Mt. Tarawera Volcano Scenic Floatplane Tour from Rotorua

Recommended by 96% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Rotorua, New Zealand

30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

See the central North Island from an angle that many travelers miss as you soar above the otherworldly volcanic landscapes of Mt. Tarawera on a seaplane flight from Rotorua. Your pilot–guide navigates over the Steaming Cliffs and Waimangu Volcanic Valley, then returns via the Blue and Green Lakes and the bubbling geysers of Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. Experience the thrill of a water take-off and landing on Lake Rotorua.

Enjoy spectacular aerial views of the volcanic landscape
Listen to informative commentary from your pilot
Receive personalized attention on a small-group flight
Choose from morning or afternoon departures, to suit your schedule

What's Included

30-minute scenic floatplane flight over Mt. Tarawera Volcano

Food and drinks
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Lakefront Drive, Ohinemutu, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Rotorua City Lakefront

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

This short but very scenic floatplane tour over Mt. Tarawera will fit into even the busiest of itineraries. Meet the pilot beside Lake Rotorua: they serve as your aerial guide and offer narration on the awesome sights you'll fly over.

Feel the thrill of a water take-off before your pilot expertly navigates the skies toward Mt. Tarawera, a mountain steeped in Māori legend. You’ll follow a 5-mile (8-kilometer) volcanic rift along the summit of Mt. Tarawera—a lunar-like landscape of jagged rocks and crater lakes formed by the 1886 eruption of the now-dormant volcano—before heading south to the Steaming Cliffs and the hot lakes of the Waimangu Volcanic Valley.

En route back to Rotorua, the seaplane tour takes you over the Blue and Green Lakes and the gurgling geysers of Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, before splashing down for a water landing on Lake Rotorua.

Mt. Tarawera (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
Not wheelchair accessible
Due to comfort and balance of the aircraft, the maximum per seat limit is 297 lbs (135 kg) per passenger
Near public transportation

Infants must sit on laps
Infant seats available
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Paul_G

Wow!! What an amazing experience. We were so fortunate to be upgraded to the Helicopter flight at late notice. Can’t say enough about how awesome this experience, staff and guide were. Thank you so much to the team for giving us a memory for a life time.

Reviews

4.8

based on 45 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Wonderful

Andrew_K, Jul 2025

Wonderful, exhilirating flight on a perfect day. Our pilot was very warm, knowledgeable and professional. A great experience!!

Response from Host, Jul 2025

Kia Ora, Wonderful to hear this kind of review - thank you for taking the time out of your day to do so!

Float plane trip Rotorua

Paul_W, Jan 2025

An amazing trip taking off and landing on water flying close into the volcanic areas for great photos. The pilot was excellent and gave us some lovely views and a great commentary. Highly recommended

Response from Host, Jan 2025

Thank you for taking the time to write this review! And so happy to hear you had a great flight in the floatplane!

Amazing flight over Mt Tarawera!

Jacqui_H, May 2024

The flight and the scenery were incredible. Our pilot Katie gave a great commentary and looked after us so well, especially my husband who had a back injury. It was an unforgettable experience.

Experience

Anonymous, Mar 2024

All flight attractions: the plane, in water and in air, viewing the nature and get all experience . Very recommended..

The ride was amazing....

alwin_s, Jul 2023

The ride was amazing. Very friendly staff and amazing guide. This made my rotorua trip amazing. Would definitely recommend it all my friends.

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Rotorua is a whole new place when seen from above! We are so happy you enjoyed your flight, thank you for your support.

Great fun

Deborah_B, Jan 2023

This was a blast!! We caught an Uber out to Rotura from our cruise ship to get to this adventure. They have a helicopter and a seaplane. The seaplane was great fun taking off from the lake. The lake is filled with black swans. Beautiful. Great scenery from the plane!! Over an old volcano. Wish it would go over the thermal fields.

Response from Host, Jan 2023

We are so happy you had a great experience!

Wow! What an amazing experience.

Paul_G, Jan 2022

Response from Host, Jan 2022

Thank you Paul for your review and comments. We are glad you enjoyed your flight and it was a pleasure to take yourself and your family for a trip

The service was extraordinary...

Barbara B, Mar 2015

The service was extraordinary - loved the communication prior to my trip. Our pilot was a great guide and an excellent pilot. thanks for the experience.

Absolutely beautiful, what an...

Olivier M, Feb 2012

Absolutely beautiful, what an experience we enjoy every minute of this wonderful flight...a really must do in a life time!!!!!

trip was postponed 24 hours due to...

dennis b, Jan 2012

trip was postponed 24 hours due to rain following day the trip was dissapointing due to poor weather conditions but given a better day would go again.