Parasailing Bay of Islands: 1300ft towline, all ages

Rise to 1,300 feet over open water with nothing between you and the view

Parasailing over the Bay of Islands pairs a scenic boat ride with roughly 10 minutes airborne at 1,300 feet of towline: New Zealand's highest parasailing altitude. The operator brings a live guide, helmet and life jacket. The whole outing runs about an hour and a half. Suitable for all ages with no physical restrictions, and combined flight weight ranges from 180–220 kilograms depending on wind, with a solo minimum of 80 kilograms.

The experience

What makes this parasail different from a towed ride elsewhere is the altitude: 1,300 feet of towline lets you see across the entire Bay of Islands at once. Russell on one side, the outer islands spreading out, and the hole in the Rock visible in the distance. The boat does the work. You're strapped in and lifted, so there's no skill to learn and no fitness bar to clear. The operator has more than 30 years in parasailing, which shows in how straightforward the whole thing is.

The day runs about an hour and a half total. You'll spend roughly 10 minutes in the air: long enough to take in the water, the islands and the coastline without the ride feeling rushed. The combined weight of passengers on a flight varies between 180 and 220 kilograms depending on wind conditions at the time. If you're flying solo, the minimum is 80 kilograms. The boat ride itself is part of the experience, so even the time on deck matters. A Go Pro video package is available at check-in for $50 per flight if you want footage of the view.

Departure times shift with the season, and you'll find out which slots are open when you book. The guide speaks English and will walk you through the setup: helmet, life jacket, how the tow works. All areas are wheelchair accessible, and service animals are welcome on board. If you're traveling with infants, they'll need to sit on an adult's lap during the ride.

What’s included

• Parasailing experience with guide.
• helmet and life jacket.
• scenic boat ride over the Bay of Islands with views of Russell, the outer islands and the hole in the Rock.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 12:30, 14:00 and 15:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (5 and older) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 30 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessiblePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Bay of Islands Parasail

Is this one for you?Book this one if you're staying in the Bay of Islands without a car: the operator arranges the whole outing, and you don't have to figure out how to reach the boat or time the tow around anything else. The 1,300-foot altitude is what sets it apart from parasailing elsewhere in New Zealand, so if you want the view that spans the whole bay and the islands beyond it, this is the one that delivers it.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How high do you actually go on this parasail?

The parasail reaches 1,300 feet of towline: New Zealand's highest parasailing altitude. You'll spend roughly 10 minutes airborne, which is long enough to see across the entire Bay of Islands, Russell, the outer islands and the hole in the Rock all at once.

What's the minimum weight to fly solo, and can two people go up together?

The minimum solo weight is 80 kilograms. Combined flight weight varies between 180 and 220 kilograms depending on wind conditions, so the operator will pair you with others or adjust the setup based on who's flying that day.

How long does the whole thing take from start to finish?

The outing runs about an hour and a half total, with roughly 10 minutes of that spent in the air. The boat ride before and after the flight is part of the experience.

What do I need to bring, and what's provided?

The operator provides a helmet and life jacket. You don't need to bring anything special. Just wear clothes you're comfortable getting wet in, since you'll be over open water. A Go Pro video package is available at check-in for $50 per flight if you want to capture the view.

Are there age or fitness limits for parasailing?

Parasailing is suitable for all ages with no physical or fitness restrictions. The only requirement is meeting the weight minimums: 80 kilograms solo, or 180–220 kilograms combined depending on wind conditions.

When do departures happen, and how do I know what times are available?

Departure times vary depending on the season and wind conditions. Available times will be given to you at the time of booking, so you'll know the exact slot once you've reserved.