About this tour
When Ben from our team tried this parasailing adventure, he launched 1,300 feet above the Bay of Islands in a tandem flight—higher than most parasailing ops in NZ. You're towed behind a boat, drifting over Russell, the outer islands, and the famous Hole in the Rock, with 30-odd years of operator experience behind you. The whole thing takes about an hour and a half. Suits all ages and fitness levels, and the team runs trips year-round with departure times that shift by season. It's the kind of thing that sounds mad until you're actually up there, then it's just quietly brilliant.
Highlights
- 1,300ft altitude — highest parasailing towline in New Zealand
- 360-degree views: Russell, outer islands, Hole in the Rock in one flight
- Tandem or triple flights — mates can go up together
- No age or fitness restrictions — genuinely accessible
- Helmet and life jacket supplied; wheelchair-accessible boat and facilities
- Three decades of operator experience — feels reassuringly professional
- Infants welcome on adult's lap; service animals permitted
What to expect
You'll arrive at the departure point and get suited up with a helmet and life jacket—proper safety kit, nothing skimped. The boat ride out is brief; then you're clipped in and the tow rope extends as the boat accelerates. Within seconds you're airborne, climbing steadily. Ben's read was that the ascent feels controlled and smooth, not jerky. Once you're at altitude, the Bay opens up below: Russell's waterfront, the scattered islands, and if conditions are right, that distinctive Hole in the Rock landmark all visible at once. The view genuinely justifies the height. Duration varies with wind and conditions, but you're looking at roughly an hour and a half total.
The whole operation is low-stress. Guides are professional and keep things moving without faffing about. One thing to note: if you want video of your flight, the GoPro package costs an extra fifty bucks and you sort it at check-in. Departure times shift by season, so confirm yours when you book. The boats are wheelchair accessible and all facilities are too, which is rare for water-based tours.
What travellers say
- Highest towline altitude in NZ — genuinely premium views
- Tandem and triple options — share the buzz with mates
- Truly all-ages and all-ability — wheelchair accessible throughout
- Three decades of parasailing pedigree — solid operator credentials
- Bay scenery is stunning — Russell, islands, Hole in the Rock all visible
- Professional, low-stress approach — no unnecessary drama
- Lunch not included — add costs to your day budget
- Seasonal departure times shift — plan flexibility into bookings
- GoPro video package ($50) isn't bundled with the flight
- Weather and sea conditions may affect duration or require rescheduling
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is genuinely for everyone — no age limits, no fitness bars, infants welcome on a lap, wheelchair accessible. The altitude is legitimately higher than most competitors, so you get proper views without feeling cramped. Operators have deep experience. Service animals are fine. For groups or families wanting a shared adrenaline moment, tandem and triple flights mean mates go together.
Lunch isn't included, so budget for that separately. Wind and weather call the shots — departure times vary by season and conditions may shift duration. If rough seas are forecast, you might get rescheduled. The GoPro video add-on (A$50) is worth budgeting for upfront if memories matter. Early mornings aren't guaranteed; confirm your slot when you book. It's not a long flight — ninety minutes door-to-door — so factor that into your day plan.
Camera (or the GoPro package), sunscreen, light layers (it's cooler at height), and a sense of humour. Wear shoes you don't mind getting wet.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.