The Best Helicopter Tours in Auckland

Why fly over Auckland?

Auckland is uniquely positioned for helicopter tours — built across an isthmus between the Tasman Sea and the Pacific, with 48 dormant volcanoes and the Hauraki Gulf's island archipelago directly offshore. Flights depart from the Mechanics Bay heliport in the central business district and lift past the Sky Tower, Auckland Harbour Bridge and the wider waterfront before crossing to Rangitoto Island, the youngest of Auckland's volcanoes. Most premium tours continue to Waiheke Island for a vineyard lunch landing — the wineries of Mudbrick, Cable Bay and Stonyridge all have private helipads. Longer charters reach the Bay of Islands, the Coromandel Peninsula and the dramatic west-coast black-sand beaches of Karekare and Piha. Auckland's pilots are highly experienced operators of both fixed-wing and helicopter aircraft and the city is widely considered one of New Zealand's premier scenic-flight bases.

For a full overview of operators, departure points and routes, see our Auckland helicopter tours hub — or browse all destinations worldwide.