Rotorua Floatplane Scenic Flights — Volcanic Air.
Updated: 13th July 2026
Rotorua Scenic Flights by Floatplane
Discover Rotorua’s spectacular geothermal landscapes, crater lakes and volcanic scenery on a scenic floatplane flight with Volcanic Air. Departing directly from the Rotorua lakefront, these unique flights combine the excitement of water take-offs and landings with breathtaking aerial views that simply can’t be experienced from the ground.
Choose from a range of unforgettable floatplane adventures, from short scenic flights over Rotorua’s famous crater lakes to extended journeys showcasing Mount Tarawera, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Whakaari / White Island, Lake Rotoiti and Orakei Korako. Every flight is professionally operated and offers a unique perspective of New Zealand’s geothermal heartland.
Choose Your Rotorua Floatplane Adventure
Aerial Views Over Rotorua's Crater Lakes
Price: Adults $270 per person
Price: Child (Age 2 – 11) $203
(flight operates with a minimum of 2 adult fares)
Departs: 9:00 am 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm
Duration: 15 minutes approx.
Rotorua Floatplane Scenic Tour Highlights
- Thrilling floatplane takeoff and landing on Lake Rotorua.
- Unforgettable aerial views of Mokoia Island, Sulphur Bay, and Rotorua City.
- Stunning panoramas of 12 crater lakes, including Tikitapu (Blue Lake) and Rotokākahi (Green Lake).
- Unique perspectives of Mount Tarawera and its volcanic legacy.
Flight Itinerary
Your adventure begins with an exciting floatplane take-off from Lake Rotorua, climbing above Sulphur Bay and Rotorua City before revealing the spectacular Hidden Lakes District. Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of 12 crater lakes, including the brilliant blue waters of Tikitapu (Blue Lake) and the emerald-green Rotokākahi (Green Lake), surrounded by native forest.
Continue towards the majestic Mount Tarawera, where you’ll appreciate the scale of the volcanic rift created during the dramatic 1886 eruption. You’ll also enjoy panoramic views of Waimangu Volcanic Valley, including Inferno Crater and Frying Pan Lake, before returning over Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve for a smooth water landing back on Lake Rotorua.
Mt. Tarawera Explorer by Floatplane
Price: Adults $395 per person
Price: Child (Age 2 – 11) $297 pp
(flight operates with a minimum of 2 adult fares)
Departs: 9:00 am 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm
Duration: 30 minutes approx
Rotorua Floatplane Scenic Tour Highlights
- Thrilling takeoff and landing on Lake Rotorua.
- Fly over the dramatic volcanic rift and craters of Mount Tarawera.
- Panoramic views of Rotorua’s hidden crater lakes, including Tikitapu (Blue Lake) and Rotokākahi (Green Lake).
- Marvel at the geothermal wonders of Waimangu Volcanic Valley, featuring Inferno Crater and Frying Pan Lake.
- Soar above the Redwood Forest and Rotorua City.
Flight Itinerary:
Take off from Lake Rotorua and enjoy an exciting floatplane departure over Sulphur Bay before flying above Rotorua’s spectacular crater lakes, including Tikitapu (Blue Lake) and Rotokākahi (Green Lake). Surrounded by native forest, these vibrant lakes provide some of the region’s most memorable aerial views.
Continue towards the impressive Mount Tarawera, where you’ll witness the dramatic 8-kilometre volcanic rift and deep craters created during the 1886 eruption. From above, you’ll gain a unique perspective of one of New Zealand’s most significant volcanic landscapes.
Your journey then follows the geothermal wonders of Waimangu Volcanic Valley, home to the brilliant Inferno Crater, Frying Pan Lake and steaming geothermal features. Before returning to Lake Rotorua, enjoy sweeping views across the Redwood Forest, Rotorua City and Mount Ngongotahā, completing an unforgettable scenic flight.
Mt. Tarawera/Orakei Korako
Price: Adults $845 per person
Price: Child (Age 2 – 11) $634 pp
(flight operates with a minimum of 2 adult fares)
Departs: 9:00 am 12:00 pm
Duration: 150 minutes approx
Rotorua Floatplane Scenic Tour Highlights
- Thrilling takeoff and landing on Lake Rotorua and the Waikato River.
