6 Scenic Flights in Rotorua, Weighed Against Each Other

1.Whakaari – White Island Cultural and Flight Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 138 reviews · 1 hour · from $388Our pick

From Whakatane Airport, fly around Whakaari, also known as White Island, and nearby Whale Island in a comfortable four-seat aircraft. Your pilot-guide shares Maori stories, language, and volcanic history, with a mihimihi, hongi, pounamu gift, and music by Maisey Rika. The one-hour flight costs $388 per person.

“Thank you again to George and team for this wonderful experience. My family and I enjoyed the flight very much. George took us around Whale and White Island a few times and we got to take a lot of beautiful photos. Thanks Team!!!!”

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2.Mt. Tarawera Volcano Scenic Floatplane Tour from Rotorua

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews · from $242

Take off and land on Lake Rotorua during a 30-minute Volcanic Air floatplane flight over Mt. Tarawera. Your pilot guides you past its 1886 eruption rift, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the Blue and Green Lakes, and Whakarewarewa. Flights carry up to 10 people, with morning and afternoon departures.

“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”

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3.Scenic Flight over Mt Tarawera & Waimangu Valley

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 25 reviews · 40 min · from $236

Fly from Lake Rotorua in a small floatplane, circle Mokoia Island, cross the lakes district, and pass over Mount Tarawera’s 8-kilometer crater rift and Waimangu Valley. Your English-speaking pilot explains Rotorua’s volcanic past, with window seats for all passengers. The 40-minute outing includes about 30 minutes of flight time.

“whilst we couldn't fly the full circuit due to the weather, we still managed to get up in the air and experience some of the local scenery. the pilot was friendly, competent and knowledgeable helping make all the difference. also since we could not fly the whole circuit, we were very kindly refunded a small amount. We would give this another go next time we holiday in the area!”

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4.15-Minute Crater Lakes Flight by Floatplane from Rotorua

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 11 reviews · from $155Best value

Take off from Rotorua’s lakefront and fly over Mokoia Island, Lake Okataina, Lake Okaraka, Blue Lake, Green Lake, Whakarewarewa Forest, and Sulphur Bay. Your pilot-guide explains the volcanic features through a personal headset. Flights run in the morning, midday, or early afternoon, with no more than 10 people aboard.

“The only problem is that I would've liked the flight to be longer. My flight time was rescheduled but after I informed the tour operator that I might not be able to make it to check in time, they were flexible and did a quick check in after I arrived. The plane is amazing, the views, too.”

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5.Helicopter Flight and Guided Walk on Mt Tarawera

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · 40 min · from $376

Fly from Rotorua’s lakefront over lakes, national parks, and mountains, then land on Mt Tarawera for a guided walk among the craters formed by the 1886 eruption. An English-speaking guide provides cultural and geological context, while pilots such as Ian add lively commentary from the air. The full experience lasts about 40 minutes.

“An amazing bucket list experience. Stunning landscape. Ian our pilot was a fabulous narrator. Cannot recommend this enough.”

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6.Floatplane Flight with Orakei Korako Landing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 2 hours · from $505

Take a two-hour floatplane flight from Lake Rotorua with pilot Ben or another English-speaking pilot. See Mount Tarawera, Waimangu, and Wai-O-Tapu from above, then land on the Waikato River for a one-hour walk at Orakei Korako, with time for a café stop.

“Every minute memorable. Pilot, Ben, made it. Relaxed, friendly, enthusiastic, informative, confident and very competent. Very little not to like. You need to be a bit flexible to get in and out of the plane - it’s very compact (six small bucket seats) but this all part of the fun. The landing on and take off from the river a highlight. Gazing down on relatively recently extinct volcano craters, volcanic lakes and the general geography was fascinating. Ben’s commentary added to the scene. Would do it again in a heartbeat.”

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