Aotearoa II

Auckland Seaplanes CEO, Chris Sattler, has a true passion for aviation and recalled when he moved to Auckland that all the airfields were far from the city centre. This spurred his quest to reestablish seaplane operations within the harbour.

Auckland Seaplanes faced some challenges re-establishing a seaplane operation on the harbour after a 20- year absence. “Some people had concerns that the seaplane was going to take away a lot of space from other users. However, as boaties started to experience the seaplane we have had 99 per cent-plus support and a great relationship with the sailing clubs. ” Chris identified the Beaver as most suitable for Auckland Harbour operations in consultation with Sydney Seaplanes given its experience with operations from Sydney Harbour. “We found the Beaver to be best suited mainly due to its STOL characteristics and – to most ears – pleasant sound characteristics. ” Named Aotearoa II, the Beaver continues a long line of float and seaplane operations from Auckland Harbour commencing with Fairey floatplanes in the early part of the 20th century and including large flying boats such as the PanAm Clippers, Sunderland, Solent and Short S. 30 flying boats to the Grumman Goose and Widgeon operated by Mt Cook Airlines and Seabee Air from Mechanics Bay.

“We named the Beaver after a Short flying boat that flew the inaugural international commercial flight from Rose Bay in Sydney to Auckland in 1939,” Chris observed.

Originally delivered in 1961 to the Ghana Air Force, ZK-AMA was purchased by Aerial Agriculture in approximately 1974 and registered VH-IMN. It was later acquired by Air Whitsunday and became VH-HAQ, flying on floats in the Whitsundays before acquiring the distinctive registration of C-GBVR with Seair Services out of Vancouver, Canada. Imported into New Zealand in mid-2013 by Auckland Seaplanes the aircraft acquired the historic registration of the first Tasman Empire Airways (TEAL) Empire Class Short S. 30 to operate out of Auckland Harbour, ZK-AMA. The history of those earlier days continues to be well recorded with both a Sunderland (NZ4115) and Short Solent S. 45 (ZK-AMO Aranui) preserved in the Museum of Transport and Technology in Auckland.

A typical Auckland Seaplanes flight out of Auckland Harbour will be to a destination such as Oneroa Bay or Man o’ War Bay on Waiheke Island, to the east of Auckland. Sweeping vistas of Auckland are replaced rapidly by the stark landscape of 600‑year old Rangitoto Island, a young volcanic island complete with crater. Surprisingly, the Auckland Volcanic field comprises in excess of 50 volcanoes (currently dormant) and it’s only from the air that the craters can be fully appreciated.

Chris Sattler identified the aerial attractions in the immediate vicinity of Auckland.

“Right in front of Auckland is Rangitoto with its volcanic cone. We tend to fly over it and give passengers a glimpse into the crater. On the east coast of Auckland there are many more volcanic islands and sunken craters, which have created lakes. On Waiheke – another island – you will find some amazing architecture/holiday homes and about 29 vineyards. This combines with white sand beaches and crystal blue waters. There is a huge array of wildlife from whales, killer whales, dolphins and lots of birdlife. In contrast to this you have cliffs and wild black sand beaches on the west coast of Auckland, which gives something interesting to see for everyone. ” The landing at Oneroa Bay is a water landing with guests deplaning for a weekend in luxury or to enjoy the white sand beach and then

We found the Beaver to be best suited mainly due to its STOL characteristics.

”continue on to take in further bays, military fortifications, vineyards and volcanic craters. Landing back at Auckland is once again a water landing and a taxi back among the plethora of yachts for which Auckland has become synonymous.

In addition to its tourism operation Auckland Seaplanes is also helping the local island communities with fast, efficient transport of necessary goods and personnel as well as back-up for search and rescue to the coastguard and for emergency relief. Chief pilot Steven Newland observed that over the first few months they have had a mix of approximately 50/50 local and overseas customers. “Most are really excited about a water takeoff and landing. Auckland has over 50 islands on its doorstep and it’s a big incentive for both locals and tourists to see them from the air. ” In addition Steve noted that many customers seek a fly/dine package to restaurants and vineyards on the islands as well as fly/stay packages and longer-range transfers.

A relatively young Beaver, ZK‑AMA continues the mini-resurgence in the use of Beavers as the floatplane aircraft of choice for eco-tourism.