Bay of Islands Helicopter Tour: Hole in the Rock Scenic Flight from Paihia
Difficulty
easy
Duration
20 minutes
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required; must be able to board a small helicopter and follow safety briefings.
Overview
A 20-minute helicopter flight from Paihia that sweeps over the Bay of Islands, Cape Brett and the iconic Hole in the Rock with an optional landing on Piercy Island. Expect narrated local history, dramatic coastal geology, and quick-access aerial photography.
Bay of Islands Helicopter Tour: Hole in the Rock Scenic Flight from Paihia
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You lift off from a tidy strip of tarmac in Paihia and the coastline rearranges itself beneath you: long green headlands, small white beaches, and a scatter of islands that push into the Pacific like a handprint. The helicopter leans into the wind and you glide along the main group of islands until the pilot points and the air opens around Piercy Island — the Hole in the Rock — a yawning, sea-carved arch that has been daring mariners for generations.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Book morning slots
Morning flights typically have calmer winds and softer light for photography; ask for a preferred time when booking.
Prepare for weight checks
Operators require passenger weights to calculate balance; provide accurate weights at booking to avoid last-minute changes.
Secure small items
Loose cameras, phones and hats can blow away during boarding and disembarkation—use straps or pockets.
Bring a wind layer
Even short flights are chilly at altitude; a light, windproof jacket improves comfort and keeps you focused on the view.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Common dolphins
- Australasian gannets
History
Piercy Island (the ‘Hole in the Rock’) and the surrounding headlands carry Māori place names and long histories of navigation; nearby Waitangi is where the 1840 Treaty was signed.
Conservation
The Bay of Islands is a busy marine environment—respect seabird nesting sites and avoid disturbing wildlife; operators follow DOC guidelines and local iwi protocols for sensitive areas.
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Adventure Hotspots in Paihia
Recommended Gear
Windproof jacket
Protects against cold gusts during flight and while standing on exposed landing sites.
Camera with wrist strap
Fast shutter speeds and a strap help capture moving subjects from a vibrating aircraft.
Sunglasses and sunscreen
High sun and reflective water increase UV exposure even on cool days.
summer specific
Small dry bag
Keeps phone, wallet and small items secure during boarding and if you step onto a windy rock platform.