Duration: Approximately 15 minutes flying (25 minutes total).Location: All flights depart from Lakefront Drive, Rotorua City Lakefront.Requirements: This flight operates with a minimum of 2 adult fares.Passenger Weight: Individual weights must be advised at the time of booking. If an individual passenger weight exceeds 110kgs a surcharge may apply. Any passenger exceeding 135kgs will be required to pay two adult fares.Tour duration, flight times, and inclusions may vary due to weather conditions, volcanic activity, and passenger load.

Adult: 12 years +Children: 2-11 yearsInfant: Under 2 years (free charge)

Floatplane Crater Lakes Flight

North Island

Volcanic Air

from

NZ$270

per adult

Volcanic Air floatplane departing the Lake Rotorua jetty for a scenic flight

Experiences

Scenic Plane Flights

Family-friendly Tours

Half-Day Tours

North Island

Start: Rotorua

Duration: 40 minutes

Maximum Weight: 110kg

Scenic Wonders above Rotorua

Departing right from the city-centre pier, the floatplane takeoff is a thrilling way to start your adventure. As you climb skyward, Mokoia Island sits beneath you while the hidden crater lakes slowly reveal themselves. From this unique perspective, you’ll see sparkling waters tucked away in volcanic terrain, framed by lush native bush.

Flying further east, the dramatic beauty of Rotoiti, Okataina, Tarawera, Okareka, Rotomahana, Rotokakahi, and Tikitapu becomes clear. Each lake is a different shade of blue or green, reflecting both the surrounding forests and the shifting light above. These volcanic gems are a stunning reminder of Rotorua’s ever-changing landscape.

Volcanic Air Cessna floatplane floating peacefully on Lake Rotorua under soft morning skies

Volcanic Air floatplane skimming across Lake Rotorua as it takes off

Volcanic Air floatplane flying over Lake Rotorua with Mokoia Island in the distance

Volcanic Air floatplanes and helicopter docked at the Lake Rotorua waterfront jetty

Volcanic Air floatplane flying low over Lake Rotorua on a scenic flight

Silhouette of a Volcanic Air floatplane on Lake Rotorua at sunset

Aerial view of Sulphur Bay and Rotorua Lakefront with geothermal waters and cityscape in the background

Volcanic Air floatplanes parked along the shores of Lake Tarawera, surrounded by lush native forest

Volcanic peaks and geothermal valleys

Rising above Lake Tarawera, the dormant volcano commands attention with its three distinct peaks. The view from the air highlights both its immense size and the deep history it holds in Rotorua’s volcanic story. Surrounded by forests and lakes, it’s a sight best appreciated from your floatplane window.

On your return, the journey sweeps across Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley and the famous Pohutu Geyser. Steam vents and bubbling mud pools appear in contrast to the city skyline below. Touching down gently on the lakefront, the flight closes with a unique perspective of Rotorua itself.

Duration: Approximately 15 minutes flying (25 minutes total).
Location: All flights depart from Lakefront Drive, Rotorua City Lakefront.
Requirements: This flight operates with a minimum of 2 adult fares.
Passenger Weight: Individual weights must be advised at the time of booking. If an individual passenger weight exceeds 110kgs a surcharge may apply. Any passenger exceeding 135kgs will be required to pay two adult fares.

Tour duration, flight times, and inclusions may vary due to weather conditions, volcanic activity, and passenger load.

Adult: 12 years +
Children: 2-11 years
Infant: Under 2 years (free charge)

Cancel 30+ days before: Full refund**
Cancel 8-30 days before: 25% fee**
Cancel 2-7 days before: 75% fee**
Cancel within 48 hours: No refund.

Note: **Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.