Crater Lakes Flight Plus Hot Pools

EXPLORE THE OUTER RIM/ ROTOITI HOT POOLS

CRATER LAKES FLIGHT PLUS HOT POOLS

Tour Code: 2AH

Enquire Now

Discover the Lake Rotoiti locals favorite hot pools! Soar over 12 beautiful lakes in a floatplane, then relax in natural Rotorua hot pools.

Highlights

Thrilling take off and landing on Lake Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti
Stunning views of 12 distinct Crater Lakes
Views of dormant volcano Mount Tarawera from across Lake Tarawera
90 minutes of relaxation at the Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools!
Expert commentary on the geography and cultural heritage

Tour Description

Enjoy spectacular views of our hidden lakes district, distant volcanoes and local geothermal activity from above. Take in the clear waters of Lakes Okataina, Tarawera, Okareka, Rotomahana, Rotokakahi (Green Lake) and Tikitapu (Blue Lake) with the impressive Mount Tarawera serving as a backdrop.

Native bush, rolling farmlands and pine forests spread out from the lake’s edges creating a magical tapestry that is sure to impress. Your pilot will provide commentary about what you are seeing, the history and the people that make this place so special.

Your pilot will extend your scenic flight to the Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools. Only accessible by water, these hot pools are nestled in a secluded bay on the shores of Lake Rotoiti making them one of Rotorua’s best kept secrets. But we want to share them with you! Seemingly disconnected from the world, you get 90 minutes at the pools with your only concern being which hot pool to experience next.

Take your time soaking in each of the 7 pools, all with spectacular views of the lake. When you get too hot, either wade into the crystal clear waters of Lake Rotoiti or take the slide at the end of the jetty for a splash.

Enjoy an ice cream, some hot chips and, if you are old enough, a cold beer. Rest on a lounger in the shade or take a walk up to the lookout point and head back to your favorite pool because you can.

Your pilot will give you the 10 minute warning, allowing you to use the changing rooms before reboarding your waiting floatplane for a 6 minute direct flight back to the Rotorua City Lakefront by way of the Ohau Channel and Mokoia Island.

Details

Duration: Allow 2 hours and 25 minutes

Location: All flights depart from Lakefront Drive, Rotorua City Lakefront

Requirements: This flight operates with a minimum of 2 adult fares

Recommended: Please note only small backpacks are permitted on board. Bathing suit and towel are essential. Guests are welcome to bring a camera and we recommend bringing your wallet to buy some treats from the cafe!

Children: Under 2 free of charge. Children 2-11 years pay a child fare (75% of the adult fare)

Safety: A full safety briefing as well as safety equipment will be provided at the Volcanic Air Base. All passengers will be required to be weighted in order to ensure proper weight distribution in the aircraft.

TOUR INCLUDES
25 minute flight over Rotorua City, Farmlands, Crater Lakes and 90 minutes at the Rotoiti Hot Pools.

Tour duration, flight times and inclusions may vary due to weather conditions and passenger loadings.

History of the Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools

The Legend of the Manupirua Springs is one that follows two sisters by the names of Kuiwai and Haungaroa and their quest to save their brother Ngatoroirangi, who needed help as he was perishing from the cold on Mt. Tongariro. The sisters’ journey began in the legendary ancestral homeland of the Maori people, Hawaiki, where they collected warmth to take to their dying brother. Whenever they paused for rest they left part of the fire they were carrying behind.

Legend has it that these frequent rest stops are the origins of the chain of geothermal activity that spans the width of their journey from Whakaari (White Island) to Mt. Tongariro. Subsequently, Manupirua was one of their intermediate stops and ever since has been a source of warmth for the people of Lake Rotoiti.

The Manupirua thermal springs have been in use by Maori and locals alike since before 1849 and have been used on a commercial basis since 1914. The springs now supply an expanding collection of hot pools with a range of temperatures, overlooking the pristine waters of Lake Rotoiti.

Read more about the Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools here and more about our floatplane fleet here!