Scenic flight to Maunga (Mt) Tarawera
Soar above a place of immense power, deep cultural meaning, and unforgettable volcanic landscapes on our scenic flight to Maunga Tarawera. Discover this sacred tipuna (ancestor) through stories shared from a te ao Māori worldview.
Overview of your scenic flight to Maunga Tarawera
Discover the cultural landscapes of Te Arawa, the iwi who hold Maunga Tarawera as one of their respected tipuna (ancestors). As you fly, your guide will share authentic kōrero (stories) about the origins of these landscapes, the whakapapa of Tarawera, and the deep connections local Māori have with this place.
Experience sights only visible from the air – from the dramatic 25km-long rift left by the 1886 eruption to the colours and contours of the surrounding volcanic valleys.
Once home to the seventh wonder of the world, the Pink and White Terraces, this landscape continues to evolve, with the Waimangu Valley still releasing plumes of steam that rise through rich volcanic tones.
$350pp
Adult $350.00
Child $280.00
(minimum of 4 people required)
DEPARTURES
Departures for our scenic flight to Maunga Tarawera are at 9am, 12pm and 3pm daily from Rotorua, subject to weather.
Throughout the flight, you’ll be immersed in te ao Māori, gaining an understanding of the cultural, spiritual and historical significance of these places. Our small, locally-owned team is passionate about caring for the environment we’re privileged to fly above, honouring our role as kaitiaki (guardians).
Nau mai, haere mai – come fly with us, and connect to culture, landscapes and stories found nowhere else in the world.
Why Maunga Tarawera is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most iconic volcanoes
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Home to the 1886 eruption – one of NZ’s most significant natural events.
- Once the location of the famed Pink and White Terraces.
- Sacred to Te Arawa iwi, with strong ancestral and cultural connections.
- An extensive and impressive surrounding geothermal landscape (best viewed from the skies!)
What you’ll see from the air
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Maunga Tarawera and its 25km volcanic rift.
- Waimangu Thermal Valley.
- Rotorua Lakes District.
- Mt Putauaki.
- Offshore islands and sweeping coastline.
- Occasional sightings of dolphins and marine life.
Why choose a scenic flight to Maunga Tarawera with White Island flights?
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We’ve been locally-owned and operated for 25+yrs.
- White Island Flights are guided and live by the cultural values of manaakitanga (hospitality), whanaungatanga (relationships), kaitiakitanga (guardianship).
- Our pilots are not just experienced fliers; they’re gifted storytellers who’ll weave te ao Māori (the Māori worldview) into your experience and are friendly, personable people who love interacting with you their manuhiri (visitors).
- We’re a CAA-approved operation.
Find out more about our team, values and how we fly on our About Us page.
Take a look at our other scenic flights
White Island / Whakaari
