Fly to the famous Hole in the Rock, taking in stunning views of the Bay of Islands and enjoy a full day unwinding as you sail on a working tall ship the R Tucker Thompson - these are two amazing experiences you will never forget!

Coastal helicopter flight

The Bay of Islands offers some of the best coastal and island scenery in New Zealand so this helicopter scenic flight offers exceptional views of these beautiful islands leading to the infamous “Hole in the Rock”.

Departing from the beachfront helipad in Paihia the flight heads across Russell with views over to Opua and surrounds before tracking along the stunning peninsula coastline to Cape Brett and it’s lighthouse where you will experience an exciting turn to fly around the Hole in the Rock.

This is an extended version of the Hole in the Rock flight adding in more of the remote coast line on the eastern side of the Cape Brett peninsula, and on the return extra views towards the Kerikeri inlet, over the Black Rocks, Waitangi and Paihia.

The return portion of the flight flys directly over the main islands of the area with birds eye views of their white sandy beaches, inviting turquoise waters and some of the luxurious private residences. Coming into land you will fly past the Paihia township. An exciting must do while in the Bay of Islands!

Day sail on a historic ship

A day sailing on R Tucker Thompson is one of the few opportunities to go sailing on a working tall ship, in one of the most spectacularly beautiful parts of New Zealand, the Bay of Islands.

With the wind behind you, this is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to see the Bay; you can be sure your carbon footprint is minimal. Better still, with profits made from tourism going to support youth development, your day out is going to a good cause.

Your day sailing includes:

• Freshly baked scones and cream tea from the galley
• Chance to take the helm, hoist the sails or climb the rigging
• Island stopover in sheltered bay (relax, swim, or explore ashore)
• Delicious BBQ lunch served on board
• Licensed cash bar on board with local wines and beers
• Share stories with the friendly crew
• Free ferry transfers to Russell on any ferry

These are two epic Bay of Islands experience you will never forget! Jump out of a plane and skydive from 16,500ft and enjoy a day unwinding as you sail the Bay of Islands waterways.

Skydive from 16500ft over the Bay of Islands

First, you'll cruise up to 16,500ft and soak up scenery of all 144 islands that make up the Bay of Islands. The spectacular views of turquoise water, golden beaches and lush countryside are guaranteed to take your breath away.

You’ll sit on the edge of the plane, the anticipation will build as you prepare to exit and then jump! Reaching speeds of up to 200km per hour, experiencing the thrill of freefall is something you’ll never forget.

After an insane 70 seconds of freefall you’ll then float under canopy before landing back at the drop zone, or at an alternative landing area. You’ll be buzzing long after your feet touch the ground!

Full Day Sailing Adventure

Your Bay of Islands boat charter will start with a relaxing morning sail onboard the Vigilant. Then choose one of the 144 islands to stop at and explore. You have the option to spend your afternoon strolling along the sandy white shoreline, relaxing on the beach or, if you prefer, taking your pick of the water activities offered. Vigilant carries kayaks and snorkel equipment for you to take full advantage of during your magical Bay of Islands boat charter.

The fully equipped sailing yacht offers you the very best in quality comfort and relaxation. Lunch is hand prepared for you by Chef and Skipper Nik and can be enjoyed on the yacht deck or as a picnic on the beach.

Dolphins, penguins and seabirds are frequently sighted and the scenery while sailing in the Bay of Islands is spectacular so remember to pack your camera.

You will never forget these two amazing Northland adventures - an epic day out at the Poor Knights Islands and a breathtaking scenic Helicopter ride to the Hole in the Rock with incredible views of the Bay of Islands.

The perfect day of cruising, snorkeling, watersports & lunch at Poor Knights Islands!

An epic day awaits you at the world famous Poor Knights Islands marine reserve!

On the ride over, one of the crew will have a chat with you about your experience level and how they can tailor the day to suit you. The snorkeling at the Knights is simply fantastic and don’t feel like you will see less than the divers, because, oh my goodness, that is simply not true!

The life in the top 5 meter's is probably the most prolific, and the light makes it the most colorful area. The kayaks are yours to use for the day, and the bottom is often seen from the surface.
The crew will anchor up and serve lunch and stay in one spot for about two and a half hours. Here you can bomb off the boat, try kayaking and SUP, go snorkeling, have lunch, grab a hot shower, jump back in the crystal waters, and eat some more!! The time is yours, the crew are there to help you enjoy the time in this magical place.

