“The small team at Salt Air is devastated at the loss on Wednesday evening of our pilot ‘Prickles’ de Ridder and DOC ranger William McRae in the accident off the Karikari Peninsula.

Click here to download the full statement

“Our Squirrel AS350 BA helicopter carrying the pilot and a DOC ranger crashed into the sea about one kilometer off the northern end of Karikari Moana beach at approximately 2138 yesterday (30 November).

Click here to download the full statement.

There are some great events and festivities to Celebrate Christmas, the New Year and the Holiday season so make your bookings and get up to the Bay of Islands!

EARLYBIRD TICKETS – Booked by 1 August
Adult Earlybird : $35.00
Child Earlybird (5yrs to 17 yrs). Must be accompanied by an adult: $10.00
Family Pass – Earlybird (2 adults, 2 children): $85.00

STANDARD PRICE
Adult – standard price – after Earlybird closes: $45.00
Adult – Child price – (5yrs to 17 yrs). Must be accompanied by an adult: $15.00
Family Pass – not Earlybird (2 adults, 2 children): $115.00

You can buy your ticket at the Paihia i-Site located on the wharf or the Paihia Booking Office, or Anne of Craicor Kerikeri or Buy Tickets Online

So while you may think after March it’s no longer a good spot for a holiday up in the Bay of Islands, you’d be wrong! Even through winter we have plenty of events, festivals and local tourism activities that you can enjoy – including of course our scenic helicopter flights and our renowned Cape Reinga Tour.

Something to look forward to later this year in September/October is the 2011 Rugby World Cup – there will be plenty happening up here in Northland as teams are based up here for training and pool matches, plus the Bay of Islands will be packed with visitors off cruise ships and those travelling New Zealand while over here for the rugby - can’t wait!

So no matter what season it is book a holiday in the Bay of Islands, it’s awesome.

The Squirrel is based at our hangar at Kerikeri airport and will be used for a mix of scenic flights and operational needs such as fire fighting. You can see the rest of our fleet information here.

This popular service offers convenience, particularly for business travellers or day trippers with transfers to/from the Auckland CBD and Takapuna included in the fare. The key benefit that many Northland passengers appreciate is the ability to get to the Auckland CBD quickly and without extra cost that can occur when flying into Auckland’s domestic airport. North Shore residents also love the fact they can get to the Bay of Islands or Whangarei so quickly and at great value.

Salt Air Xpress Fares start from $119 each way for a 10 trip flexifare concession, or $129 early bird fare and $169 regular fare. See the timetable and Book online or call 0800 4 SALT AIR (0800 4 725 8247).

Salt Air have purpose built a floating heli pad barge that will be anchored out amongst the islands from Paihia. Visitors to the Bay of Islands can opt to helicopter out to the barge, then get dropped off by boat to an island of their choice to enjoy snorkelling, fishing, swimming and island walks at their leisure. They then return to Paihia via the Salt Air boat. Alternatively, they can take the boat to the islands and then helicopter back from the barge.

Grant Harnish, CEO of Salt Air is excited about the opportunities the new barge will provide for both visitors and for Salt Air to work in with other tourism operators to provide a combination of heli flights and cruising in the Bay of Islands.

“We designed this product with flexibility in mind so that a variety of vessels can drop off their passengers on our barge for a helicopter flight, opening the door for some exciting tours and packages across the Bay of Islands”.

Companies such as Fullers Great Sights will work in with Salt Air using their vessels the Excitor 3 and Ipipiri to meet with the barge for helicopter flights. The Heli Cruise Island Escapes are now available to book for the 2010/2011 season onwards.