Saltair Cape Reinga & 90 Mile Beach fly/drive
Bay of Islands
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 2˝ 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.
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
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 2˝ 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.
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.
What will I see on this tour?
Helicopter Scenic
flights from Paihia Bay of Islands
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. 2˝ 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. 4˝ hours and includes lunch).
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