Island Hopper: Scenic Flights to Great Barrier & Waiheke with Wine Tasting from Auckland
Fly the Hauraki Gulf, explore Great Barrier’s rugged coast and finish with a premium wine tasting on Waiheke — all in a convenient half-day loop from Auckland. Expect aerial drama, short guided walks and a three-course vineyard lunch with sweeping views.
The Experience
Before You Go
Confirm pickup location
Pickup is provided within 3 km of the Auckland CBD — specify your hotel or pickup point when booking to avoid delays.
Dress in layers
Flights and coastal breezes can be cool even on warm days; a light windproof layer and closed-toe shoes make short walks more comfortable.
Bring motion-sickness medicine
Short flights plus a ferry crossing can trigger seasickness for some; take preventative medication if you’re sensitive.
Reserve dietary needs early
The three-course vineyard lunch can be subject to seasonal availability — notify the operator of allergies or preferences when booking.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Drive up to Mount Hobson viewpoint on Great Barrier for panoramic gulf views away from crowds
- •Oneroa village on Waiheke offers compact galleries and bakeries worth a quick stroll before or after your tasting
Wildlife
- •Bottlenose dolphins commonly seen from the air and boats
- •Shearwaters and other coastal seabirds along island cliffs
Conservation Note
Great Barrier has ongoing predator-control and restoration projects; Waiheke vineyards increasingly adopt low-impact practices — follow local biosecurity and stay on marked tracks to reduce disturbance.
Māori used these islands as seasonal fishing and trading stations; Rangitoto’s volcanic cone is one of Auckland’s youngest geological features, erupted only several centuries ago.
Photographer's Notes
- • From the aircraft looking southwest toward Rangitoto and the Coromandel
- • Mount Hobson lookout on Great Barrier for sweeping gulf shots
- • The vineyard terrace on Waiheke for vineyard-to-water compositions
What to Bring
Windproof jacketEssential
Blocks coastal gusts during flights and on exposed walking tracks.
Sturdy walking shoesEssential
Provides traction on sandy beaches and gravel tracks during the Great Barrier tour.
Sunscreen and hatEssential
Protects skin during open-air flights, vineyard lunches and coastal walks.
Compact camera or phone with polarizer
Captures aerial coastlines and vineyard panoramas while reducing glare from water.
Common Questions
How long is the experience from pickup to drop-off?
Plan on roughly 4–6 hours for the main activities; confirm hotel pickup time when booking since pickup windows vary.
Can children join this tour?
Yes — infants must sit on an adult’s lap; children should be supervised and the operator can advise on suitability for very young kids.
What happens in bad weather?
Flights may be canceled or rescheduled in poor weather; the operator will issue a full refund if canceled more than 24 hours before departure or offer alternatives when possible.
Are meals and wine included?
Yes — the package includes a three-course meal and premium wine tasting at Waiheke’s highest vineyard; winter availability can vary by venue.
Do I need to declare biosecurity items?
Yes — follow biosecurity rules: don’t bring soil, plant material or uncooked food between islands; the operator will advise on any checks.
Is this suitable for people with back or heart problems?
This activity is not recommended for travelers with significant spinal or cardiovascular issues; check health restrictions at booking.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4–6 hours
Location
Auckland, Auckland
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for light to moderate fitness; involves short periods of walking on uneven ground
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