Reinga guards the coastline where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet in a battle of tidal currents. The translation of Reinga is 'place of leaping' and Maori legends say that the spirits of the deceased leap from from this point to travel back to Hawaiiki, the fabled land of their Polynesian ancestors.

Ninety Mile Beach on the western shore of the Aupouri Peninsula (topped by Cape Reinga) is in fact a 90 kilometre long beach, but no less beautiful because of this, and was referred to by Abel Tasman as 'the desert coast'.

By road from Paihia in the Bay of Islands to Cape Reinga is a drive of over 220 kilometres each way. That makes for a pretty long day of driving, and uses up a whole precious day of your time in the Bay of Islands. So how do you fit in all the sights of the far north, and still have time for everything else? ............

Cape Reinga Fly/Drive By Fixed Wing Aeroplane - Half Day

Fly over Northlands spectacular harbours, such as the Whangaroa Harbour and the Rangaunu Harbour. and beautiful beaches such as Coopers Beach, Doubtless Bay and of course the famous Ninety Mile Beach. From Ninety Mile Beach fly inland and land at the Salt Air airfield, which is only 20km from the Cape Reinga lighthouse.

Once on the ground a comfortable air-conditioned mini-bus will meet the aircraft. It will take you on a 2½ hour tour around the top of New Zealand. After a 20 minute drive, arrive at the Cape Reinga Lighthouse where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. The local guide will accompany you on your walk to the lighthouse, sharing the myths and legends or this very spiritual area. Then rejoin the vehicle for a short drive to Tapotupotu Bay where a freshly baked light refreshment awaits. There is time for a stroll on the beach, and a quick swim if desired, before moving across to the Te Paki quicksand stream with its giant sand dunes; (sleds are available for those who wish to experience the exhilaration of sliding down the sand dunes and try some "sand surfing").

The return flight to the Bay of Islands includes some of the most spectacular coastal scenery Northland has to offer. You will fly over the Parengarenga Harbour and Great Exhibition Bay, which are only visible by air or by sea. This area is very remote and without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand with it's pure white silica sand and crystal clear water. The flight also passes across the Houhora Harbour, the Cavalli islands, Kauri Cliff's golf course and the spectacular Bay of Islands.

Please click here for a flight map

Two departures daily morning and afternoon from October-mid April.
One departure daily late April-September

Auckland - Cape Reinga return including Bay of Islands

If your itinerary prohibits you from visiting the Bay of Islands, but you do have a day to spare whilst visiting Auckland, Salt Air can offer you a choice of two wonderful day tours ex Auckland via light aircraft. These tours give you the opportunity to visit Northland and the Bay of Islands offering stunning scenic flight routes along the way.

Be sure not to miss your opportunity to observe this area in the best way possible.

Tour One Auckland - Bay of Islands and Cape Reinga Day Tour

Departure time from Sky City in central Auckland would be 0630am. A breakfast box will be provided on the transfer coach. You will then be transferred to meet your aircraft for a 7.15am departure. Your flight time to the Bay of Islands is approximately 55 minutes, incorporating a brief stop in Whangarei for passengers leaving the aircraft here. From the Bay of Islands we continue up the West coast via the world famous 90 mile beach.

We land at Cape Reinga from where you depart on a 2½ hour tour exploring this magical area by comfortable air conditioned vehicle. An opportunity to experience the exhilaration of sand tobogganing is offered on this portion of the tour. A light refreshment is also included.

Rejoin the aircraft for the next leg of your flight via the east coast route to the Bay of Islands. You will view some of the most stunning coastal scenery Northland has to offer, flying over Parengarenga Harbour and Great Exhibition Bay. This remote area is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand with it's pure white silica sand and crystal clear water, much of it accessible only by sea or air. We fly on over Houhora Harbour, the Cavalli Islands, Kauri Cliffs golf course, and the spectacular Bay of Islands.

From the Bay of Islands/Kerikeri airport a courtesy vehicle will take you to Paihia, the hub of the Bay of Islands for a few hours in the afternoon. Feel free to explore this historical area, walk along the beautiful beach or do some shopping.

