Mount Tarawera Orakei Korako Thermal Explorer

Soar above New Zealand’s iconic landscapes on the Mount Tarawera Orakei Korako Thermal Explorer. This unforgettable float plane adventure showcases the stunning geothermal wonders of Rotorua, from the Waimangu valley to the fiery slopes of Mount Tarawera. Touch down at Orakei Korako, where you’ll explore the mesmerizing geysers and hot springs up close with a personal pilot-guide. With convenient hotel transfers and in-flight refreshments, this family-friendly tour offers an exclusive experience that’s not to be missed. But what truly sets this adventure apart might just surprise you.

Key Points

• The tour offers a unique float plane experience over Rotorua’s landscapes, providing aerial views of Mount Tarawera and Waimangu geothermal valley.
• Participants can explore the Orakei Korako geothermal area up close, including geysers and hot springs, with a professional pilot-guide providing insightful commentary.
• The family-friendly tour is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers and includes hotel pickup and drop-off for added convenience.
• The tour package includes food, drinks, and high-quality headsets, ensuring a comfortable and immersive experience for participants.
• Reviews indicate positive feedback, with the tour’s highlight being the professional pilot-guide and the stunning views of Rotorua’s volcanic landscape.

Tour Overview

The Mount Tarawera Orakei Korako Thermal Explorer offers visitors a unique float plane experience, soaring over the stunning natural landscapes of Rotorua’s national parks, lakes, and volcanic rifts.

This tour allows travelers to witness the breathtaking aerial views of Mount Tarawera and the Waimangu geothermal valley.

The highlight of the tour is the landing at Orakei Korako, where guests can explore the impressive geysers and hot springs up close.

With a professional pilot-guide providing insightful commentary throughout the flight, this family-friendly tour promises an intimate and unforgettable experience for a maximum of 10 travelers.

The tour includes pick-up, drop-off, and all necessary amenities, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey.

Tour Experience

During the tour, a professional pilot-guide provides informative commentary to passengers, ensuring they can fully appreciate the stunning aerial views and features along the way.

The family-friendly experience accommodates travelers of all ages, with child rates available and free flights for children under two.

The intimate tour groups are limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, creating an exclusive experience:

• Passengers are equipped with high-quality headsets, enabling clear communication with the pilot-guide throughout the flight.

• In-flight refreshments are provided, adding to the comfort and enjoyment of the journey.

• Hotel pickup and drop-off services are included, making the experience seamless and convenient for participants.

Inclusions

Along With the informative commentary and comfortable transportation, the Mount Tarawera Thermal Explorer tour includes several other valuable inclusions that enhance the overall experience for participants.

A professional pilot-guide accompanies the group, providing clear communication through headsets.

Travelers need not worry about packing snacks or refreshments, as food and drinks are provided throughout the tour.

On top of that, the tour company offers hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day’s adventure.

While gratuities aren’t included, the comprehensive package leaves little for participants to arrange on their own.

These thoughtful inclusions allow guests to simply sit back, relax, and fully enjoy the stunning aerial views and volcanic landscapes.

Logistics

Travelers meet at the Lakefront Drive in Rotorua 3010, New Zealand to embark on the Mount Tarawera Thermal Explorer tour, which concludes at the same location.

The tour confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, infant seats are provided.

The experience offers some key logistical considerations:

1. Meeting Point: Travelers gather at the Lakefront Drive in Rotorua 3010, New Zealand to begin their tour.

2. Tour Duration: The tour starts and ends at the same location, providing convenience and ease for participants.

3. Booking Confirmation: Travelers receive tour confirmation within 48 hours, ensuring a smooth booking process.

Reviews and Feedback

The tour has received a total of 6 reviews with an average rating of 4.0/5, indicating generally positive feedback from past participants.

However, some travelers have expressed dissatisfaction due to the tour being canceled due to inclement weather, prompting refund requests. The tour operator has responded with apologies, acknowledging their inability to control weather conditions that can impact the tour experience.