- Fly over Mount Tarawera, Waimangu Valley, and Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park.
- Experience the vibrant geothermal features of Orakei Korako, including silica terraces and geysers.
- Enjoy a 1-hour self-guided geothermal tour of Orakei Korako.
- Scenic return flight over farmland, the Paeroa Mountain Range, and Rotorua City.
Flight Itinerary:
Depart from Lake Rotorua with an exhilarating floatplane take-off before flying above Rotorua’s colourful geothermal landscapes and spectacular crater lakes. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside as you make your way towards Orakei Korako, one of New Zealand’s most remarkable geothermal attractions.
After a scenic water landing, you’ll have time to explore Orakei Korako – The Hidden Valley at your own pace. Wander through this unique geothermal wonderland featuring steaming geysers, bubbling mud pools, silica terraces and one of the country’s largest concentrations of active geothermal features.
Following your visit, re-board the floatplane for the return flight to Rotorua, taking in breathtaking aerial views of Lake Ohakuri, native forest and the volcanic landscapes of the central North Island before landing back on Lake Rotorua.
White Island/Mt Tarawera Adventure
Price: Adults $1230 per person
Price: Child (Age 2 – 11) $923 pp
(flight operates with a minimum of 2 adult fares)
Departs: 9:00 am 12:00 pm
Duration: 85 minutes approx.
Rotorua Floatplane Scenic Tour Highlights
- Thrilling floatplane takeoff and landing on Lake Rotorua.
- Panoramic views of Mokoia Island, Sulphur Bay, and Rotorua City.
- Fly over the Bay of Plenty, passing Mt. Edgecumbe (Putauaki) and Whakatane.
- Circle Whakaari/White Island, New Zealand’s most active marine volcano.
- Aerial views of Mount Tarawera’s volcanic rift and craters.
- Soar above Waimangu Volcanic Valley, featuring Inferno Crater and Frying Pan Lake.
Flight Itinerary:
Experience an unforgettable floatplane take-off from Lake Rotorua before flying across the region’s spectacular crater lakes and geothermal landscapes towards the iconic Mount Tarawera. From the air, enjoy breathtaking views of the mountain’s dramatic summit and the immense 8-kilometre volcanic rift created during the 1886 eruption.
Continue over the remarkable Waimangu Volcanic Valley, where you’ll see the vivid colours of Inferno Crater, the steaming waters of Frying Pan Lake and surrounding geothermal features that make this one of New Zealand’s most active volcanic regions.
As you return to Rotorua, take in panoramic views of Lake Rotomahana, native forests and the city’s geothermal heartland before completing a smooth water landing back on Lake Rotorua.
Rotoiti Thermal Pools by Floatplane
Price: Adults $580 per person
Price: Child (Age 2 – 11) $435 pp
(flight operates with a minimum of 2 adult fares)
Departs: 9:00 am 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm
Duration: 2 Hours approx.
Rotorua Floatplane Scenic Tour Highlights:
- Thrilling floatplane takeoff and landing on Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti.
- Stunning views of 12 distinct crater lakes, including Tikitapu (Blue Lake) and Rotokākahi (Green Lake).
- Aerial perspectives of Mount Tarawera, with its dramatic volcanic backdrop.
- 90 minutes of relaxation at the secluded Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools, only accessible by water.
- Expert commentary on Rotorua’s geography, history, and cultural heritage.
Flight Itinerary:
Take off from Lake Rotorua and enjoy spectacular aerial views of the region’s crater lakes, geothermal landscapes and native forests as your floatplane heads towards one of New Zealand’s most unique thermal destinations.
After a scenic water landing, relax in the naturally heated Manupirua Hot Pools, located on the tranquil shores of Lake Rotoiti and accessible only by boat or aircraft. Surrounded by native bush and overlooking the lake, these secluded mineral pools provide the perfect place to unwind while soaking in the peaceful scenery.
