Rotorua & Mt Tarawera: Scenic Floatplane Flight with Local Guide

Summary

See Rotorua’s volcanic lakes and Mt Tarawera by floatplane with a local pilot guiding you

You’ll fly over Rotorua’s crater lakes and Mt Tarawera on a 30-minute scenic floatplane tour with a local guide at the controls. Watch steam rise from Whakarewarewa’s geysers, spot Mokoia Island below, and feel that odd mix of nerves and awe as you lift off from the lakefront. It’s quick but leaves an impression.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous about the floatplane at first — it looked smaller than I expected, and the lake was so still that morning you could see every cloud reflected in it. But our pilot, Dave (he grew up around here), just grinned and said, “You’ll love this bit,” as we shuffled down to the dock. The engine started up with a kind of hopeful cough, and then suddenly we were skimming across Lake Rotorua, spray flicking up against the windows. I kept thinking: this is not something you do every day.

We lifted off so gently I almost missed it. The city shrank behind us, and Mokoia Island slid underneath like some green coin tossed into the water. Dave pointed out the Blue Lake and Green Lake — honestly, they really are different colors when you’re up there — and told us a story about his uncle fishing there as a kid. The air smelled faintly of sulphur when we passed over Whakarewarewa; I didn’t expect that to reach us in the plane, but it did. Kind of sharp, almost like burnt matches.

Mt Tarawera itself is wild from above — all those deep scars from the eruption in 1886. You can see where the earth just split open. There’s something quieting about looking down at it; even Dave went silent for a minute. On the way back we circled over Waimangu geothermal park (all those steaming pools look unreal from above) before gliding down onto Sulphur Bay again. My ears popped on landing — small price for that view.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Scenic Floatplane Flight Over Volcano

• Depart from Rotorua City Lakefront
• Fly over Mokoia Island
• View Our Crater Lakes
• Fly over Mount Tarawera
• Fly over Waimangu Geothermal Park
• Fly over Whakarewarewa and Sulphur Bay
• Land back at Rotorua Lakefront

Top questions

How long is the Rotorua & Mt Tarawera floatplane flight?

The scenic floatplane flight lasts approximately 30 minutes.

Does this tour include a local guide or pilot?

Yes, your flight is operated by a local pilot who also acts as your guide during the experience.

Where does the floatplane depart from in Rotorua?

The flight departs from Rotorua City Lakefront.

What will I see during the scenic flight?

You’ll fly over Mokoia Island, crater lakes (Blue & Green Lakes), Mt Tarawera volcano, Waimangu geothermal park, Whakarewarewa thermal reserve, and Sulphur Bay.

Is pickup included for this tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at Rotorua City Lakefront.

Are infants allowed on this floatplane tour?

Yes, infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available.

Is this suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Can public transportation get me to the departure point?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes a 30-minute scenic floatplane flight over Mt Tarawera volcano with a friendly local guide piloting your journey. You’ll take off right from Rotorua City Lakefront and soar above crater lakes, geothermal parks, geysers, and Sulphur Bay before returning to where you started — all timed to fit your schedule.