Mount Tarawera Orakei Korako Thermal Explorer

There were 3 of us, we did the trip in early May, the day was beautiful. The pilot is extremely competent and we felt safe and informed the whole time. The views are spectacular from Mount Tarawera and the best way to see the geothermal area. Orakei Korako is like being in another world, we had an hour to walk around unguided in the park. Recommend this tour for people wanting to avoid crowds and get off the beaten track. A fantastic experience, it wasn't cheap yet well worth every cent. Thank you Volcanic Air for this once in a lifetime 3 hour journey.

Wow! Worth every penny. If you are in Rotorua, it is a really marvellous experience to fly by float plane over the amazing landscape.

Taking a flight over the mountain was terrific. It is the only way to see the impact of the major volcanic eruption. It is also great to see the different crater lakes and the forests The pilot was very informative Well worth the cost.

This experience was nothing short of a sensational adventure. From the ‘airport’ on a pontoon on the lake in central Rotorua where we saw first a helicopter then our plane and another come in to land on the lake, moor and get refueled (fuel filler cap top of wing, kerosene from a pump on the pontoon). All happening just feet away. To the plane - an agile six seater Cessna 206 floatplane, which required some contortions to get seated in. But mainly, thanks to our pilot, Ben, 24 years old I think and what a splendid, cheerful, informative, confident and competent chap he is. And he needs to be - we banked and turned over extinct volcanoes and bright coloured volcanic lakes to, 40 minutes later, land on a river where we visited a spectacular geothermal feature and had lunch on the decking of a very nice cafe overlooking the river before flying back. Every minute memorable. It’s expensive but so well worth it.

+4

My husband and I had an amazing flight seeing the view over Mt Tarawera and walking the geothermal sites... beautiful. Our pilot Ben made it even more special -- with all of is knowledge of the area and personal touch... Great customer service!!

My family and I went on this tour in September 2022 and we absolutely loved it. Our pilot Steven was a fantastic aviator and knowledgeable guide, he expertly flew us around showing us the beautiful landscape including around Rotorua and Mt Tarawera. We really enjoyed the exploration around Orakei Korako too. The takeoffs and landings in the float plane were so fun to experience. I highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Rotorua. It's 100% worth the money!

This trip was canceled due to weather. Provide refund. We were sorry to miss the experience. I wonder why I need to write more for a trip that was cancelled?

The weather was not looking good for the day we had booked. We were placed on a flight the day earlier thanks to Stephen for his wonderful phone manners and ability to be flexible with times. Met at the temporary building (ground works visible on waterfront) Again Stephen was fantastic on greeting and the pre-check in. An amazing trip, although due to low cloud over the Mount was unable to stay as long as i would have liked. Put my complete faith in Tim, our wonderful pilot, though as we headed to our next destination. Very knowledgeable with the history, and Tim was happy to answer our questions. The afternoon at Orakei Korako was also very enjoyable - left to explore in our own time (within the limits of our tour) The flight back was stunning. So pleased this tour was able to be done for us - especially as the weather was pretty unpredictable for the rest of the week.

what an amazing experience! the whole experience from taking off to flying around the lakes was so amazing, especially seeing Rotorua from the sky. The walk along the orakei Korako was something I will never forget, its one of the most unique thermal valleys i have ever been in theres nothing quite like it in the world. Our pilot callum was so amazing and so knowledgeable about Rotorua 10/10 will recommend this trip!

I like to fly on this 60-year-old plane. The route from Rotorua Lakefront pier, the water start, to Mokoia Island, near Mount Tarawera. The overflight, as described in the brochure, was unfortunately not carried out. can the DHC 3 not so high anymore, or do you not want that to save time and gas ?? .... (Above Tarawera, views of cavernous craters) Therefore only 3 stars. The Waimangu Valley flown over, and even Waiotapu seen from above, Volcanic Valley. Spectacular the land on the river. !!! Admission to the absolutely worth seeing Orakei Korako NP. is inclusive Only 3 people out of 8 did this. It was very hot, but the colors, great. Another short Coke and return flight over uninteresting territory for me and Rotorua. I asked before the flight, so I could sit next to the pilot on the outbound flight.

+1