You name the aviation adventure, and this group provides it...from choppers and gyrocopters, to vintage aircraft and more. Adventure Aviation has around 12 different operators under its wing, offering a wondrous array of flying experiences.
They range from rides in the legendary M.A.S.H. chopper, made famous by the TV series, to a 737 jet simulator. There are also a variety of helicopter tours to unique locations - such as the crater of live volcano White Island. How about landing in the crater of a live volcano? Aviation Adventure has helicopter tours to a variety of unique locations, including the Bay’s marine volcano White Island. The route takes you along the coast and out over a stretch of ocean where whales, dolphins and schools of fish are frequently sighted. Other tours go to the Hobbiton movie set in the Waikato, and Rotorua volcanic areas.
The company also offers a range of ‘classic flights’ in aircraft such as the 1950’s Grumman Ag Cat. For real thrill seekers, try an aerobatic flight or a jaunt in a classic Warbirds vintage aircraft. You can also have a crack at flying an aeroplane, helicopter or gyrocopter (with an instructor of course!). Get a taste of aviation the way it used to be; you sit in an open cockpit wearing overalls, goggles and leather helmet. For another wind-in-your-hair experience, try the Eagle gyrocopter – a cross between a helicopter and aeroplane.
And if you love aviation and militaria, but want to stay grounded, we strongly recommend the excellent Classic Flyers Museum and the Tauranga Military Collection - a big display of jeeps, aircraft, armaments and loads of historic memorabilia. Adventure Aviation really does have something for any breed of aviation enthusiast, or merely the person who wants to do something quite different.
2 Dakota Way (beside Classic Flyers at the entrance to Tauranga City Airport), Mount Maunganui, Ph: 574-3737, Free Phone 0800 737 700, www.adventureaviation.co.nz