Worried about the water? Can't swim as well as you would like? There are life jackets, reef boards, noodles, and flotation devices - as well as a camera that screens the fish action from below. You don't have to get wet to see the fish! There is an onboard photographer, so jump in front of the lens if you want to capture some memories. The photos are yours for free.

At about 2.30pm, you up anchor, and start a tour of the Islands, including the World’s largest sea cave, huge arches, and majestic cliffs. The knowledgeable and passionate crew will tell you stories and educate you about the Islands as we travel. There is a tragic Maori history that unfolds around you, the dramatic cliffs and breath-taking scenery lend itself to the tale, and the birdlife is unique to the Island. Granted full marine reserve status and being a nature reserve as well, the islands are well protected and very special. Giant weta, 1000 tuatara, 2.5 million Buller shearwater birds, dolphins, gannet colonies, whales, sting rays, teeming schools of fish.....an awesome and unforgettable experience!

There is plenty of time to use the kayaks provided, to go for a snorkel, and to relax in the sun and eat your yummy buffet lunch. Then you are headed for home and back inside the harbor at around 4pm.

Visit Hole in the Rock by Helicopter

The Bay of Islands offers some of the best coastal and island scenery in New Zealand so this helicopter scenic flight offers exceptional views of these beautiful islands leading to the infamous “Hole in the Rock”.

Departing from the beachfront helipad in Paihia the flight heads across Russell with views over to Opua and surrounds before tracking along the stunning peninsula coastline to Cape Brett and it’s lighthouse where you will experience an exciting turn to fly around the Hole in the Rock.

The return portion of the flight flys directly over the main islands of the area with birds eye views of their white sandy beaches, inviting turquoise waters and some of the luxurious private residences. Coming into land you will fly past the Paihia township.

For generations a visit to Hole in the Rock has been something that Kiwi's have done - but here's a more exciting way to get our and experience it!

The Poor Knights Islands are an internationally renowned diving destination, and the hole in the rock is an iconic must see NZ activity. Tick them both off your bucket list with this incredible combo of experiences!

Poor Knights Islands:

An epic day awaits you at the world famous Poor Knights Islands marine reserve!

On the ride over, one of the crew will have a chat with you about your experience level and how they can tailor the day to suit you. The snorkeling at the Knights is simply fantastic and don’t feel like you will see less than the divers, because, oh my goodness, that is simply not true!

The life in the top 5 meter's is probably the most prolific, and the light makes it the most colorful area. The kayaks are yours to use for the day, and the bottom is often seen from the surface.
The crew will anchor up and serve lunch and stay in one spot for about two and a half hours. Here you can bomb off the boat, try kayaking and SUP, go snorkeling, have lunch, grab a hot shower, jump back in the crystal waters, and eat some more!! The time is yours, the crew are there to help you enjoy the time in this magical place.

Worried about the water? Can't swim as well as you would like? There are life jackets, reef boards, noodles, and flotation devices - as well as a camera that screens the fish action from below. You don't have to get wet to see the fish! There is an onboard photographer, so jump in front of the lens if you want to capture some memories. The photos are yours for free.

At about 2.30pm, you up anchor, and start a tour of the Islands, including the World’s largest sea cave, huge arches, and majestic cliffs. The knowledgeable and passionate crew will tell you stories and educate you about the Islands as we travel. There is a tragic Maori history that unfolds around you, the dramatic cliffs and breath-taking scenery lend itself to the tale, and the birdlife is unique to the Island. Granted full marine reserve status and being a nature reserve as well, the islands are well protected and very special. Giant weta, 1000 tuatara, 2.5 million Buller shearwater birds, dolphins, gannet colonies, whales, sting rays, teeming schools of fish.....an awesome and unforgettable experience!

There is plenty of time to use the kayaks provided, to go for a snorkel, and to relax in the sun and eat your yummy buffet lunch. Then you are headed for home and back inside the harbor at around 4pm

Hole in the Rock cruise:

The Bay of Islands offers some of the best coastal and island scenery in New Zealand so this helicopter scenic flight offers exceptional views of these beautiful islands leading to the infamous “Hole in the Rock”.

Departing from the beachfront helipad in Paihia the flight heads across Russell with views over to Opua and surrounds before tracking along the stunning peninsula coastline to Cape Brett and it’s lighthouse where you will experience an exciting turn to fly around the Hole in the Rock.

The return portion of the flight flys directly over the main islands of the area with birds eye views of their white sandy beaches, inviting turquoise waters and some of the luxurious private residences. Coming into land you will fly past the Paihia township.