At a pre-arranged time you we will take you to your aircraft for the return flight to Auckland. This leg of the flight will follow the west coast route south from Kerikeri to Auckland via the Kaipara Harbour, before landing in Auckland for transfer back to your hotel.

Please click here for a flight map

• What will I see on this tour?
• Kaipara Harbour
• Bay of Islands
• Kerikeri Vineyards
• Whangaroa harbour
• Rangaunu Harbour
• Ninety Mile Beach
• Cape Reinga (vehicle tour)
• Tapotupotu Bay (vehicle tour)
• Te Paki Stream & Giant Sand Dunes (vehicle Tour)
• Parengarenga Harbour
• Great Exhibition Bay
• Houhora Harbour
• Cavalli Islands
• Whangarei Heads
• Hen and Chicken Islands
• Waipu Cove
• Mangawhai Heads
• Hauraki Gulf, Auckland

Tour 2 Auckland - Bay of Islands Day Tour

Departure time from central Auckland would be 0630am. A breakfast box will be provided on the transfer coach. You will then be transferred to meet your aircraft for a 7.15am departure. flight time to the Bay of Islands is approximately 55 minutes, incorporating a brief stop in Whangarei for passengers leaving the aircraft here.

From the Bay of Islands/Kerikeri airport a courtesy vehicle will take you to Paihia, the hub of the Bay of Islands.

Included in this in this tour are the following:

One way ferry ticket to or from Russell at your leisure to explore this historic town. This is co-ordinated with your Bay of Islands cruise to allow some free time either before or after in Russell.

3-hour Bay of Islands Dolphin Watching cruise to the Hole in the Rock.

At a pre-arranged time you we will take you to your aircraft for the return flight to Auckland. This leg of the flight will follow the west coast route south from Kerikeri to Auckland via the Kaipara Harbour, before landing in Auckland for transfer back to your hotel.

Please click here for a flight map

What will I see on this tour?

• Kaipara Harbour
• Bay of Islands
• Paihia/Russell & Waitangi
• Whangarei Heads
• Hen and Chicken Islands
• Waipu Cove
• Mangawhai Heads
• Hauraki Gulf, Auckland

Helicopter Scenic flights from Paihia Bay of Islands

Please click here for a flight map

Hole in the Rock

A scenic flight over the beautiful Bay of islands. Fly over the crystal clear turquoise waters of the main island group to the world famous “Hole in the Rock”. The townships of Russell, Paihia & Waitangi are also viewed from the air. (tour duration approx. 20 minutes)

Coastal Discovery

An opportunity to explore a little more of the unique and stunning coastline surrounding the Bay of Islands region. Fly north via the outer Bay of Islands and the exclusive Purerua Peninsula, the coastal settlements of Takou Bay, Tapuaetahi, Mahineapua, Matauri Bay and the Cavalli Islands. The flight returns via the Kerikeri Inlet, Kerikeri Township and Waitangi. (tour duration approx. 30 minutes)

Kingfish Lodge Tour

A scenic helicopter flight of the outer Bay of Islands, the coastal regions as experienced on the Coastal Discovery flight above as far North as the sleepy fishing village of Mangonui. We explore the majestic Whangaroa Harbour by air before setting down at the secluded and unique Kingfish Lodge where you will enjoy lunch at their stunning restaurant overlooking the harbour entrance. (tour duration approx. 2½ hours and includes lunch)

Waipoua Forest Tour

Fly by helicopter across the mid north rural area to the stunning Hokianga Harbour. Your Footprints guide will meet you on landing at the Copthorne Resort Omapere will then take you on a guided walk to the largest Kauri Forest in the world to view Tane Mahuta, "God of the Forest". Footprints share with you their special relationship with Mother Nature, both spiritually and culturally. Enjoy their knowledge, stories song and music. On returning to Copthorne Omapere you will be served lunch overlooking the entrance to Hokianga Harbour before rejoining your helicopter for a scenic flight of the harbour and return to the Bay of Islands. (tour duration approx. 4½ hours and includes lunch).