New Zealand Parasailing Tours: the 4 Best Flights

1.Parasailing Adventure Over the Bay of Islands

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 120 reviews · from $179Our pick

From Paihia, Waitangi, or Russell, you’ll take a scenic boat ride into the Bay of Islands before rising above the water on a tandem or triple parasail. The flight lasts about 10 minutes, with all safety gear supplied. You may spot dolphins or whales in season, and a GoPro photo package costs $40 per flight.

“My wife and I were cruise passengers to the bay of islands. Upon arrival at the parasailing office we were greeted by the friendly and professional staff. The two operators made the experience smooth and pleasant. The boat ride was stunning and the parasailing component was a thrill. We were up in the air for about 15-20 minutes which felt long enough to soak in the sights. The whole experience felt very safe in the hands of the skilled operators and was more comfortable than I had expected in the harness. The operators were mindful of our cruise departure deadline and made sure to get us back in time for…”

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2.Paihia: Bay of Islands Parasailing Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 46 reviews · 1h 30m · from $92

Meet the Bay of Islands Parasail team at Paihia Wharf, get fitted with a life jacket and comfortable swing-style harness, then float about 1,300 feet above the water for 10 to 12 minutes. The boat carries up to four participants, and the skipper can add a free fall or optional dip before bringing you back aboard.

“Enorm leuke gids, super gezellige mensen. Prachtig om the Bay of Islands vanaf 300 meter hoog boven het water te zien”

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3.Parasailing Adventure over Lake Taupo

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 11 reviews · from $86Best value

Take a 9-metre parasail boat onto Lake Taupo and rise up to 1,000 feet for wide lake views. Your 12-minute flight starts and ends on the boat’s flight deck, so you can stay dry or request a Sky dip. Solo and shared flights are available within the 70 to 200 kg combined weight limit.

“Check weather conditions, especially if it's for a special occasion. Was canceled in the morning due weather but by lunchtime it turned out to be a good hot day. Watching others do the activity from a restaurant was disappointing for us. Read more”

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4.Wanaka Parasailing

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 4 reviews · from $93

This one-hour parasailing trip was designed for single, tandem, or triple flights above Lake Wanaka, starting and ending at Wanaka Marina. You would meet on Lakeside Road and may see That Wanaka Tree from above. Check availability carefully: the operator says it has been closed since 2023.

“The parasailing business was not active this season, however they sold us tickets. Wasted our plans for the day as we didn’t have time to book anything else.”

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