Guided Tour of Mount Tarawera & Waimangu Thermal Valley in a Floatplane from Rotorua

Rotorua in New Zealand is culturally and geographically rich, welcoming visitors from all over the world. One of the best ways to view the full magnitude of the region’s grandeur is from above. The Eruption Trail Tour via floatplane allows travelers to experience these geothermal highlights effortlessly.

Soar Above Mount Tarawera

Step onto the floatplane and take off from Rotorua Lake. Surrender to the sensational vistas below you as you ascend to 3680 feet. Pass by Mokoia Island, notice the hidden Lakes District, and catch sight of the central volcano in the area, Mount Tarawera. Discover the site of the 1886 eruption that destroyed the breathtaking ‘Pink and White Terraces’ that once stood here.

Admire Waimangu Thermal Valley

Soar above Waimangu Thermal Valley and marvel at enormous craters created by eruptions, geysers, mud pools, and more. Don’t miss out on the Inferno Crater and Frying Pan Lake. Also, remember to take as many photographs as possible before returning to Rotorua.

Guided Tour of Mount Tarawera & Waimangu Thermal Valley in a Floatplane from Rotorua

Sweeping through the skies above Rotorua, adventurers find themselves immersed in an aerial odyssey that unveils the secrets of New Zealand's volcanic landscape. Soaring to an elevation of 3680 feet, this tour offers breathtaking panoramas of Mount Tarawera’s dramatic summit and its vast rift valley—a testament to nature’s raw power and enduring beauty. As the floatplane glides above Waimangu Thermal Valley, visitors are captivated by the vivid hues of Inferno Crater Lake and the bubbling cauldron of Frying Pan Lake, where geothermal activity paints a vibrant picture of the region's geological past and present. With its unique blend of thermal features concentrated on one geological structure, Waimangu stands as an unparalleled showcase of nature’s fiery artistry. This journey weaves together the elements of sky and earth, offering memorable encounters to forge lasting bonds while understanding that beneath this serene beauty lies a landscape shaped by powerful forces.

Marvel at Mount Tarawera’s Majestic Rift Valley

Experience Mount Tarawera's majestic rift valley during the tour's highlight segment where panoramic views unfold from above. Stretching for an impressive 8 kilometers, the rift showcases the volcano's immense scale and the dramatic impact of its eruption on the surrounding landscape. As you soar over this geological marvel, observe the intricate patterns created by lava flows and the stark beauty of the barren summit. The contrast between the dormant volcanic peaks and lush greenery below creates a striking visual tableau that resonates with the essence of nature's resilience and transformation.

Discover Waimangu Thermal Valley’s Vibrant Ecosystem

Access Waimangu Thermal Valley included in the tour package, enabling visitors to witness an unparalleled concentration of geothermal wonders. The valley is home to Inferno Crater Lake, a vibrant pool of turquoise water that reflects the surrounding landscape and seems almost otherworldly in its clarity and intensity. Frying Pan Lake, another highlight, offers a mesmerizing spectacle with its vast expanse of bubbling hot springs that create intricate patterns of steam rising into the air. This dynamic ecosystem paints a vivid picture of New Zealand's geothermal heritage, where earth’s fiery energy meets water to create a symphony of colors and textures.

Tour Highlights

• Soar above Mount Tarawera’s rift valley
• Marvel at Waimangu Thermal Valley’s vibrant ecosystem
• Observe 8 km-long volcano rift from the air
• Land on Rotorua Lake for panoramic views
• Witness Inferno Crater and Frying Pan Lake up close
• Explore Whakarewarewa thermal reserve with its steaming pools

Flying high above the craters and lakes, soaring for explorers of natural wonders, diving deep into the mysteries of devotees of geothermal marvels, and seeking out seekers of volcanic landscapes, this aerial odyssey weaves together the elements of sky and earth. Crafting memories that linger like the steam rising from Frying Pan Lake, this journey offers an unparalleled glimpse into the fiery heart of New Zealand’s landscape.