Following your thermal bathing experience, re-board the floatplane for the return flight to Rotorua. Enjoy panoramic views across Lake Rotoiti, Mokoia Island and the surrounding volcanic landscape before making a smooth water landing back on Lake Rotorua.
Lake Side Picnic By Floatplane
Price: Adults $485 per person
Price: Child (Age 2 – 11) $364 pp
(flight operates with a minimum of 2 adult fares)
Departs: 12:00 pm
Duration: 90 minutes approx.
Rotorua Floatplane Scenic Tour Highlights:
- Thrilling floatplane takeoff and landing on Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti.
- Enjoy a private beach picnic at a secluded Lake Rotoiti location.
- Stunning aerial views of Rotorua’s lakes district, including Mokoia Island, Sulphur Bay, and Mount Tarawera.
- Perfect for romantic getaways, family outings, or special celebrations.
Flight Itinerary:
Enjoy an unforgettable floatplane take-off from Lake Rotorua before flying above the region’s spectacular crater lakes, geothermal landscapes and lush native forests. Along the way, admire panoramic views of Mount Tarawera, Lake Rotomahana and the volcanic scenery that makes Rotorua one of New Zealand’s most remarkable destinations.
Touch down on the tranquil waters of Lake Rotoiti, where you’ll enjoy a secluded gourmet picnic surrounded by native bush and peaceful lakeside scenery. Relax, take in the beautiful surroundings and experience a part of Rotorua that few visitors have the opportunity to see.
After your picnic, board the floatplane for a scenic return flight over Mokoia Island, the sparkling waters of Lake Rotorua and Rotorua City before completing a smooth water landing back at the Rotorua lakefront.
Why Book This Tour?
- Combines adventure and relaxation with a private beach experience.
- A unique way to celebrate a special occasion or enjoy quality time with loved ones.
- Offers exclusive access to one of Rotorua’s most picturesque spots.
FAQ: Rotorua Floatplane Scenic Flights (Volcanic Air)
Where do the Rotorua floatplane scenic flights depart from?
All Volcanic Air floatplane flights depart from the Rotorua lakefront at the City Pier. Your booking confirmation will include the exact meeting point, check-in time and pre-flight information.
How long are the floatplane flights?
Scenic flights range from approximately 15 to 30 minutes. Landing experiences, including Ōrākei Kōrako, Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools and the lakeside picnic, generally take between 90 and 150 minutes, including time on the ground.
What will I see during a Rotorua floatplane flight?
Depending on the flight you choose, you’ll enjoy spectacular aerial views of Rotorua’s crater lakes, including the Blue and Green Lakes, Mount Tarawera, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rotorua City and surrounding geothermal landscapes. Some flights also include a scenic flyover of Whakaari / White Island.
Do any Rotorua floatplane tours include water landings?
Yes. Selected experiences include floatplane landings at Ōrākei Kōrako, Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools or a secluded lakeside picnic location. Landing time is included in the overall tour duration.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear comfortable clothing and closed footwear, and bring sunglasses and a camera or phone with a secure strap. If you’re visiting the hot pools or joining the lakeside picnic experience, remember to pack swimwear and a towel.
Are Rotorua floatplane flights suitable for first-time or nervous flyers?
Yes. Floatplane take-offs and water landings are generally smooth and comfortable. If you’re feeling nervous, simply let the Volcanic Air team know before departure—they’ll happily answer your questions and help make your flight as relaxing as possible.
Are there age, weight or seating restrictions?
Passenger seating is arranged to ensure the aircraft is correctly balanced for safety. Please provide accurate passenger weights when booking. Children and infants are welcome, subject to standard aviation safety requirements.
What happens if the weather isn’t suitable for flying?
Passenger safety always comes first. If weather conditions are unsuitable, your flight may be delayed or rescheduled. If flying isn’t possible on the day, the Volcanic Air team will help arrange an alternative departure or another suitable option.
Is there a minimum number of passengers required?
Most scheduled floatplane flights require a minimum of two adult fares to operate. If you’re travelling on your own, Volcanic Air will do its best to combine your booking with other passengers where possible.
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