Rotorua: Floatplane Flight with Orakei Korako Landing

Experience the thrill of a floatplane flight over Rotorua's most beautiful and active geothermal parks. Enjoy a landing at the hidden valley of Orakei Korako and explore the park on a self-guided walk
Embark on a scenic floatplane adventure over Rotorua’s stunning and active geothermal landscapes, including a dormant volcano, the Rotorua lakes district, lush native forests, and rolling farmlands. The journey's highlight is an exclusive landing in the hidden valley of Orakei Korako, where you'll enjoy a one-hour self-guided walk through one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking geothermal parks.

Depart from Lake Rotorua and ascend to capture sweeping views of the city, Mokoia Island, and Sulfur Bay. Try spotting all 14 lakes before soaring up the slopes of Mount Tarawera, a dormant volcano that once unleashed the largest eruption in living memory, reshaping the Rotorua landscape. As you fly over the 17-kilometer volcanic rift, you'll marvel at the deep, colorful craters, lakes that now cover the famous Pink and White Terraces (once hailed as the eighth wonder of the world), and the Waimangu Volcanic Valley – the youngest geothermal park on Earth. Take in the sights of Frying Pan Lake and the striking blue waters of Inferno Crater before continuing south over the geothermal marvels of Wai-O-Tapu, with its vibrant Artist’s Palette and Champagne Pool.

As the flight ventures further south, your pilot will descend along the Waikato River to reach the hidden valley of Orakei Korako. Landing on the river offers a unique experience, as you glide past native bush and navigate its bends before docking. Once on land, you'll have an hour to explore the park at your own pace, witnessing hot springs, spouting geysers, bubbling mud pools, a thermal cave, and some of the largest silica terraces in the world. Stop for a coffee or snack at the café before reboarding the floatplane. On your return flight, you'll pass over farmlands and the Paeroa mountain range before flying back to Rotorua City, landing at our Lakefront pier.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.