Scenic Flights in Rotorua

Rotorua scenic flights leave from the lakefront on Lake Rotorua, with floatplanes taking off from the water and helicopters landing on the summit of Mount Tarawera. This page sorts the flights by aircraft and length, and links back to the wider things to do in Rotorua.

Floatplane flights from Lake Rotorua

Volcanic Air's floatplanes take off from the water of Lake Rotorua and climb over the volcanic landscape around the city, with pilot commentary on every flight.

The Rotorua crater lakes floatplane tour is the short one: a 15-minute flight with a guaranteed window seat and headsets, passing over Mokoia Island, the crater lakes, Sulphur Point and Rotorua city. Flights depart at 9.00am, 12.00pm and 2.00pm.

The Eruption Trail floatplane tour is a 30-minute flight to the craters of Mount Tarawera and Waimangu Volcanic Valley, with steaming crater lakes, native forest, Whakarewarewa Forest, Blue Lake (Lake Tikitapu) and Green Lake (Lake Rotokākahi) on the route. It departs at 9.00am, 12.00pm and 2.00pm, 7 days a week.

The 90-minute Rotorua floatplane adventure goes furthest. It crosses Mount Tarawera, Lake Tarawera, the northern lakes and Waimangu Volcanic Valley, then runs out to the Pacific coastline and White Island in the Bay of Plenty. It departs at 9.00am and 12.00pm, 7 days a week.

Helicopter flights with a Mount Tarawera landing

Rotorua's helicopter flights add a landing to the view. The Eruption Trail helicopter tour and guided walk is a 40-minute experience: a 20-minute scenic flight from the lakefront, then a 20-minute guided walk on the summit of Mount Tarawera among its craters and domes. It departs at 9.00am, 12.00pm and 2.00pm, 7 days a week.

The Thermal Explorer helicopter tour is a 3-hour trip with two landings. The first is a 20-minute stop on the summit of Mount Tarawera. The second is at Orakei Korako Thermal Park, where a 60 to 90-minute self-guided walk takes you through the geothermal area. Departures are 9.00am, 12.00pm and 2.00pm, 7 days a week.

What happens before take-off

Flights leave from the Rotorua City Lakefront, and check-in is at the Volcanic Air base on Memorial Drive. Passengers get a full safety briefing and safety equipment before boarding. For the crater lakes flight, check in with a 20-minute buffer before departure.

Dress for the conditions on the day. Closed-toe shoes and a warm layer work for the floatplanes, and the helicopter landings call for closed-in walking shoes, a jacket, water and sunscreen. Bring your camera on every flight.

How to choose a Rotorua scenic flight

Choose the 15-minute crater lakes flight for a short first look at Rotorua from above, and the 30-minute Eruption Trail floatplane flight if Mount Tarawera and Waimangu Volcanic Valley are the main draw. The 90-minute floatplane adventure suits anyone who wants to see the Pacific coast and White Island as well.

Choose a helicopter tour if you want to stand on the ground. The Eruption Trail tour gives you a guided walk on the Mount Tarawera summit, and the Thermal Explorer adds a self-guided walk at Orakei Korako Thermal Park.

Waimangu Volcanic Valley shows up on several of the floatplane routes, and you can also walk it at ground level. The valley walks and the Lake Rotomahana boat trip are on the Rotorua cruises page, and the Rotorua water sports page covers kayak tours on the lakes you've just flown over.

Frequently asked questions

Does Rotorua have an airport?

Yes. Rotorua Airport is a 10-minute drive from the city centre on State Highway 30, with direct Air New Zealand services to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. The scenic flights on this page leave from the Rotorua City Lakefront.

Where do Rotorua floatplane flights depart from?

Volcanic Air's floatplane flights depart from Lakefront Drive on the Rotorua City Lakefront and take off from the water of Lake Rotorua.

How long are Rotorua scenic flights?

Rotorua scenic flights come as 15-minute, 30-minute and 90-minute floatplane flights, and as a 40-minute helicopter tour and a 3-hour helicopter tour.

Can you land on Mount Tarawera on a Rotorua helicopter tour?

Yes. The Eruption Trail helicopter tour includes a 20-minute guided walk on the summit of Mount Tarawera, and the Thermal Explorer includes a 20-minute landing there before a second landing at Orakei Korako Thermal Park.

Can I take a bag on a Rotorua scenic flight?

Bags and packs aren't permitted on board Volcanic Air flights, so bring your camera. All passengers are weighed at the Volcanic Air base so the aircraft is balanced correctly.

Is there a minimum number of passengers on Rotorua scenic flights?

Volcanic Air flights operate with a minimum of 2 adult fares.

Pick an aircraft, pick a departure time and head to the lakefront. The rest of the day is easy to fill from the Rotorua region page.