Tandem ride soars above Waiheke

Let the pilot do the work as you soak in the scenery, with tandem paragliding at Onetangi Beach on Waiheke Island.

If you want some thrills, just ask James Samuel or Laurent Moretti. You'll find the two paragliding pilots on Onetangi Beach - or high in the air above it - at Waiheke Island.

With one of the pair as your personal pilot, make a graceful ascent from the beach (no frantic running required - just a few steps across the sand) to around 650m before letting go of the speed-boat tow line and "soaring in the up-drafts, just like the seagulls".

Unlike parasailing with a parachute that is never detached from the boat's tow line, paragliding uses aerofoil-style "wings". Two "seats" allow the pilot and his passenger to sit upright, separate from one another. The passenger sits in front and the towline is released at maximum height.

Adrenalin-pumping swoops, turns and even G-forces can be requested. The landing is a soft one on the beach. The price is $160 a person.

Contact: ph (09) 372 5556 or 021 686068.