Air Travel

There are some tiny airstrips along the Coromandel Peninsula and a commercial airport at Tauranga and Whakatane. A number of scenic-flight operators offer trips over the region.

Heli Trips. Heli Trips provides flights from both Auckland Airport and downtown Auckland to the Coromandel or Tauranga, including Whitianga, Tairua, Coromandel townships and anywhere that they're cleared for landing. The price may be exorbitant (starting at NZ$1,800), but the flight is quick (about 30 minutes) and the views are outstanding. 0800/435–487; www.coromandelhelicopters.co.nz.