Despite these weather-related cancellations, the overall reviews highlight the tour’s strengths, such as the professional pilot-guide, the stunning aerial views, and the family-friendly nature of the experience.

Customers have praised the level of service and the opportunity to witness the breathtaking landscapes of the Rotorua region from above.

The tour seems to offer a unique and memorable adventure for those who are able to complete the full itinerary.

Flight Duration and Route

Spanning approximately 30 minutes, the scenic flight traverses over the awe-inspiring landscapes of Rotorua, allowing guests to gaze upon the majestic Mount Tarawera and the dynamic Waimangu volcanic valley before descending to land at the Orakei Korako geothermal wonderland.

The flight path showcases the region’s diverse natural features, including:

1. The vibrant-hued, steaming craters and lakes of the Waimangu volcanic valley.

2. The striking silhouette of Mount Tarawera, the site of a devastating 1886 eruption that reshaped the local terrain.

3. The otherworldly Orakei Korako, a hidden thermal area featuring active geysers, boiling mud pools, and colorful terraced hot springs.

This aerial tour provides a unique perspective on Rotorua’s volcanic landscape and offers an unforgettable experience for adventurous travelers.

Pricing and Booking

Pricing for the Mount Tarawera Thermal Explorer tour starts at NZ$349 per adult and NZ$215 per child, with free flights for children under two.

Booking can be conveniently done online through the tour operator’s website, with confirmation provided within 48 hours, subject to availability.

The tour includes a professional pilot-guide, headsets for clear communication, and food and drinks. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also provided, though gratuities aren’t included.

The tour is family-friendly, with a maximum of 10 travelers for an intimate experience. However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though infant seats are available.

It’s important to note that the tour may be canceled due to weather conditions, in which case a refund will be issued.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’re the most common questions travelers have about the Mount Tarawera Thermal Explorer tour?

Customers frequently inquire about the flight duration, whether food and beverages are provided, and if the tour is suitable for all ages.

The float plane flight lasts approximately 1 hour, providing ample time to admire the stunning aerial views of Mount Tarawera, Waimangu, and the Orakei Korako thermal area.

Food and drinks are included, ensuring a comfortable and refreshing experience.

The tour is family-friendly, with child rates available and free flights for children under two.

Additionally:

1. The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

2. Hotel pickup and drop-off are provided for added convenience.

3. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Altitude of the Float Plane Flight?

The altitude of the float plane flight is not explicitly stated in the provided information. However, the tour typically offers aerial views of the volcanic landscape, indicating the flight likely operates at an altitude that allows passengers to clearly observe the natural features below.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Passengers are generally not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on this tour. The tour package includes all necessary food and drinks, providing a seamless and hassle-free experience for participants. Bringing outside items is typically not permitted.

Is There a Weight Limit for Passengers?

Yes, there is typically a weight limit for passengers on float plane tours. The tour operator will likely have specific weight restrictions to ensure the aircraft can safely accommodate all passengers. Travelers should inquire about the weight limit when booking the tour.

Can I Use My Own Camera Equipment?

Yes, passengers can use their own camera equipment on the tour. The tour operator encourages capturing the stunning aerial views and volcanic landscapes during the flight and ground exploration. Just be mindful of safety guidelines when handling personal devices.

Are There Any Accessibility Options for Individuals With Disabilities?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are available. Travelers with disabilities are encouraged to discuss their needs with the tour operator to determine if the experience can be accommodated.

Recap

The Mount Tarawera Orakei Korako Thermal Explorer offers an unforgettable float plane adventure showcasing Rotorua’s stunning landscapes.

Passengers enjoy a scenic flight, followed by an up-close exploration of Orakei Korako’s geysers and hot springs.

With a professional pilot-guide, in-flight refreshments, and convenient transportation, this family-friendly tour provides a personalized experience amidst Rotorua’s iconic natural wonders.