This page covers aero clubs and flight schools in New Zealand, on both the North and South Islands, that post their own aircraft hire and training rates on their public pages. Rates are shown in New Zealand dollars first, the way the school lists them, with an estimated US dollar figure beside each one. We list a school's rates when its own current public page or rate sheet shows them. Where the school prints a date we show it, and where it does not, the card says "Not listed by the school" beside the date we checked the page. We leave out prices the school marks as old or expired, pages that contradict themselves, and prices dated more than 24 months ago. Some schools quote prices with GST and some do not say, some quote fuel included and some add fuel on top, and landing and airways fees are often extra, so read the notes under each school and check with the school before you plan a flight. Some New Zealand clubs publish no hourly prices at all. This page does not yet list a school in Northland, Wellington, Otago, Southland, Hawke's Bay, Gisborne, Taranaki or the West Coast, so those areas are thin or missing.
How to read this page
Prices are in New Zealand dollars (NZ$) first. The schools write a plain dollar sign ($) on their pages, and we read it as New Zealand dollars (NZD), the currency of New Zealand, shown here as NZ$. Figures with a public source link to it and show the date we checked. Where a school does not say something, the page says "Not listed by the school". Where we could not find a reliable source, it says "Unverified. We couldn't confirm a reliable source for this yet."
12 schools and clubs across 8 regions (Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Canterbury, Manawatu-Wanganui, Marlborough, Nelson, Otago, Waikato). Prices change often, and some schools charge GST, fuel, landing or airways fees on top, so check with the school first.
Jump to: Flight Training Auckland · Flying School (Whakatane) · Canterbury Recreational Aircraft Club · South Canterbury Aero Club · Feilding Flying Club · Marlborough Aero Club · Nelson Aero Club · Central Otago Flying Club · North Otago Aero Club · Waikato Aviation · Matamata Aero Club · Waikato Microlight Club
Flight Training Auckland
Location: Ardmore, Auckland
Airport: Ardmore Airport · Airport code: Not listed by the school Location source ↗ · checked Oct 28, 2026
Rates effective: Not listed by the school
Tax: Prices include GST (the school says so)
Cessna 172 Skyhawk
Cessna 152
Piper PA-28 Archer II
Wet (fuel included) or dry: Not listed by the school
The school's home page says it was formerly the Airline Flying Club. The page lists the rates per Hobbs hour, for club members and for non-members, and does not say whether fuel is included. Instructors are charged separately: dual instruction is $70 an hour with a C Cat instructor or $80 with a B Cat instructor, ground instruction is $56 or $66 an hour, and a student solo flight costs $50 an hour for the instructor. We have not shown the page's fuel-capacity figures, which do not agree with each other for the Cessna 152.
Flying School (Whakatane)
Location: Whakatane, Bay of Plenty
Airport: Whakatane Airport · Airport code: Not listed by the school Location source ↗ · checked Oct 28, 2026
Rates effective: The page has a "Note on 16 March 2026" about a rate increase, and does not give a separate date for the price list
Tax: Prices include GST (the school says so)
- Cessna 172 Skyhawk
Wet (fuel included) or dry: Not listed by the school
The school's note says it had not changed rates since 2023 and raised them in March 2026 in a first part, and that it may look at a second part in about four to six months. So these rates may change again, and it is worth calling before you rely on them. The page does not say whether fuel is included, or whether the training rate includes the instructor. The instructor rate is listed separately at $95 an hour. It also lists a trial flight at $230, a biennial flight review fee of $200 (ground and paperwork), day aviation theory at $100 a day, and a Cirrus SR22 at $500 an hour (not shown here). The page does not name the two-seater. Opening hours are Friday or Saturday or by appointment.
