White Island & Mount Tarawera by Floatplane

North Island

Volcanic Air

from

NZ$1030

per adult

Book Now

Floatplane flying over White Island, an active marine volcano off the Bay of Plenty coast

Experiences

Scenic Plane Flights

Hot Springs and Geothermal Attractions

Family-friendly Tours

Half-Day Tours

North Island

Start: Rotorua

Duration: 1.75 hours

Maximum Weight: 110kg

Details

Scenic Wonders of Rotorua from the Sky

Taking off from Lake Rotorua, the floatplane glides into the air, offering spectacular views over the region’s 14 shimmering lakes. The flight path sweeps across fertile farmland, orchards, and the Bay of Plenty coastline, painting a vivid picture of New Zealand’s natural beauty. With commentary from your pilot, you’ll gain insights into the geological and cultural history of this unique landscape.

The adventure continues out over the Pacific Ocean to Whakaari/White Island, New Zealand’s most active marine volcano. As you circle the island, the volcanic crater, steaming vents, and dramatic terrain come to life beneath you. Keep your eyes peeled for marine wildlife below, as dolphins, fish, and even whales are often spotted in these nutrient-rich waters.

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

Volcanic Air floatplane skimming across Lake Rotorua as it takes off

Aerial view of active White Island volcano with steaming crater and sulphur lake

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

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

Aerial view of Lake Tarawera surrounded by native forest during a scenic floatplane flight with Volcanic Air

Wide aerial view of Frying Pan Lake steaming inside Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Happy passengers smiling inside a Volcanic Air floatplane cabin mid-flight

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

Mount Tarawera and Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Flying inland, the route takes you to Mount Tarawera, the site of New Zealand’s most famous eruption in 1886. The enormous craters and deep rifts left behind are a stark reminder of the mountain’s explosive past. Sweeping views reveal distant volcanoes, lush forests, and the vast Kaingaroa Plateau stretching out below.

Just beyond Tarawera lies the extraordinary Waimangu Volcanic Valley, a landscape painted with surreal colours. From the steaming cliffs to the vibrant Inferno Crater and expansive Frying Pan Lake, the valley showcases geothermal wonders at their finest. The journey concludes with a serene flight over Rotorua’s thermal reserves, Whakarewarewa Forest, and Sulfur Bay before landing gently on the lake.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Duration: Allow 1 hour 45 minutes
Location: All tours depart from Lakefront Drive, Rotorua City Lakefront
Requirements: Please note that bags or packs are not allowed on board. Guests are welcome to bring a camera.
Safety: A full safety briefing will be provided at the Volcanic Air Base. All passengers will be weighed to ensure proper weight distribution in the aircraft.

INCLUSIONS

Views of Northern Lakes
White Island
Bay of Plenty
Pacific Coastline
Mount Tarawera
Lake Tarawera
Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Crater Lakes

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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