Leaving our city lakefront Helipad we climb to the east on track for the distant peaks of Mount Tarawera. Our climb passes over stunning lakes, pastoral land and native forests before arriving above Mount Tarawera where we enjoy spectacular views of cavernous craters that reveal the power of what was the largest eruption in New Zealand’s living memory. The 1886 eruption devastated the local area including our famous Pink and White Terraces once claimed as the eighth wonder of the world. These craters are best viewed from above and the surrounding landscape and lakes district is spectacular. Descending past the volcanic domes and the regions caldera lakes we land at Hells Gate to share a guided walk at Rotorua’s hottest thermal reserve.

The combination of flying over this volcanic landscape before walking around our renowned thermal activity reminds us that we live on an active fault line. Our 25 to 30 minute walk around the reserves thermal activity takes us past hot lakes, a mud volcano and ancient cooking pools before feeling the mineral laden mud widely used in beauty treatments and known historically for its healing powers. Our short return flight to the city lakefront takes us past Mokoia Island and offers views of the city before landing at the city lakefront.

(Allow 1 hour)