Canterbury Recreational Aircraft Club
Location: Rangiora, Canterbury
Airport: Not listed by the school · Airport code: Not listed by the school Location source ↗ · checked Oct 28, 2026
Rates effective: The page says "Valid from 1 August 2026"
Tax: Prices include GST (the school says so)
Wet (fuel included) or dry: Not listed by the school
The club is at Fernside, Rangiora. The page says prices are subject to change without notice. Hourly prices are per flight hour, and instructor time is additional if required. The page does not say whether fuel is included. Its instructors volunteer their time, and the page suggests a donation of $50 for a standard instructional flight and $60 for a cross-country training flight or a biennial flight review. Joining fee is $30 one-off. The page also lists hangarage for microlight and light sport aircraft at $280 a month.
South Canterbury Aero Club
Location: Timaru, Canterbury
Airport: Richard Pearse Airport · Airport code: Not listed by the school Location source ↗ · checked Oct 29, 2026
Rates effective: Not listed by the school
Tax: Not listed by the school
Tecnam P2008 JC- Cessna 172 Skyhawk
Piper PA-18 Super Cub
Wet (fuel included) or dry: Not listed by the school
The club says the Tecnam P2008 and Piper Super Cub rates include fuel. For the Alpha 160A and Cessna 172N it says: "Hire rates are plus fuel at the current rate 35litres per hour". The page does not say whether prices include GST.
Feilding Flying Club
Location: Feilding, Manawatu-Wanganui
Airport: Feilding Aerodrome · Airport code: Not listed by the school Location source ↗ · checked Oct 28, 2026
Rates effective: Not listed by the school
Tax: Not listed by the school
Wet (fuel included) or dry: Not listed by the school
The page gives one hire and training rate per aircraft and does not say whether fuel or GST is included (it lists fuel use at 20 litres an hour for both). The club's home page says it operates microlight aircraft under CAR Part 103: to fly a club aircraft solo you must belong to the club, which is affiliated with RAANZ, and hold a RAANZ microlight pilot certificate, and a PPL or CPL alone is not enough. Membership fees are not listed on this page.
Marlborough Aero Club
Location: Blenheim, Marlborough
Airport: Omaka Airfield · Airport code: Not listed by the school Location source ↗ · checked Oct 28, 2026
Rates effective: The "Aircraft Rates" section says "Effective 1 July 2026 and inclusive of GST *subject to change"
Tax: Prices include GST (the school says so)
Piper PA-38 Tomahawk- Cessna 172 Skyhawk
These hourly rates are dry: the page adds a fuel component for each aircraft, shown here as a note and not added to the figures. The fuel component is 25 litres an hour x the current AvGas price for the Tomahawk, 40 litres an hour for the Cessna 172 and 35 litres an hour for the Piper Pacer. Dual includes the instructor (the page says flight instruction is included in the dual rate). The school owns and runs Omaka Airfield and charges a landing fee, and it also lists membership, instructor, trial flight, hangar and parking fees. Those carry other dates on the page (1 December 2023 for landing, membership, instructor and trial flights; 1 April 2026 for parking), so we have not shown them here.
Nelson Aero Club
Location: Nelson, Nelson
Airport: Nelson Airport · Airport code: Not listed by the school Location source ↗ · checked Oct 28, 2026
Rates effective: The rate sheet says "Effective from March 2026, 3rd Fuel Increase"
Tax: Prices include GST at 15% (the school says so)
- Cessna 152
- Cessna 172 Skyhawk
Wet (fuel included) or dry: Not listed by the school
The sheet does not say whether the hourly rates include fuel. The dual figures are $70 an hour above solo, the same as the sheet's instructor fee of $70 an hour for a flight in your own aircraft. Landing fees at Nelson are extra: $25 for the Cessna 152 and $32.41 for the Cessna 172, and circuits are $5 each at Nelson or $10 at Motueka with no limit of circuits in one flight. Landing and airways fees at other airports are charged as incurred. Ground instruction is $70 an hour. The biennial flight review fee is $287.50 plus aircraft hire (the sheet says you must be a club member, and the fee covers up to 5 hours of instruction). The sheet also lists flight plan, aerodrome and overdue search fees, and a line for AVGAS whose figure we have not used. The club office is not always staffed, so contact them by email or text.
