WAIMANGU VOLCANIC VALLEY

Tour Highlights: Start your journey with a convenient pickup from iSite Rotorua Visitor Center, 1167 Fenton Street, Rotorua, and enjoy a scenic drive to Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Created by the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption, Waimangu is the world’s youngest geothermal system. Upon arrival, explore a breathtaking landscape filled with unique geothermal features, including Frying Pan Lake, the world’s largest hot spring, and the mesmerizing blue Inferno Crater. Wander through steaming craters, bubbling pools, and vividly colored terrain, witnessing the powerful forces of nature and the vibrant regeneration of the valley. This tour allows you to experience Waimangu’s stunning blend of geothermal wonders and lush greenery at your own pace. Please complete your walk by 12:30 pm for a convenient return to Rotorua, bringing back unforgettable memories of this extraordinary place.

Fly over the site of the largest eruption in New Zealand’s living memory, Mount Tarawera, and gain an appreciation of how the 1886 eruption changed this stunning landscape. From Mount Tarawera to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, view the eruption trail and surrounding Lakes district whilst enjoying informed commentary from your experienced local pilot/guide, continuing your experience on your floatplane scenic flight, fly towards lake Rotoiti. Landing on the lake we’ll taxi to the pier where you disembark, your Eden awaiting. Only accessible by water, the hot pools are in a secluded bay on the shores of Lake Rotoiti. Seemingly disconnected from the world, this is where you’ll spend 90 minutes, with your only concerns being which pool to experience next. Take your time soaking, cool off in the lake, rest a bit on a lounger and repeat before returning to the Rotorua City Lakefront.

Start your journey from the scenic Rotorua City Lakefront, greeted by the friendly English-speaking pilot. Hop aboard the seaplane, and as you ascend, watch the beautiful cityscape shrink, replaced by expansive views of shimmering lakes and lush forests. Behold the mighty Mount Tarawera, a sleeping giant scarred by its volcanic eruption in 1886. As you glide over, marvel at the 8km long rift, a striking blend of red, brown, and orange volcanic residues that paint a vivid geological masterpiece. Fly Over to Hidden Geothermal Marvels Post the Tarawera fly-by, your journey transforms into a surreal spectacle as you soar over Orakei Korako Valley, a geological wonderland. Known as The Hidden Valley, it flaunts hot springs, geothermal parks, unique silica terraces, formed over centuries by mineral-rich waters, and the abundant heat-loving algae that paint a vibrant palette across the valley. Catch a glimpse of the expansive Emerald Terrace, one of New Zealand's largest from your aerial vantage point before descending for a closer look. Finally, embark on an interpretive walk with your knowledgeable guide/pilot, unveiling the enchanting Maori lore tied to these lands. Itinerary Aerial views of Mount Tarawera, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, and Wai O Tapu Thermal Wonderland | Remote landing on Waikato River | Orakei Korako Valley walking tour

For travelers exploring the city of Rotorua New Zealand, one of the best ways to experience its highlights efficiently is to fly above them in a floatplane. This tour offers firsthand birds-eye-panoramas of the natural terrain of the region, including its green forests, fiery volcanoes, oceans, lakes, and more. Admire Aerial Views Over Rotorua Sit back on the floatplane and enjoy a thrilling take-off from Rotorua Lake to take to the skies of New Zealand. Fly across the Pacific Ocean and exclaim at the vibrant greens of the Kaingaroa forest and national parks complimenting the many volcanoes in the region. Flow over the enormous craters and crater lakes formed by the famous Tarawera eruption in 1886. Mount Tarawera & White Island Revel in the sights of the mighty Mount Tarawera as the plane travels further inland over the Bay of Plenty. See the glimmering coastline before spotting the ferocious White Island, New Zealand’s only permanently active offshore volcano. Examine the steaming peaks, hot pools, and colors at Waimangu Volcanic Valley and the Lakes District on the flight back to Rotorua. On the way, count the many countryside sheep and cattle stations, kiwi orchards, and farmland plains.

Rotorua in the Bay Plenty Region of New Zealand is known for two massive volcanoes that have wreaked havoc in the country’s past. On this tour, travelers observe the ferocious ‘Whakaari’ White Island volcano from the skies. At the end of the flight, stunning panoramas from the top of Mount Tarawera await! Helicopter Ride Over Volcanoes Look out below at the undulated, colorful landscapes in Rotorua, offsetting the calming waters of the Pacific Ocean and the crater lakes. Observe Whakaari in its ever-changing form and note the unique shape of the island, formed after its last eruption in 2019. Further inland, above the central North Island landscape, see Mount Tarawera with its many domes and hot springs created by the devastating eruption in 1886. Take in views of the rest of Waimangu Volcanic Valley, lakes, farmland, forests, horticultural land, and national parks along the way. Guided Walk Up Mount Tarawera After the helicopter lands at Mount Tarawera, begin the ascent up to the summit with the guide in the lead. Walk for 20 minutes to reap the reward of the most picturesque views of the volcanic crater and the natural surroundings, including a waterfall. Hear the ancient legends that give the region its character before heading back to the helicopter to return to the city.