The Rangitoto Circuit is an affordable and spectacular way to get the grand view of Auckland. You’ll get a sense for its enormity as you take off from the harbour and rise above the city centre, the North Shore and the Harbour Bridge, before flying over the NZ Navy Base and the historical suburb of Devonport.

Rangitoto Island is the youngest of Auckland’s many volcanoes, the island formed from an eruption just over 600 years ago. From the air you’ll be able to see its crater, the native bush and pohutakawa trees that cover most of the island as well as the hardened lava flows that are still so visible today. You’ll then head towards Waiheke Island for a quick look before its back towards Auckland, flying right past the central business and iconic Sky Tower before returning to the harbour. If time and conditions allow, your pilot will treat you to a thrilling “splash and go” manoeuvre during the flight!

One of the major advantages of Auckland Sea Planes is their waterfront location in Auckland. They taxi out into the harbour for take-off from their base just down by the Silo Park in the hip new Wynyard Quarter, the most recent extension to Auckland’s waterfront. There is parking nearby if you have a car and it is in walking distance from downtown hotels.

The added bonus of a sea plane flight is that it allows you to see Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf in a way that no one else is able to, from both the harbour and the air. Even though I call Auckland home this scenic flight truly blew me away. It’s the perfect option for anyone who is a little short on time or who doesn’t have time to go any further afield than the central city.

Why miss out on properly seeing New Zealand’s largest city when you can get a great view from above!