I had to do a trip to Auckland earlier this week and decided to check out Barrier Air's leased Cessna 208B Grand Caravan ZK-SLA and their service from North Shore to Great Barrier Island... Only one problem from my end - my camera had a hissy fit which change the white balance of my photos and gave them a blue tint. I couldn't fix until I got to the Barrier, however have corrected those most in need of it...
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| Barrier Air's extended North Shore service started on 20 January 2021... Cessna Caravan ZK-SLA lands at North Shore on GB204 |
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| Refuelling between flights GB204 and GB205 |
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| The North Shore Aero Club has developed the terminal for the two airlines servicing North Shore |
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| Unlike Barrier Air's other Caravans SLA is configured one seat each side with six rows... A configuration that I feel has a lot more passenger appeal |
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| Lining up Runway 21 at North Shore |
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| A couple of nice shots of North Shore Aerodrome on departure |
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| The titles on the side of the aircraft might have changed... showing ZK-SLA's True South ownership |
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| Karepiro Bay to the left looking down towards Long Bay and Rangitoto in the distance |
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| A couple of views of Red Beach and Orewa |
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| Gulf Harbour |
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| Motuora Island |
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| From left Motutara, Moturekareka and Motuketekete Islands with Mullet Point in the distance |
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| Kawau Island |
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| Tāwharanui Peninsula and Omaha in the distance |
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| Little Barrier Island |
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| The many islands of Great Barrier Island's western coast |
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| A couple of views of Whangaparapara Harbour |
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| Great Barrier Island's rugged interior |
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| Oruawharo Bay - the small curved bay with the Sugar Loaf and Pitokoku Island at the left |
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| Claris airport |
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| Looking north from Claris airfield |
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| the northern end of Kaitoke Beach with Palmer's Island at the point and Lion Rock beyond |
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| The white sands of Kaitoke Beach |
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| Pitokuku Island and the Sugar Loaf |
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| The white sands of Kaitoke Beach with the peak, St Paul, in the background |
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| Claris terminal with Barrier Air's ZK-SDB on the gate |
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| My ride - ZK-SLA - with the stunning back drop of Great Barrier Island's peaks in the background |
Thanks to Grant and Josh from Barrier Air for a great morning. For plane spotters or nuts the North Shore service is a great way to have a few hours on the Barrier without the parking expenses of Auckland. There is a cafe 10 minutes stroll away. There wasn't a lot happening aviation wise when I was there but the day wasn't the best. I will post a few photos in the next day or two.
Great pictures Steve, thanks!
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