Take the controls of a motorized cable-plane for a ten-minute, high-adrenaline flight over a coastal canyon with views to Kapiti Island. Short, intense, and weather-dependent, this is New Zealand’s one-of-a-kind fly-by-wire experience.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The canyon takes your breath long before the plane does—tall pōhutukawa and scrub fall away to reveal a wedge of sky where Kapiti Island sits like a distant outcrop. You strap into a motorized single-seat craft fixed to a taut cable and, beneath a raw Pacific wind, you take the controls: throttle, rudder, and a line that keeps the horizon honest. For ten minutes the machine responds like a nimble motorbike in the sky, reaching gusts up to 120 km/h and peaks near 2.5 g as you bank and swoop.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
10–15 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for most people in average fitness; must manage brief high-G forces and heights
Wildlife
History
Kapiti Island and the nearby coast have long-standing Māori significance and later European maritime activity shaped the shoreline settlements.
Conservation
Kapiti Island is a predator-free reserve; visitors are encouraged to avoid disturbing wildlife and to stick to marked access points to limit erosion.
Reserve your spot on the Fly By Wire New Zealand today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Arrive early for the briefing
You’ll need time for check-in, safety briefing, and practice controls—plan to arrive 30 minutes before your slot.
Expect wind cancellations
Flights are subject to wind; have flexible plans and book early-morning or late-afternoon windows in shoulder seasons.
Secure loose items
Phones and hats can be lost in a gust—use operator stowage or leave valuables in your car.
Notify health restrictions in advance
Declare heart, back, or pregnancy concerns when booking to avoid last-minute denials.
Windbreaker or light shell
Shields against brisk coastal gusts between ground briefing and post-flight cooldown.
Secure footwear
Low-profile, closed shoes help on uneven launch areas and quick movements.
Sunglasses with strap
Cuts glare over the sea; strap prevents loss in wind.
summer
ID and any medical notes
Required for check-in and important if you have health restrictions.