Auckland’s newest tourism experience brings a touch of romance, adventure and history to exploring the Hauraki Gulf.

 

Auckland Seaplanes, which launched last week, takes off and lands on the waters of the Waitemata Harbour in an original 1961 De Havilland Beaver – one of the most iconic float planes in the world. 

 

The company offers scenic flights over the volcanoes and islands of the Hauraki Gulf, as well as vineyard lunch packages to sample the local food and wines of Waiheke Island.

 

ATEED (Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development) Manager Tourism Jason Hill says the launch of Auckland Seaplanes will add a new dimension to exploring the harbour and Hauraki Gulf islands.

 

“Finding new ways for people to experience our harbour and gulf are key aims of the Auckland Visitor Plan. We’re thrilled to see Auckland Seaplanes in the air and think this will have a strong appeal to a broad range of people – from local aviation enthusiasts to international visitors wanting something a little different,” he says.

 

The Waitemata Harbour was once the main international airport for Auckland when seaplanes were the only way to fly into the city. 

 

Auckland Seaplanes Chief Executive Chris Sattler named their aircraft ’Aotearoa II’ after the plane that made the first flight into Auckland from Sydney in 1939.

 

“Aotearoa II is a really pristine example of one of the best-loved float planes in the world.  For the last  25 years she has had one careful owner - a Canadian gentleman who kept her in immaculate condition and only used her to fly to his lodge on Vancouver Island.  We are really excited about sharing her story and the stunning landscapes of the Hauraki Gulf with the world.”

 

ENDS

 

Notes to editor

 

Auckland Seaplanes offers scenic flights and packages for up to seven passengers.

 

Departure is from the Auckland Seaplanes sales office at the Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland Waterfront.  

 

Flight options include:

 

·         Rangitoto Circuit Scenic Tour –  a 40 minute experience with 15 minutes flight time (NZ$150 per person for a minimum of four people).

 

·         Gulf Island Scenic Tour – a 50 minute experience with 30 minutes of flying time (from NZ$250 per person).

 

·         Great Barrier or Coast to Coast flights with stops on Kawau Island to visit Governor Grey’s mansion house - one hour 10 minute flight time plus stop on either Great Barrier or Kawau Island (from NZ$420 per person).

 

Vineyard lunch packages include:

 

·         Man O’ War Wine Tasting and Lunch –  a flight to Man O'War Bay.  Visitors are dropped off on the beach for a wine tasting, followed by a lunch platter and glass of wine. Return transfers back can be by ferry or seaplane.  This is a three-hour experience (from NZ$390 per person for a minimum of four passengers).

 

·         Lunch or dinner at the Oyster Inn – a flight to Oneroa on Waiheke Island and VIP bus transfer to Oyster Inn for a lunch or dinner overlooking the bay. Lunch can be a three-course meal or full degustation menu. Return transfers are by seaplane or ferry (from NZ$420 per person).

 

www.aucklandseaplanes.com / Ph +64 9 390 1121

 

 

For further information please contact:

Jo Mackie

ATEED – Destination Marketing Communications Manager

Ph +64 9 354 7062, +64 21 227 7062

 

Chris Sattler

Auckland Seaplanes – Chief Executive

Ph +64 21 2800 964