FloatplaneFly around New Zealand’s iconic active marine volcano, Whakaari/ White Island, followed by the peaks and craters of the sleeping giant, Mount Tarawera, and the surreal colors of Waimangu Volcanic Valley. This tour offers a flight experience like no other in the world!
Highlights
- Thrilling take off and landing on Lake Rotorua
- Unparalleled views of Mokoia Island, Sulphur Bay, and Rotorua City
- Stunning views of 12 distinct Crater Lakes
- Fly past Putauaki/ Mt Edgecumbe, Whakatane and out over the Bay of Plenty
- Spend 10 minutes flying around Whakaari/ White Island, NZ’s most active marine volcano
- Fly over dormant volcano Mount Tarawera’s 8km rift and craters
- Aerial views of Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the world’s youngest geothermal park, featuring the vibrant Inferno Crater, Frying Pan Lake, and Steaming Cliffs
- Expert commentary on the geography and cultural heritage
Tour Description
This once-in-a-lifetime flight combines aerial views of the region’s most renowned scenic highlights with the romance of a floatplane flight, taking off and landing on Lake Rotorua. Experience the beauty of Rotorua’s lakes district (flying over 14 lakes!), the fertile farms and orchards, and the stunning coastline of the Bay of Plenty.
Sitting 48 km off the coast, Whakaari/ White Island is New Zealand’s most active marine volcano. Spend about 15 minutes flying around the volcano, taking in amazing aerial views of the island’s crater lake and ever-changing volcanic activity. Your pilot will provide commentary about the volcano's history and geology, ensuring sure both sides of the aircraft can appreciate the views. Keep your eyes peeled for marine animal activity - schools of fish, dolphins and whales often feed around the nutrient-rich bay.
Return back across the Pacific Ocean, flying over Whakatane and Mt Edgecumb to the site of the largest eruption in New Zealand’s living memory, Mount Tarawera. En route, take in the magnificent coast, distant national parks, multiple volcanoes and the massive Kaingaroa Forest. Witness firsthand the enormous craters formed during the 1886 eruption and follow the volcanic rift to the stunning Waimangu Volcanic Valley. After taking in the Steaming Cliffs, Frying Pan Lake and Inferno Crater, return to Rotorua City via the Whakarewarewa Forest and Thermal Reserve and Sulfur Bay.
Details
Duration: Allow 1 hour 45 minutes
Location: All tours depart from Lakefront Drive, Rotorua City Lakefront
Requirements: This flight operates with a minimum of 2 adult fares.
Please note that bags or packs are not permitted on board. Guests are welcome to bring a camera.
Children: Under 2 free of charge.
Children 2-11 years pay a child fare (75% of the adult fare).
Find out more about our floatplanes here!
Whakaari/ White Island was the location of the tragic eruption on 9 December, 2019 which took the lives of 22 people.
A Netflix documentary which tells a story of that eruption was released in 2022 to great acclaim. The Volcano: Rescue From Whakaari, from Oscar nominated director Rory Kennedy, features interviews with some of the Volcanic Air pilots who were involved in the eruption and subsequent rescue. 4 of our pilots went on to receive the insignia of the New Zealand Bravery Decoration for their actions on 9 December 2019.
