Available languages
20 minutes
Mobile ticket
Get bird’s-eye views of Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock on a Bay of Islands scenic helicopter tour from Paihia. Take in the stunning scenery of the main group of islands; view the iconic natural landmark, Hole in the Rock; and pass over the historic townships of Russell, Paihia and Waitangi. You also have the opportunity to experience the island in a way that very few have before by choosing to land on top of the Hole in the Rock!
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
All flights require a MINIMUM of 2 PASSENGERS to confirm, single passengers may need to be waitlisted pending further bookings
Please also request what departure time you prefer - we will endeavour to confirm a time close this as possible
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Commentary by pilot
Scenic helicopter flight over the Bay of Islands and Hole in the Rock
Hotel pickup and drop off
Bay of Islands
You will see all of the islands and the Hole in the Rock islands from the air
Bay of Islands scenic helicopter flight. Land on the Hole in the Rock where you can exit the helicopter for 15 minutes to take in the views and photo opportunities. Total Duration: 35 minutes
20-minute scenic flight over the Bay of Islands and the Hole in the Rock
109 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
WernerAnton R,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
Amazing experience. The best way to view the bay of islands. The landing on the rock was a bit scaring.
graydons821,
Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Had the best experience. Staff were fantastic and pilot and flight exceptional. Views from the sky wonderful with a short stop out on the islands.

christinatY1270ZL,
Aug 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Yesterday we had an amazing flight on the chopper from Paihia across the harbour over to the hole in the rock . The pilot gave some history while flying over islands and places of significance like the light house etc and he was very friendly and great with our baby who fell to sleep mid flight … Highly recommend this company for been easy to book with online , clear communication and overall experience was superb









chewbucca,
Aug 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had the pleasure of taking the helicopter to land on the hole in the rock. While we have cruised these waters for years doing it by air was really cool, and put a whole new perspective on it. Our pilot was a great host who is very passionate about the region. The booking guy was hilarious, he was helpful and knowledgeable. (Pete) Josh was our pilot.
terencec867,
Apr 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
This is a must do trip. Cape Regina by fixed wing aircraft. What a wonderful way to travel. Totally professional operation flown today by Jonathan. Good narration throughout and very informative. Thankyou to all at Salt Air.




Voyager47651156306,
Apr 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
An unforgettable experience! The staff was incredibly friendly, and our pilot was fantastic professional, knowledgeable, and made us feel completely safe and comfortable throughout the flight. The views were breathtaking, and it was 100% worth the money. Highly recommend!
Mark K,
Mar 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
Seeing Bay of Islands from the air was magical. The stop at the top of the hole in the rock was very cool but short as there is very little there. The pilot gave us a lot of history and was very knowledgeable. Overall the experience was fantastic and worth the money.
PAUL N,
Mar 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
It is a phenomenal way to aquaint yourself with the Bay . I strongly recommend this activity if the weather is great.
terryfF7500LA,
Mar 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
My wife and I (both in our seventies) really enjoyed the flight and especially the commentary given by the pilot who had a vast knowledge of the area and pointed out things that would normally be missed by those less knowledgeable. The pilot also tipped us off to a very interesting restaurant. A great experience, well worth the cost.



Relax10096222377,
Mar 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Our ride was great and the pilot was informative, but the lady at the reception was very unfriendly and rude. She didnt want our toddler to make any noise or touch anything so we had to stand out of the office and wait. She wouldnt listen to any of our queries, she just had to read out the rules and get us into the helicopter. As a result the mood of our trip felt so spoilt.
Operated by Salt Air Limited