Scenic Flights in Auckland

Auckland scenic flights and tandem skydives show the city's coastline from above, either from a small plane over the water or in freefall over the west coast. This page sits within Auckland and covers where each style starts, how they differ and what decides whether a flight goes ahead.

Small-plane scenic flights from the island

Scenic flights from Waiheke Island leave from the Waiheke Aerodrome base at 171 Carsons Road, with regular departures between 9am and 4pm, seven days a week. The aircraft are fixed-wing, a pilot gives commentary throughout, and flights need a minimum of two paying fares to go ahead.

A 30-minute Waiheke scenic flight covers the island's beaches, vineyards, oyster beds and mussel farms and looks across to Rangitoto Island. A 45-minute Hauraki Gulf flight stretches out over the Treasure Islands and the Coromandel Peninsula, and gives you a chance to spot marine wildlife. The Hauraki Gulf is home to Bryde's whales, and the flight includes a whale and dolphin spotting opportunity.

Tandem skydiving west of Auckland

Auckland's tandem skydive takes place at Parakai in West Auckland, a drive from the city centre, and the provider offers transport from Auckland CBD subject to availability. An Auckland tandem skydive climbs in a 20-minute scenic flight before the jump, which can start from 13,000, 16,000 or 18,000 feet. Freefall runs for three-quarters of a minute from the lowest height and up to a minute and a quarter from the highest, at speeds above 200 kilometres an hour.

On a clear day the views take in the east and west coasts, Waiheke Island, Piha Beach and even Mt Ruapehu and Mt Taranaki. Plan on a 3-hour visit, and the jump centre has barbecue facilities if you want to stay longer. It is open Tuesday to Sunday.

Combining a flight with a ferry and the island

Waiheke flights start on the island, so the ferry is part of the day. A Waiheke sea, land and sky package bundles a return ferry from downtown Auckland (around an hour each way), a hop-on hop-off explorer bus ticket and a 30-minute scenic flight over the Hauraki Gulf. It departs from Pier 2 at the Ferry Terminal, 99 Quay Street.

If you're booking the flight separately, Auckland ferry transfers and Auckland transport cover the crossing from Viaduct Harbour.

How to choose between a flight and a skydive

The right pick comes down to how much you want to feel the drop.

• A 30-minute Waiheke flight suits a first flight or a day built around the island.
• A 45-minute flight suits wildlife spotting and a wider sweep across the gulf and the Coromandel coast.
• A tandem skydive suits anyone who wants freefall, with the height picked to match how long you want it to last.

What decides whether it goes ahead

Weather runs the schedule. Tandem skydives are confirmed an hour before the jump, and a jump is rescheduled if conditions aren't suitable. Scenic flights run only when two paying fares are booked, and children under two travel free. Check the product page for the current times, and look at Auckland cruises or water sports in Auckland as a backup if the sky doesn't cooperate.

Frequently asked questions

How long are scenic flights over Waiheke Island?

Scenic flights from Waiheke Aerodrome run as 30-minute or 45-minute flights. The shorter flight covers Waiheke's beaches and vineyards, and the longer one reaches out across the Hauraki Gulf towards the Coromandel Peninsula.

Where do Auckland scenic flights take off?

Auckland scenic flights over Waiheke Island and the Hauraki Gulf take off from Waiheke Aerodrome at 171 Carsons Road. Travellers from the city need to take the ferry to the island first.

Can I see whales on an Auckland scenic flight?

You might. The Hauraki Gulf is home to Bryde's whales, and the 45-minute scenic flight over the gulf includes a whale and dolphin spotting opportunity, though sightings aren't guaranteed.

Can children go on Waiheke scenic flights?

Yes. Children under 2 travel free, a child fare applies for ages 2 to 11 as long as at least 2 adults are on the flight, and passengers 12 and older pay the adult fare.

How high is the Auckland tandem skydive?

The Auckland tandem skydive jumps from 13,000, 16,000 or 18,000 feet. Freefall runs for three-quarters of a minute from the lowest height and up to a minute and a quarter from the highest.

What happens if the weather is bad on my skydive day?

Auckland tandem skydives are weather sensitive. The jump is confirmed an hour before your booked time, and if conditions aren't suitable you are rescheduled.

How long should I allow for an Auckland tandem skydive?

Plan on a 3-hour visit for an Auckland tandem skydive at Parakai. It is open Tuesday to Sunday, and 18,000-foot jumps are limited to ages 12 and over.

Decide how high you want to go, then book your flight or skydive over Auckland through Experience Oz.