Booked the half day Cape Reinga fly/drive tour on the web and had a fantastic time. We were picked up at our hotel in Paihia by Jim, and taken to the airport where we met our pilot, Mikhail hope I’ve spelt that correctly for the trip. After short but thorough safety briefing we were airborne and taking in stunning sights from the airplane as it cruised north toward Cape Reinga. Our pilot kept us updated with facts about the region we were flying over and then it was time to land. Having played “spot the runway” we touched down on a tiny grass strip perfectly. From here we were taken in a very comfortable minibus to see the lighthouse, a most beautiful beach where tea/coffee & refreshments were served, then on to some huge sand dunes where we watched as some brave/foolhardy souls slid down on boards.
The return flight took a different route showing even more of the beautiful scenery associated with this part of the North Island, culminating in a flight around the Bay of Islands before touching down at the airport.
We both thoroughly enjoyed this activity, it was extremely well managed from start to finish, our pilot was incredible, great commentary, very engaging and very skilful. The website describes it as a “must-do” neither of us would disagree with that statement. If you have the opportunity take it and book this tour you will not regret it.