Helicopter Flights Desert Road

The Kaimanawa Descent is a 22km down hill mountain biking trail, designed to accommodate intermediate to advanced level riders (Grade 3). The package begins with a helicopter flight from our base to the track start on the Patutu Tops (1673m). The first 10km of you will descend through Kaimanawa alpine tussock country, taking in the spectacular views of the entire Central Plateau and the towering volcanic peaks of the Tongariro National Park. The final 12km of the trail is through New Zealand native mountain beech, a twisting turning trail finishing back at our base on Waipakahi Road.
The total decent for the ride is just under 2500ft! (800m)
The ride itself takes between 2- 3 hours with plenty of time to stop and soak up the views.
Our helicopter can take E-Bikes and regular bikes!
Please note we cannot take 'Fat Boys Tyres' max tyre width is 7.1cm or 2.8 inches
Please note this tour has a minimum of 4 to go ahead. We will contact you 3 - 4 days prior if minimums have not been reached

Climb to 10,000ft and fly towards Mt Ruapehu, the North Island's highest peak and largest active volcano.
Get a close up view of the summit crater and Crater Lake (Te Wai ā-moe), sitting high within the mountain. From the helicopter you'll be able to appreciate the scale of the crater, its volcanic features and the alpine landscape that surrounds it.
On a clear day, enjoy views across the Central Plateau, Lake Taupō Basin and the Kaimanawa Ranges before returning to base.

This scenic flight follows the highlights of New Zealand's most famous day hike, giving you a bird's-eye view of the landscapes that make the Tongariro Crossing world-renowned. Fly over the stunning Tama Lakes before climbing towards Mt Ngauruhoe (Mt Doom) and Mt Tongariro. From the air, you'll see the full length of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, including the volcanic craters, alpine terrain, Blue Lake and surrounding landscapes that hikers spend a full day exploring.
Along the way, you'll also enjoy views of Mt Ruapehu, the Lake Taupō Basin and the remote Kaimanawa Ranges.
If the Tongariro Crossing is on your bucket list, this is the ultimate way to experience it. One flight, all the highlights, and views that simply aren't possible from the ground.

Enjoy a flight over the three main volcanic peaks of the Tongariro National Park – Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe, known as Mt Doom from The Lord of the Rings films. This flight showcases the best of the Central Plateau, with views of volcanic craters, alpine landscapes and some of New Zealand's most iconic scenery. Take a little longer to soak it all in as you fly over the famous Tama Lakes and Blue Lake on Mt Tongariro, before following sections of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing from above. Keep an eye out for hikers making their way across the Crossing while taking in panoramic views across the Central Plateau and beyond.

See the very best of the Central Plateau on our longest scenic flight.
Climb to 10,000ft and fly around the volcanic peaks of Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro. Take in views of the craters, alpine terrain and the vast Tongariro National Park from above.
Continue towards Tūrangi, passing over Lake Rotoaira and the southern end of Lake Taupō. From here you'll see the scale of the Lake Taupō Basin and surrounding Central North Island landscapes.
The flight then heads into the Kaimanawa Ranges, following the Waipakahi River through remote backcountry country. Land at Patutu Tops, our exclusive mountain landing site, where you'll have time to get out, take photos and enjoy the views.
Return to base via the Waipakahi Valley, taking in native forest, river systems and rugged mountain terrain along the way.

Ride to Paradise: Kaimanawa Descent & Remote Glamping Escape
Combine an epic day on the bike with two nights in one of New Zealand's most remote glamping locations.
Stage 1: Kaimanawa Descent
Start with a helicopter flight deep into the Kaimanawa Ranges before riding the Kaimanawa Descent. The trail winds through open alpine country, native beech forest, and remote backcountry landscapes that few people ever get to experience. From there, continue on the Ride to Paradise Trail, a 10km extension that takes you directly to your accommodation for the night.
Stage 2: Riverside Glamping
Your ride finishes at our exclusive glamping retreat on the banks of the Waipakahi River. Surrounded by native bush and accessible only by helicopter, it is the perfect place to slow down and switch off. Enjoy a hot outdoor bath, relax by the fire pit, and spend the evening listening to the river flow past your tent.