Mount Tarawera with Orakei Korako Floatplane Landing

North Island

Volcanic Air

from

NZ$745

per adult

Book Now

Wooden walkway through geothermal steam vents and colourful terraces at Orakei Korako

Experiences

Scenic Plane Flights

Hot Springs and Geothermal Attractions

Family-friendly Tours

Half-Day Tours

North Island

Start: Rotorua

Duration: 2.5 hours

Maximum Weight: 110kg

Details

Scenic Wonders Above Rotorua

Flying over Rotorua in a floatplane is an unforgettable way to see the region’s natural beauty from a new perspective. From the air, you’ll spot Mokoia Island, Sulphur Bay, and all 14 of Rotorua’s lakes shimmering beneath you. The views only get more dramatic as you rise above the slopes of Mount Tarawera, a dormant volcano with a powerful story.

The 1886 eruption reshaped the land, leaving a dramatic volcanic rift stretching for 17 kilometres. Today, colourful craters and crater lakes fill the void where the Pink and White Terraces once stood. From above, the scale of this geological force is striking, and it’s easy to see why Mount Tarawera is such a significant landmark in Rotorua’s history.

Volcanic Air Otter floatplane soaring above the vibrant crater of Mount Tarawera

Passenger’s view from floatplane wing looking down over Mount Tarawera’s volcanic crater

Aerial view of the Tarawera River winding through dense native forest near Mount Tarawera

Low cloud skimming the rugged ridge of Mount Tarawera during a scenic floatplane flight

Floatplane at the jetty with steaming terraces at Orakei Korako, Taupō

Floatplane docked on a white timber jetty over Lake Rotorua’s turquoise waters

Seaplane parked at a quiet lodge jetty near Orakei Korako

Boat cruise approaching Orakei Korako’s steaming cliffs and geothermal pools

Modern Visitor Centre at Orakei Korako on the edge of Lake Ohakuri

Aerial view of Waimangu Volcanic Valley and Lake Rotomahana

Steam rising from the colourful Champagne Pool at Wai-O-Tapu near Rotorua

Visitors walking along a geothermal boardwalk over orange silica terraces at Orakei Korako

Alt tag: Aerial photo of Orakei Korako geothermal features beside the Waikato River

Top-down aerial of Champagne Pool in Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Rotorua

Exploring the Hidden Valley of Orakei Korako

Your floatplane journey doesn’t end in the skies – it takes you right into the hidden valley of Orakei Korako. Landing on the Waikato River is an adventure of its own, with the pilot carefully guiding the plane between bends of native forest. Once onshore, you’ll have an hour to wander through one of New Zealand’s most remarkable geothermal parks.

Orakei Korako is alive with activity, from geysers and steaming vents to bubbling mud pools and colourful terraces. The highlight for many is the silica terraces, some of the largest in the world, shining in whites, yellows, and greens. A walk through this valley feels like stepping into another world, where geothermal energy meets lush bush and pure tranquillity.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Duration: Allow 2 hours 30 minutes, including approximately 1 hour touring the park
Location: All flights depart from Lakefront Drive, Rotorua City Lakefront
Requirements: This flight operates with a minimum of 2 adult fares

Note: Tour duration, flight times, and inclusions may vary due to weather conditions, volcanic activity, and passenger loadings. Excursion landings are undertaken at your own risk and such landings are at your pilot’s sole discretion.

AGE INFORMATION

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

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.

CANCELLATION & REFUND

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: **Refunds exclude credit card, payment or booking fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.

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

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