Rotorua
Rotorua Scenic Flights By Floatplane
Volcanic Air is conveniently located on the lakefront of Rotorua City, and our ‘Floatplane Tours’ allow you to experience the romance of a floatplane’s takeoff and landing. Enjoy stunning lake vistas, panoramic views of Rotorua, and a flight over the unique volcanic scenery of the Bay of Plenty.
Our most popular scenic trip is our Mount Tarawera / Waimangu Volcanic Valley and White Island flyover, but for the more daring, landings by floatplane can be arranged at the secret valley of Orakei Korako and explore the geothermal activity of the valley. Volcanic Air provides a unique view of our lakes district volcanoes and geothermal playground from all of its flights.
Check out our various scenic floatplane flight options from Rotorua:
Aerial Views Over Six Crater Lakes
Price: Adults $225 per person
Price: Child (Age 2 – 11) $169 pp
(flight operates with a minimum of 2 adult fares)
Departs: 9:00 am 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm
Duration: 15 minutes approx.
Departing our city lakefront pier experience the thrill of a floatplane take off before climbing above Mokoia Island on track to our hidden lakes district and the Volcanic Peaks of Mount Tarawera.
At 3680 feet in elevation this majestic volcano dominates the surrounding landscape and plays centre piece to the stunning lakes which surrounds it.
Above Tarawera views of cavernous craters reveal the power of what was the largest eruption in New Zealand’s living memory.
The 1886 eruption devastated the local area including our famous Pink and White Terraces once claimed as the eighth wonder of the world.
Included in the flight is our stunning lakes district and aerial views of the Waimangu thermal Valley and its vibrant Inferno Crater and Frying Pan Lake.
Returning to Rotorua our descent takes us past the Whakarewarewa thermal reserve and over the city before landing on Lake Rotorua.
Mt. Tarawera/Waimangu Thermal Valley
Price: Adults $345 per person
Price: Child (Age 2 – 11) $259 pp
(flight operates with a minimum of 2 adult fares)
Departs: 9:00 am 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm
Duration: 30 minutes approx
Eruption Trail Tour flight encompasses Mount Tarawera & Waimangu Thermal Valley.
Flights depart our city lakefront pier experience the thrill of a floatplane take off before climbing above Mokoia Island on track to our hidden lakes district and the Volcanic Peaks of Mount Tarawera.
At 3680 feet in elevation this majestic volcano dominates the surrounding landscape and plays centre piece to the stunning lakes which surrounds it.
Above Tarawera views of cavernous craters reveal the power of what was the largest eruption in New Zealand’s living memory. The 1886 eruption devastated the local area including our famous Pink and White Terraces once claimed as the eighth wonder of the world.
Included in the flight is our stunning lakes district and aerial views of the Waimangu thermal Valley and its vibrant Inferno Crater and Frying Pan Lake.
Returning to Rotorua our descent takes us past the Whakarewarewa thermal reserve and over the city before landing on Lake Rotorua
Mt. Tarawera/Orakei Korako
Price: Adults $710 per person
Price: Child (Age 2 – 11) $553 pp
(flight operates with a minimum of 2 adult fares)
Departs: 9:00 am 12:00 pm
Duration: 150 minutes approx
“The Thermal Explorer” Departing our city lakefront pier experience the thrill of a floatplane take off before climbing above Mokoia Island on track to our hidden lakes district and the Volcanic Peaks of Mount Tarawera.
At 3680 feet in elevation this majestic volcano dominates the surrounding landscape and plays centre piece to the lakes which surrounds it.
above Tarawera views of cavernous craters reveal the power of what was the largest eruption in New Zealand’s living memory. The 1886 eruption devastated the local area including our famous Pink and White Terraces once claimed as the eighth wonder of the world.
Continuing south and along the fault we fly over the Waimangu Valley to view the Frying Pan Lake and Inferno Crater spectacular from above.
Further south again aerial views of the Wai-O-Tapu reserve provide a tapestry of vibrant colours including the Champagne Pool, Artists Pallet and the reserves coloured lakes and hot pools.
Leaving Wai-O-Tapu we descend to follow the Waikato River to the hidden valley of Orakei Korako. Landing on the river is a thrill in its own rite before docking to board your ferry to cross the river and begin your land based tour.
Here experience hot springs, gushing geysers and the natural beauty of this geothermal wonderland. Your return flight takes in views of farms and the Paeroa mountain range before flying over Rotorua city and returning to our lakefront pier.
This tour is approximately 2 hours 15 minutes in duration, includes approximately 1 hour touring the Valley and includes check in and briefing
White Island/Mt Tarawera Adventure
Price: Adults $965 per person
Price: Child (Age 2 – 11) $724 pp
(flight operates with a minimum of 2 adult fares)
Departs: 9:00 am 12:00 pm
Duration: 85 minutes approx.
This enthralling tour combines aerial views of the region’s most known visual landmarks with the romanticism of a floatplane flight that begins and ends on the shores of Lake Rotorua.
Enjoy the magnificence of our lakes district, the peaks and craters of Mount Tarawera, and a fly over ‘White Island,’ New Zealand’s only constantly active volcano.
This approximately one-and-a-quarter-hour-and-fifteen-minute flight provides aerial views of the greater Bay of Plenty, as well as varied landscapes including national parks, lush farmland plains, and hill country sheep and cattle ranches.
Our breathtaking coastline is highlighted, as are overhead views of the orchards where the majority of the region’s Kiwifruit is cultivated.
Combined with knowledgeable and engaging commentary, this is an excellent way to get an overview of the Bay of Plenty if time is short.
There is no doubt that this tour delivers outstanding scenic value, but with the extra excitement of landing and taking off from the lake in a floatplane, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Rotoiti Thermal Pools by Floatplane
Price: Adults $475 per person
Price: Child (Age 2 – 11) $357 pp
(flight operates with a minimum of 2 adult fares)
Departs: 9:00 am 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm
Duration: 2 Hours approx.
Join us to view Rotorua beyond the crater rim. Enjoy spectacular views of our hidden lakes district, distant volcanoes and local geothermal activity.
In this captivating overview of this stunning area continue your experience on your floatplane scenic flight towards lake Rotoiti. Landing on the lake we’ll taxi to the pier where you disembark, your Eden awaiting.
Only accessible by water, the hot pools are in a secluded bay on the shores of Lake Rotoiti.
Seemingly disconnected from the world, this is where you’ll spend 90 minutes, with your only concerns being which pool to experience next.
Take your time soaking, cool off in the lake, rest a bit on a lounger and repeat before returning to the Rotorua City Lakefront.
Lake Side Picnic By Floatplane
Price: Adults $418 per person
Price: Child (Age 2 – 11) $314.00 pp
(flight operates with a minimum of 2 adult fares)
Departs: 12:00 pm
Duration: 90 minutes approx.
This new package targets the home market. It’s for travellers who dream of beach vacations and uninhabited islands but can’t go this year.
Rotorua Lakefront. The 90-minute package includes a float plane flight over Lake Rotorua, Mokoia Island, and Rotorua’s Northern crater lakes.
Passengers disembark at a private beach on Lake Rotoiti’s northern border for an hour of dining, swimming, and exploring. While they explore, the pilot will prepare a picnic.
Terrace Kitchen caters exquisite picnics for romantic lakeside getaways. For a special occasion, tourists can splurge on Champagne.
Perfect for someone who has everything or a special occasion. Floatplane is a lovely, unique way to see Rotorua and its lakes.