Central Otago Flying Club
Location: Alexandra, Otago
Airport: Alexandra airport · Airport code: Not listed by the school Location source ↗ · checked Oct 29, 2026
Rates effective: Not listed by the school
Tax: Not listed by the school
- Cessna 172 Skyhawk
Wet (fuel included) or dry: Not listed by the school
The club says its Cessna 172 is available for suitably qualified members to hire, and that the hire rate shown is for club members only; non-members should contact the club. The page does not say whether the rate includes fuel or GST.
North Otago Aero Club
Location: Oamaru, Otago
Airport: Oamaru Airport · Airport code: Not listed by the school Location source ↗ · checked Oct 29, 2026
Rates effective: Not listed by the school
Tax: Not listed by the school
Hourly rate: Not listed by the school
The club flies a Cessna 172 and an ICP Savannah S. Its pricing page shows an "Aircraft Rate" for each aircraft without saying what time unit it is for, so we do not show it. Check with the club for its hourly rates. The page lists instructors at $40 per hour (C-Cat) and $60 per hour (B-Cat), and $10 off the aircraft rate for prepaid accounts. Social and junior (under 18) memberships are $25 per year.
Waikato Aviation
Location: Hamilton, Waikato
Airport: Not listed by the school · Airport code: Not listed by the school Location source ↗ · checked Oct 29, 2026
Rates effective: Not listed by the school
Tax: Not listed by the school
- Piper PA-28 Archer II
- Cessna 172 Skyhawk
Robin R2160
Diamond DA42 Twin Star
Wet (fuel included) or dry: Not listed by the school
The school lists its address as 255 Steele Rd, Hamilton. Dual rates depend on the instructor category (C-Cat or B-Cat), as shown. The page does not say whether the rates include fuel or GST.
Matamata Aero Club
Location: Matamata, Waikato
Airport: Matamata Aerodrome · Airport code: Not listed by the school Location source ↗ · checked Oct 28, 2026
Rates effective: The fee schedule says "Schedule of fees as of 20/9/2026, V21.1", and the club's notice says the new fees are effective 22/09/2026
Tax: Prices include GST (the school says so)
The club's own microlight, a Tecnam P92 Echo (ZK-PFL), at Matamata Aerodrome. The schedule says the rates are per engine hour and wet, charged on engine time, and the club's notice says the fuel surcharge is now built into the flying fees. The schedule also has a line "Add for avgas, per hr: 15" and does not say when it applies, so ask the club. Dual hire includes the instructor. The ordinary member joining fee is $50 (one-off). A trial flight (including 3 months membership and 1 hour of engine time) is $260. Airways fees are charged at cost and landing fees depend on the airfield, so look at the schedule. The club's home page lists its hours as Wednesday to Friday (call) and Saturday and Sunday 11am to 3pm.
Waikato Microlight Club
Location: Te Kōwhai, Waikato
Airport: Te Kōwhai · Airport code: NZTE Location source ↗ · checked Oct 29, 2026
Rates effective: Not listed by the school
Tax: Not listed by the school
Wet (fuel included) or dry: Not listed by the school
The club flies a Tecnam P92 Echo microlight. Besides the membership, the club lists annual club plane PIC insurance at $100 NZD a year. The page does not say whether the rates include fuel or GST.
Rental and training rates from each school's own public page, in New Zealand dollars with an estimated US dollar figure. Last checked Oct 29, 2026.
Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA) basics
These points are in our own words from Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA)'s public pages, which are the official word. Requirements vary, so confirm the details with Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA) and with the school before you plan training or a rental.
