Salt Air was established by Grant Harnish in December 1992, initially operating a Grumman Super Widgeon seaplane from the Paihia waterfront offering scenic flights around the beautiful Bay of Islands. The business grew steadily in the first season and it was decided to make the Bay of Islands a more permanent base. An office was built in central Paihia at the seaplane ramp and Salt Air established their head office on the Paihia waterfront.

As an extension to the seaplane operation, Salt Air began operating land-based aircraft from the airports at Haruru Falls and Kerikeri. These aircraft were in turn used to develop the Cape Reinga ½ Day Tour, which has grown to become one of the premium experiences for visitors to the region.

This tour, which involves flying up to an airstrip at Cape Reinga (top of New Zealand) and then a vehicle tour before returning to the airfield and flying back to the Bay of Islands proved to be immensely popular and demand quickly outstripped seats available in the smaller Cessna 172's. Thus a larger aircraft was needed.

In late 1999 the 7 seat Cessna 207 was chosen to fulfil the role of giving passengers the scenic flight of a lifetime over the top section of the north Island. In December 2004 a second Cessna 207 was added to the Salt Air fleet to offer the increased capacity as demand for the tour increased.

In 2001 Salt Air introduced a helicopter to the operation. As well as offering scenic flights over the Bay of Islands from the Paihia waterfront, the helicopter is also available for charter flights to exclusive lodges, golf courses and secluded destinations in the Northland region. Our sole charter helicopter Cape Reinga option has been well received as an alternative way to explore Northland from those properties equipped with helicopter landing areas.

Jan 2007 Bell Jetranger B206III ZK-HFE joined the Salt fleet. This later model Jetranger replaced ZK-HBC.

In Feb 2007 a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan was purchased in the United States adding to Salt Air's Fleet. This aircraft was flown by a ferry pilot across the Pacific in four separate legs to New Zealand. Santa Maria, California – Honolulu 13 hours, Honolulu – Christmas Island 7 hours, Christmas Island – Apia, Samoa 8 hours, Samoa – Kerikeri 11 Hours. Introduced to Salt Air service April 2007.

In addition to the scenic flights a large amount of charter work to various airports in the North Island has increased Salt Air's profile in the tourism and charter aviation scene within New Zealand.

Salt Air is a small company committed to customer service and satisfaction. If you have an unusual request that we may be able to help with, please don't hesitate to call.

Salt Air Ltd is a Civil Aviation approved aviation company and holds airline operator certificate # AOC 38319.

P.O. Box 293, Paihia, Bay Of Islands, New Zealand
Phone: +64 9 402 8338 or Freephone 0800 4SALTAIR (0800 472 582)
Fax: +64 9 402 8302
Mobile +64 27 492 4665
Email info@saltair.co.nz