For generations a visit to Hole in the Rock has been something that Kiwi's have done - but here's a more exciting way to get our and experience it!

Experience one of New Zealand’s most exclusive helicopter adventures with the rare opportunity to land on the iconic Hole in the Rock in the Bay of Islands. For many years, visitors have travelled to this famous landmark by boat or admired it from above on scenic flights, but now it can be experienced in an entirely new way—landing by helicopter on a specially built helipad atop the island itself. From the moment the helicopter departs Paihia, breathtaking views unfold across turquoise waters, secluded beaches, and the spectacular island-dotted coastline.

Following a pre-flight safety briefing, soar over the Bay of Islands and enjoy panoramic views of Russell, the Cape Brett Peninsula, and the famous Hole in the Rock. The adventure reaches an unforgettable highlight as the helicopter lands on the island, where you can either enjoy a brief stop on the viewing platform or choose to be hosted by a local Māori guide who shares the island's unique history and its cultural and ecological significance. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs rising more than 150 metres above the ocean and stunning vistas towards Cape Brett and beyond, this is an extraordinary perspective that very few people in history, including Māori, have ever experienced.

Combining adventure, exclusivity, and meaningful cultural connections, this helicopter landing experience offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stand on one of New Zealand's most iconic natural landmarks. Landing on the Hole in the Rock delivers remarkable scenery and memories that will stay with you long after returning to shore.

An epic day awaits you at the world famous Poor Knights Islands marine reserve!

On the ride over, one of the crew will have a chat with you about your experience level and how they can tailor the day to suit you. The snorkeling at the Knights is simply fantastic and don’t feel like you will see less than the divers, because, oh my goodness, that is simply not true!

The life in the top 5 meter's is probably the most prolific, and the light makes it the most colorful area. The kayaks are yours to use for the day, and the bottom is often seen from the surface.
The crew will anchor up and serve lunch and stay in one spot for about two and a half hours. Here you can bomb off the boat, try kayaking and SUP, go snorkeling, have lunch, grab a hot shower, jump back in the crystal waters, and eat some more!! The time is yours, the crew are there to help you enjoy the time in this magical place.

Worried about the water? Can't swim as well as you would like? There are life jackets, reef boards, noodles, and flotation devices - as well as a camera that screens the fish action from below. You don't have to get wet to see the fish! There is an onboard photographer, so jump in front of the lens if you want to capture some memories. The photos are yours for free.

At about 2.30pm, you up anchor, and start a tour of the Islands, including the World’s largest sea cave, huge arches, and majestic cliffs. The knowledgeable and passionate crew will tell you stories and educate you about the Islands as we travel. There is a tragic Maori history that unfolds around you, the dramatic cliffs and breath-taking scenery lend itself to the tale, and the birdlife is unique to the Island. Granted full marine reserve status and being a nature reserve as well, the islands are well protected and very special. Giant weta, 1000 tuatara, 2.5 million Buller shearwater birds, dolphins, gannet colonies, whales, sting rays, teeming schools of fish.....an awesome and unforgettable experience!

There is plenty of time to use the kayaks provided, to go for a snorkel, and to relax in the sun and eat your yummy buffet lunch. Then you are headed for home and back inside the harbor at around 4pm

Take to the skies and discover why the Bay of Islands is renowned for having some of New Zealand’s most spectacular coastal and island scenery. Departing from the beachfront helipad in Paihia, this scenic helicopter flight showcases a breathtaking landscape of sparkling turquoise waters, secluded beaches, and lush islands before leading to the region’s most iconic natural landmark, the infamous Hole in the Rock.

Following a pre-flight safety briefing, lift off on an approximately 20-minute adventure across the bay. Fly over Russell with views towards Opua and the surrounding coastline before following the stunning peninsula to Cape Brett and its historic lighthouse. Experience an exciting turn as the helicopter circles the famous Hole in the Rock, offering incredible aerial perspectives of this dramatic sea arch and the rugged coastline that surrounds it.

On the return journey, soar directly over the Bay of Islands’ main island group, taking in bird’s-eye views of white sandy beaches, inviting turquoise waters, and some of the region’s luxurious private residences. As you descend, enjoy one final glimpse of Paihia township before landing. Combining iconic landmarks, stunning scenery, and the thrill of helicopter flight, this is an unforgettable way to experience the beauty of the Bay of Islands and an exciting must-do while visiting the region.