Volcanoes & Natural Wonders

Situated 48 kilometres off the Bay of Plenty coastline, Whakaari / White Island is New Zealand's most active cone volcano and one of its most extraordinary natural landmarks.

In December 2019, Whakaari erupted with devastating consequences, claiming 22 lives. This tragic event remains deeply etched in the history and hearts of our region and serves as a powerful reminder of nature's unpredictable forces.

While visitors can no longer land on the island, viewing Whakaari from the air is an unforgettable experience.

Rising more than 1,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean, the island reveals just the upper third of a vast submarine volcano, shaped by volcanic activity over thousands of years.

Its ever-changing crater is a remarkable sight. On some days, towering plumes of steam rise from its depths; on others, volcanic gases and occasional ash emissions transform the landscape. A crater lake may appear and disappear as conditions change, while intensely heated vents and colourful sulphur deposits reveal the extraordinary geothermal forces at work beneath the surface.

The surrounding waters are equally remarkable. Schools of fish and pods of dolphins are frequently spotted, while thriving gannet colonies make their home on this isolated volcanic outpost.

There are few places in the world quite like Whakaari. To fly above this remote and restless volcano is to witness an extraordinary landscape in constant transformation — a breathtaking and humbling reminder of Mother Nature's raw, untamed and sometimes unforgiving power.

The eruption trail from Mount Tarawera runs through Lake Rotomahana towards Waimangu, the world’s youngest geothermal system. From the air, the valley reveals the vivid blue of Inferno Crater and the steam rising from Frying Pan Lake, the world’s largest hot spring.

Both aircraft visit for flyover views only. The Mount Tarawera / Waimangu floatplane flight (3A) offers an aerial perspective of the valley, while the Mount Tarawera Landing / Geothermal Parks helicopter flight (3C) flies over Waimangu and lands on Tarawera, not here.

The combined floatplane tour 3AH also flies over Waimangu before landing on Lake Rotoiti for the hot pools. That water landing is at Rotoiti, not in the geothermal valley. We do not land at Waimangu.

Manupirua Bay shelters seven natural thermal pools on the edge of Lake Rotoiti, a locals’ favourite surrounded by native bush. There is no road access: visitors arrive by boat or floatplane. Our floatplanes touch down on the lake and taxi to the jetty, where you step ashore for a 90-minute soak.

Choose a pool with a temperature that suits you, cool off in the lake or enjoy a snack from the café while looking across the water. Bring your swimsuit and towel; changing facilities are available before you reboard for the flight back to Rotorua.

Our Crater Lakes and Mount Tarawera / Waimangu hot-pool flights both explore the lakes district before landing on Lake Rotoiti. This is a water arrival for pool access, not a helicopter or summit landing.

For the Floatplane Lakeside Picnic Getaway we land on the water and put you ashore on a secluded beach with a picnic set up and no one else around. Around 70 minutes of complete privacy, then the aircraft comes back for you.

Leave the roads behind and discover the quiet of a wilderness river. Clear pools, native forest and the chance to cast for trout make fly fishing a memorable way to experience the North Island’s backcountry.

A private helicopter charter can form part of a fishing day tailored to your plans. Tell us about your fishing experience, preferred dates and group size, and we’ll discuss suitable access options and any guiding arrangements you need.

River access and landing sites must be confirmed in advance and remain subject to permissions, weather and river conditions. Fishing licences and local regulations apply; our team can discuss what is required when planning your trip.

Make the journey part of your stay. Our private helicopter and floatplane charters can connect your accommodation with Rotorua, another lodge or a day exploring the lakes and volcanic landscapes. From luxury retreats to private lakeside homes, we tailor the flight to your plans.

Helicopters can arrive at properties with suitable approved landing areas. Floatplanes can reach waterfront accommodation where safe water access and a suitable jetty or sheltered shoreline are available. Accommodation landings are arranged by private charter, rather than being a stop on every scenic tour.

We work with the accommodation partners below and can also assess other private properties. Every arrival is arranged in advance with the property and is subject to permissions, aircraft availability, weather and landing conditions. Tell us where you’re staying, your dates, passenger numbers and luggage, and our team will confirm the right aircraft and arrival options.