Experience Lake Taupō from the air on a scenic floatplane flight, offering unforgettable aerial views of the lake, volcanic landscapes, and surrounding alpine terrain.
Experience Lake Taupō from a completely different perspective with a scenic floatplane flight over one of New Zealand’s most remarkable landscapes. Departing directly from the lake, these floatplane experiences offer stunning aerial views of Lake Taupō’s crystal-clear waters, dramatic volcanic terrain, and the wider Central Plateau.
As you soar above the lake, you’ll enjoy sweeping views toward Tongariro National Park, with its volcanic peaks, geothermal features, and vast alpine scenery unfolding beneath you. Each flight is designed to showcase the scale and natural beauty of the region, delivering a smooth, memorable flying experience without the need to leave the aircraft.
With a range of scenic flight options available — from short lake flights to longer volcanic and geothermal routes — Lake Taupō floatplane experiences offer a unique and unforgettable way to see the region from the air.
Choose from a range of scenic floatplane flight experiences departing directly from the Lake Taupō waterfront. Each option showcases a different perspective of the lake, surrounding volcanic landscapes, and geothermal features.
Price: Adults $147.30 per person – Children $73.65.00 pp (aged 3 to 15)
Departs: lake Taupo waterfront
Flight Duration: 10 minutes
A short and captivating introduction to Lake Taupō from the air. After taking off from Taupō Bay, this scenic flight passes over Acacia Bay and the crystal-clear waters of the lake before following the Waikato River from its source.
You’ll enjoy aerial views of the Craters of the Moon geothermal area, the Wairakei Power Station bore fields, and a dramatic flyover of Huka Falls, before circling Taupō township and landing back on the lakefront.
Price: Adults $220.96 per person – Children $110.48 pp (aged 3 to 15)
Departs: lake Taupo waterfront
Flight Duration: 20 minutes
One of the most popular scenic flights, this experience offers a broader look at Lake Taupō and its geothermal surroundings. The flight tracks past Acacia Bay to Rangatira Point, Mine Bay, and the clear waters of Whakaupo.
Climbing through the Mapara Valley, you’ll see red scoria quarries, the headwaters of the Waikato River, the Craters of the Moon thermal area, and the Wairakei geothermal pipe network, before a sweeping aerial circuit of Huka Falls and Taupō township.
Price: Adults $352.49 per person – Children $176.24 pp (aged 3 to 15)
Departs: lake Taupo waterfront
Flight Duration: 30 minutes
This extended scenic flight explores the remote western shores of Lake Taupō — areas inaccessible by road. Soar above secluded coves, hidden beaches, and untouched coastline before returning via the Wairakei geothermal landscape.
The flight concludes with a thrilling flyover of Huka Falls and the Waikato River before landing back on the lake.
Price: Adults $526.09 per person – Child $263.04 (aged 3 to 15)
Departs: lake Taupo waterfront
Trip Duration: 2 Hours & 15 minutes approx.
A spectacular alpine flight showcasing the volcanic heart of the central North Island. After departing Lake Taupō, the flight passes over Turangi and Lake Rotoaira before reaching the vibrant Blue and Emerald Lakes.
You’ll continue into Tongariro National Park, flying over the Tama Lakes and circling Mount Ruapehu, with views of Crater Lake and the ski fields. The return journey includes a flyover of Mount Ngauruhoe before heading back to Taupō.
Price: Adults $526.09 per person – Child $263.04 (aged 3 to 15)
Departs: lake Taupo waterfront
Trip Duration: 2 Hours & 15 minutes approx.
This unique experience combines scenic flying with a geothermal landing. After flying past Craters of the Moon, the floatplane lands on the Waikato River, where you disembark for time exploring the Orakei Korako Thermal Valley.
The return flight includes views of Huka Falls and Taupō township before landing back on the lake.
Price: Adults $1210 per person – Child $605.00 (aged 3 to 15)
Departs: lake Taupo waterfront
Trip Duration: 2 Hours approx allow 3.5 hours if including the stop off at Orakei Korako. An additional $155.00 pp
An unforgettable long-range flight following the Taupō Volcanic Zone north past Mount Tarawera to White Island, New Zealand’s only active marine volcano. View the active crater and historic sulphur mines from the air before returning via the Rotorua Lakes and geothermal landscapes.
Optional landing at Orakei Korako is available on the return journey.