- Licence steps. CAA says becoming a pilot takes flying lessons for practical experience and passing written theory exams. You also need a medical examination, a 'fit and proper person' test and a demonstration that you are proficient in English. CAA says most people start with a trial flight at a local aero club or flying school. For recreation only you can choose a microlight certificate or a private pilot licence, and for a career you can train towards a commercial or airline transport pilot licence. CAA's pilot licensing page shows no date.Source: CAA: Pilot licensing (page shows no date) ↗ · checked Oct 28, 2026
- Private pilot licence (PPL). Rule 61.153 says to be eligible for a private pilot licence you must be at least 17 and hold at least a current class 2 medical certificate (or a DL9 driver licence medical, see below). The minimum flight time is 50 hours, made up of solo, dual, instrument and cross-country time acceptable to the Director, or 40 hours if you do not want to fly cross-country. You also need exam credits in air law, air navigation and flight planning, meteorology, aircraft technical knowledge, human factors and flight radiotelephony, and a flight test. A PPL holder cannot fly for remuneration or hire or reward, and needs an instructor's logbook certification to fly at night or cross-country. The page shows no date.Source: CAA: Part 61 Subpart D, Private Pilot Licences (page shows no date) ↗ · checked Oct 28, 2026
- Commercial pilot licence (CPL). Rule 61.203 says a commercial pilot licence applicant must be at least 18, hold a current private pilot licence and hold a current class 1 medical certificate. For an aeroplane the minimum flight time is 200 hours, or 150 hours if undertaking a course of approved training. The applicant also needs written exam credits in air law, flight navigation, meteorology, principles of flight and aircraft performance, aircraft technical knowledge and human factors, and a flight test. The page shows no date.Source: CAA: Part 61 Subpart E, Commercial Pilot Licences (page shows no date) ↗ · checked Oct 28, 2026
- English language and fit and proper person. CAA's pilot licensing page says that as well as flying lessons you will have to demonstrate you are proficient in the English language and pass a 'fit and proper person' test. This page does not set out the English level, so ask the CAA or your training provider. The page shows no date.Source: CAA: Pilot licensing (page shows no date) ↗ · checked Oct 28, 2026
- Medical certificates. Rule 67.53 lists three classes of medical certificate: class 1, class 2 and class 3. Under rule 67.61 a class 1 medical is valid for up to 12 months (6 months for single-pilot air operations carrying passengers if you are 40 or older when it is issued). A class 2 is valid for up to 60 months if you are under 40 and up to 24 months if you are 40 or older. A class 3 is valid for up to 48 months if you are under 40 and up to 24 months if 40 or older. CAA says laminated CAA medical certificates are being replaced by electronic versions from 1 July 2026. The pages show no date.Source: CAA: Part 67 Subpart B, Medical Certification; Medical certification (pages show no date) ↗ · checked Oct 28, 2026
- DL9 driver licence medical. CAA says a private pilot licence holder can fly on a DL9 driver licence medical, but the DL9 must be at least a class 2 (2,3,4,5) medical with a passenger (P) endorsement. Rule 61.155 limits a DL9-only PPL holder to aircraft up to 2,730 kg, no IFR, no more than 5 passengers, and night flying only within 25 NM of a lit aerodrome. CAA says that from 29 September 2026 NZTA is introducing a digital DL9, and DL9 certificates for flying must be emailed to the CAA Medical Unit within 7 working days, with no CAA application fee for a DL9P. CAA also says a student pilot flying on a DL9 needs a current one to go solo. The page shows no date.Source: CAA: PPL privileges by type of medical certificate (page shows no date) ↗ · checked Oct 28, 2026
- Applying, microlight and foreign licences. CAA says you can apply for a new licence, or update an existing one, through MyAviation. It has separate pages for recognising foreign pilot licences and for the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act, under which New Zealand and Australia recognise each other's professional flight crew licences. CAA's page also mentions the microlight certificate as an option for recreational flying. The page shows no date.Source: CAA: Pilot licensing (page shows no date) ↗ · checked Oct 28, 2026