Oct 24, 2017
Enjoy spectacular scenic flights over Auckland City, around the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf, over the famous West Coast beaches at Piha, high above the stunning picturesque shores of Waiheke and Rangitoto Islands or further afield to the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula.
The professional flight team at Southern Wings offer the opportunity to take in these amazing sights from the best seats in the house – aboard one of their comfortable sightseeing fixed wing aircraft. Choose from one of the three pre-planned scenic flight routes, each offering a different perspective of the Auckland skyline, or tailor-make your own flight path.
Before Your Auckland Scenic Flight
To make your flightseeing over Auckland the best scenic flight experience all round, there are a couple of things you should know before taking to the air with Southern Wings. For more specific details and any questions contact the Southern Wings flight team.
- When Do I Need To Arrive? Scenic flight passengers are expected to arrive at the Southern Wings Base at the Ardmore Airport at least 30 minutes prior to the organised departure time.
- What Should I Wear? It is recommended passengers wear sensible footwear and appropriate clothing suitable for the expected temperatures and weather conditions for the day of departure. A warm jacket or sweater is also recommended, just in case.
- Can I Take Photos? Of course! Passengers will be treated to some of the best views of Auckland and its surrounding waterways, islands and volcanic land masses – it would be a crime not to take as many pictures as you like. Just remember to bring extra storage so you don’t run out of space on your phone or camera!
- What Can I Bring? Any luggage, bags or larger items can be left securely on the ground in storage at the Southern Wings Base. Passengers are welcome to bring personal belongings such as mobile devices, cameras, wallets/purses, and any medication or personal needs items. Please ensure there are no dangerous goods included in your carry-on items.
The Hauraki Gulf And Auckland City Flightseeing Tour
With a flight time of approximately 45 minutes, the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland City scenic flight takes passengers on a spectacular journey high above the volcanoes and islands of Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf and around the fringes of Auckland City, returning to Base from over the eastern side of Auckland.
Tour Highlights
Along with a superb array of things to see along the way, top points of interest to look out for include Auckland’s youngest volcano – Rangitoto Island, nearby Motutapu Island, Chamberlins Island, Pakihi Island and of course, Auckland’s iconic off-the-coast feature – Waiheke Island.
The flight path also takes passengers around the western side of the city; look out for the Auckland Zoo, the suburbs of Mount Albert and Ponsonby, as well as beautiful views of the Wynyard Quarter, Queens Wharf and the Auckland Waterfront area including the Devonport Naval Base.
As the scenic flight passes over the Auckland harbour, passengers will be able to take in the busy bustling boat action in harbour. Keep an eye out for the Auckland Harbour Bridge and see if you can spot anyone jumping off… with the team at AJ Hackett Bungy on the Auckland Bridge Bungy, of course!
After passing over and around the Islands the flight returns to Base via a flight path that takes passengers alongside Kauri Bay, Wairoa Bay and Clevedon as it returns to the Ardmore Airport at Papakura.
How Much Does Gulf And City Tour Cost?
Southern Wings provide the Gulf and City Tour at a very reasonable price of $195 NZD per person.
The Southern Wings Super City Flightseeing Tour
At approximately an hour and fifteen minutes in flight time, the Super City scenic flight offers the ultimate Auckland flightseeing experience. Passengers are treated to a splendid wide sweep of the Auckland region taking in the rugged West Coast, Auckland City, the Whangaparāoa Peninsula and the beautiful islands of the Hauraki Gulf.
Tour Highlights
Heading south west from Ardmore Airport, the Super City Tour takes passengers towards the southern borders of the Auckland region flying over the township of Pukekohe before heading out towards the coast and on to the Manukau Heads and the entrance to the Manukau Harbour.
Further up the coast keep an eye out for the infamous Piha Beach, the dramatic Kitekite Falls and the lush green of the Waitākere Ranges. Heading back towards the city, the scenic flight takes a flight path that includes the suburbs of New Lynn, Mount Albert and Point Chevalier.
Crossing the Waitemata Harbour, grab the opportunity to snap some pics of the water front, yachts, ferries and Auckland Harbour Bridge. Following the path of New Zealand’s State Highway 1, the Super City Tour continues north turning seaward after skirting the Whangaparoa Peninsula and the Shakespear Regional Park at its tip.
Travelling south now over the Tasman Sea, passengers will spot Tiritiri Matangi Island, Rangitoto Island and nearby Motutapu Island, Rakino Island and of course Waiheke Island before returning to the Ardmore Airport at Papakura via east coasts sheltered beaches and bays.
How Much Does The Super City Tour Cost?
Southern Wings provide the Super City Tour at a very reasonable price of $300 NZD per person.
The Southern Wings Coromandel Flightseeing Tour
At a total flight time of approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, the Coromandel Highlights scenic flight takes passengers in the opposite direction to the other two flights, heading south east towards the stunning Coromandel Peninsula. Although relatively near to Auckland city, the rugged peninsula is sparsely populated due to its steep hilly terrain and the Coromandel Forrest Park makes up much of the Peninsula’s interior.
Tour Highlights
Departing from Ardmore Airport the Coromandel Highlights Tour takes passengers straight out across the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf and on to pass over the wondrous Waiheke Island. Other Islands worth looking out for near Waiheke are Rotoroa Island, Chamberlins Island, Pakihi Island, Pakotoa Island, Tarahiki Island and Frenchmans Cap.
As the flight route nears the shores of the Coromandel Peninsula passengers will be able to spot Wyuna Bay, Whanganui Island and Motutapere Island. Passing over the township of Coromandel, the flight then crosses the isolated Peninsula popping out at the eastern settlement of Whangapoua.
Heading down the picturesque coast line look out for Mercury Bay, Cooks Beach and the beautiful Cathedral Cove. Passing slightly inland with Whenuakite to the right and Hot Water Beach to the left, the flight path then takes a more coastal route before reaching its turning point at Whangamata.
The return flight takes an inland route over the Coromandel Forest Park, passing near the towns of Thames, Miranda and passing to the left of the lush greenery of the Hunua Ranges before returning to Base.
How Much Does Coromandel Highlights Tour Cost?
Southern Wings provide the Coromandel Highlights Tour at a very reasonable price of $325 NZD per person.
Scenic Flight Info
· There is a requirement of a minimum of two passengers for all flights.
· All scenic flights are subject to availability and are obviously weather dependent.
· Prices quoted in the article are subject to change, please contact the Southern Wings flight team for more information on pricing and tours.
· All Auckland scenic flights depart and return to the Southern Wings Ardmore Airport Base located at 500 Harvard Lane, Papakura 2582.
Although offering what we believe to be the top 3 scenic flights in Auckland, Southern Wings are happy to customise the flight plan upon request. All you have to do is decide where you want to go and leave the rest to us!