If you’ve spotted the gleaming red chopper that parks outside Kiwi 360, the kiwifruit them park near Te Puke, take a closer look and you’ll find one of the best little whirlybird jaunts around. For only $49, one of the Aerius Helicopters team’s highly experienced pilots will whisk you out on a round trip down across the kiwifruit orchards to the Kaituna Cut, the mouth of the Kaituna River, popular boating and fishing spot.
Then it’s on down the coast, all blue seas and glittering sands, to historic Maketu – landing place of the Arawa canoe following the migration of early Maori from Hawaiki. En route you’ll spot islands like Motiti, and if it’s a clear day, live volcano White Island puffing steam. Here’s what tourist Jarun Tempukwaen from Thailand had to say: ‘the first time in my life, Hoo Hoo... exciting and big smile before depart, after that WOW.... excellent. Beautiful view. I want to do it again.’ For more details check out the Aerius site: www.aerius.co.nz Note that they are Qualmark endorsed activity.
