This excursion offers a great way to travel to the top of New Zealand to experience its beauty, history and scenery. Not only does it avoid you needing to take a relatively long road trip, but you get to experience Cape Reinga from the air and on land.
The tour begins with a 45 minute flight up to Cape Reinga via Northlands’ spectacular harbours, such as the Whangaroa Harbour and the Rangaunu Harbour. Here you’ll look out on to stunning beaches such as Coopers Beach, Doubtless Bay and the famous Ninety Mile Beach. From Ninety Mile Beach you will fly inland and land at an airfield just 20km from the Cape Reinga lighthouse.
Once on the ground you will take a 2½ hour coach tour around the top of New Zealand. Cape Reinga Lighthouse where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean is your first stop. Then take a short drive to Tapotupotu Bay where you will enjoy a light refreshment and a stroll on the beach. Next we’re off to the Te Paki quicksand stream with its giant sand dunes; (sleds are available for those who wish to experience the exhilaration of sliding down the sand dunes and try some “sand surfing”).
During your return flight to the Bay of Islands, you’ll see some of the most spectacular coastal scenery Northland has to offer.
You will fly over the Parengarenga Harbour and Great Exhibition Bay, which are only visible by air or by sea. With it’s pure white silica sand and crystal clear water, this remote area is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand.
The flight also passes across the Houhora Harbour, the Cavalli islands, Kauri Cliff’s golf course and the spectacular Bay of Islands.
Bay of Islands: Cape Reinga by Air & 4WD is featured in the following itineraries:
The Very Best of New Zealand
New Zealand by Rail, Road & Sea
Natural Wonders of New Zealand
Magnificent New Zealand
Australia & New Zealand Combinations Tour
