There are few things more beautiful than Auckland and its surrounding regions seen from the air. The City of Sails has a worldwide reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in the world from the ground, but it’s even more breathtaking when in flight, especially when taking a jaunt through the air gives you access to some of the region’s more exciting hidden gems.

There are truly so many scenic helicopter tours Auckland residents and visitors must try, but for today, we are focusing the spotlight on a select few. Experience Auckland the way it was meant to be seen with these top 10 scenic helicopter tours in Auckland.

1. Stonyridge Vineyard

First, Stonyridge Vineyard. Settled on gently rolling hills on Auckland’s Waiheke island, this might as well be a quiet patch in the south of France for all its Cabernet blends and gorgeous scenery. While a flyover and touchdown on this vineyard is stunning, dining on renowned Chef Roland Dale’s curated menu at the Veranda Café for lunch is a must.

Three courses, a glass of bubbles when you touch down, and a round-trip adventure across the beautiful Hauraki Gulf. What more could you want from one of the best scenic helicopter tours Auckland has to offer?

2. Discover Scenic Helicopter Tours Over Auckland

The Auckland Discovery Scenic Flight offers an exhilarating overview of the city's most iconic landmarks. Departing from the central heliport, this tour provides panoramic views of the Sky Tower, Harbour Bridge, and the sparkling Waitematā Harbour.

It's an ideal introduction to Auckland's diverse landscapes, and perfect if you’re seeking a quick jaunt as part of a larger discovery of Auckland’s most well-loved spots.

3. Man O’ War Forest Flight Adventure

For anyone aching for a bit of nature, the Man O’ War Forest Flight Adventure cannot be beaten. You begin your journey with a well-deserved scenic flight across the glittering Hauraki Gulf, touching down near the iconic Man O’ War winery on Waiheke Island.

Before indulging in exquisite wines and gourmet cuisine, soak up the local forests with a thrilling stint in the treetops. Then, return for a delicious lunch and a well-earned trip back home on the air.

4. Auckland City and Volcano Scenic Flight

Thanks to our position nestled right in the Ring of Fire, Auckland has some of the most well-loved and carefully documented volcanic sites in the world. If you are a burgeoning geologist, these sites are best appreciated from the air.

The Auckland City and Volcano Scenic Flight offers a bird's-eye view of the city's volcanic cones, including Mount Eden and Rangitoto Island. This tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the geological forces that have shaped the region.

5. The Tantalus Estate Flight

The word ‘tantalus’ lies at the root of ‘tantalising’, which is apt, considering that is exactly what this scenic helicopter tour is. The Tantalus Estate lies in the heart of Onetangi Valley, crowded in on all sides by lush vineyards and the rolling Waiheke scenery.

Touch down after a flight across iconic Auckland oceanic scenery for an afternoon of world-class cuisine, all underscored by some of the best wine in the region (or craft beer, if that is more to your taste).

6. Auckland’s Ultimate Scenic Tour

How does forty minutes of uninterrupted beauty, sheer cliff faces, and glittering blue ocean sound? On Auckland’s Ultimate Scenic Tour, that’s exactly what you receive. This is one of the most well-loved scenic helicopter tours in Auckland’s travel scene, and for good reason.

This is an unforgettable flight, during which you travel from coast-to-coast to experience every facet of Auckland’s most breathtaking landscapes. If you have yet to sample this corner of Aotearoa from the air, this is the flight for you.

7. An EcoZip Adventure

Rather than spending a crowded day on the ferry headed to Waiheke Island, enjoy stunning scenery from the air as you head toward one of New Zealand’s most well-hidden adventure gems.

The EcoZip adventure lets you strap into one of three dual ziplines, each over 220m long, so you can fly side-by-side with a companion of choice through a gorgeous swathe of untamed native forest. This is an adrenaline rush with no prior experience or safety training required; just the exhilarating feeling of taking flight (in more ways than one).

8. Coromandel Explorer Scenic Flight.

When discussing scenic helicopter flights in Auckland, we would be remiss to overlook the Coromandel Explorer Scenic Flight. The Coromandel region is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, boasting stunning blue waters, lush green hills, and the shimmering line where the turquoise ocean meets pristine white sand. Whether or not you have experienced the Coromandel from the ground, you absolutely must see it from the air.

9. Poderi Crisci from the Air

Thanks to its inherent variety, there are spots in Auckland that feel as if you’ve crossed the border into a different country altogether. In this case, we must tip our hats to Poderi Crisci, a Tuscan-inspired winery with a passion and flair for heritage Italian wine, cuisine, and scenery.

The Poderi Crisci flight and dining package allows you and up to two companions to spend an afternoon in the company of Italian masters, with a gorgeous scenic flight to bookend the delicious experience.

10. The Bay of Islands Scenic Tour

Our final entry is an unforgettable flight across the Bay of Islands. Every second of this helicopter flight is packed with the kind of once-in-a-lifetime scenery most people only dream of, and it is all yours for two and a half glorious hours.

This is a round-trip conducted entirely in the air, ferrying you across Auckland and over the Bay of Islands for a taste of luxury tourism without the hassle of a mid-way stop.

And with that, we conclude our exploration of the top 10 scenic helicopter tours in Auckland. If one of these delightful jaunts caught your eye, waste no time in booking to ensure you get the spot that most excites you.

Experience Auckland’s scenery from the air.

From a tasteful afternoon sampling wine to a thrilling adventure through Auckland’s forests, there are many scenic helicopter flights Auckland adventurers like you have to choose from, including those offered by Helicopter Me.

If the range of choices feels a bit overwhelming, don't hesitate to reach out to our team for help selecting your perfect flight. We are here to help!