Scenic Flight to Maunga (Mt) Hikurangi and East Cape
Our scenic flight to Maunga Hikurangi takes you to one of Aotearoa’s most revered mountains – the ancestral mountain of Ngāti Porou and the first place in the southern hemisphere to welcome the new day. This scenic flight weaves together landscape, culture and storytelling, offering a rare window into the history and spiritual significance of this maunga and the East Cape area.
Overview of your scenic flight to Maunga Hikurangi and East Cape
Just a short flight from Whakatāne lies Maunga Hikurangi, a place of immense cultural importance. According to Māori tradition, this is where Māui anchored Te Ika-a-Māui, the North Island, after pulling it from the ocean. The mountain is treasured by Ngāti Porou, who describe Hikurangi as the source of mauri (life force) across generations – past, present and future.
Your scenic flight will take you along the rugged coastline of the East Cape, across untouched native bush, inland valleys and remote rural landscapes before reaching the summit region of Maunga Hikurangi. From above, you’ll see the striking pou (carvings) that depict the story of Māui and his whānau (family).
This experience blends the beauty of the East Coast with insights from te ao Māori. Throughout the journey, your guide will share kōrero (stories) and provide insight into the history, mythology and cultural significance of this sacred mountain.
$2,000pp
Adult $2,000.00
Child $1,600.00
DEPARTURES
Departures for our scenic flight to Maunga Hikurangi and East Cape are at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm daily from Whakatāne, subject to weather. To book your tour from Rotorua, Tauranga or Taupō call Reservations 0800 944 834. For bookings within 24 hours, please call our crew on 0800 944 834.
Why experience a scenic flight to Maunga Hikurangi and East Cape with White Island Flights?
At White Island Flights, we fly with manaakitanga (hospitality), whanaungatanga (relationships) and kaitiakitanga (guardianship) at the heart of our work. We honour the privilege of sharing these landscapes, and the stories entrusted to us. Read more about our values and how we fly.
Nau mai, haere mai. Come discover the mauri (life force) of Maunga Hikurangi!
What makes Maunga Hikurangi unique
- The ancestral mountain of Ngāti Porou, a Māori tribe located in East Cape and Gisborne, and is central to their identity.
- The first place in the southern hemisphere to see the sunrise each morning.
- Features nine pou (carvings) telling the story of the god Māui and his family.
- A place of deep cultural, historical and spiritual importance.
- Remote yet iconic East Coast landmark visible only by air.
- Connects mythology, landscape and whakapapa (geneaology) in one place.
Highlights of our scenic flight to Maunga Hikurangi and East Cape:
- Maunga Hikurangi summit and carved pou
- Rugged East Cape coastline
- Dense native bush and inland valleys
- Waiapu River (Te Waiapu)
- Remote rural communities of Ngāti Porou
- Sweeping views across Raukūmara Range
- The horizon where the new day first rises
Who a scenic flight to Maunga Hikurang is ideal for:
-
People seeking culturally meaningful experiences.
- Travellers wanting to discover the East Cape from above.
- Photographers, storytellers, aviation enthusiasts.
- Whānau groups and visitors wanting a unique, sacred experience.
- Those interested in Māori culture, whakapapa and mythology.
Take a look at our other scenic flights
White Island / Whakaari
