See spectacular Mt Tarawera and Waimangu Valley by seaplane

What better way to take in the majestic beauty of Mt Tarawera and the Waimangu volcanic valley than by air?

Keen to fully appreciate the magnitude of the 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera, two groups of adventure tourists took to the air for an unquestionably spectacular ride, the story of which unfolds here.

Our journey up - up and away

Thrill seeking was not the purpose or reason for our trip, although it is a welcome and somewhat unexpected side-note.

Leaving the Volcanic Air Safari’s lakefront helipad our flight began with an awakening rise, facing eastward and on track for the distant peaks of Mt Tarawera; of equal magnitude and foreboding presence.

In this rise above the land we take in stunning lakes and native forests, all of Middle Earth quality, punctuated with lush pastoral land.

This landscape proved to be a fitting lead up as we approached Mt Tarawera where we were granted spectacular views of cavernous craters that reveal the power and harsh reality of the 1886 eruption - the largest eruption in New Zealand’s living memory.

This single eruption devastated the local area, changing the landscape dramatically and permanently. Included in this destruction were the famous Pink and White Terraces, once claimed as the eighth wonder of the world.

The impact of these craters is most fully appreciated and best viewed from above; combine that with the surrounding landscape and lakes district and the effect is simply spectacular. However for the full experience we must descend and walk the land we seek to understand.

From land to air and now Lake

It is at this point that we descend and land on Lake Tarawera, thankfully we are in a floating plane so the landing is as natural and easy as can be.

Our landing signals the beginning of the Buried Village experience where we engage the walking and guided tour part of the day. And it makes sense.

To fully appreciate the magnitude of the Mt Tarawera eruption our flight and journey through the area would not be complete without taking in the historic Buried Village site. With its excavated village that shows the depth of mud and debris thrown form the volcano; we gain an even greater understanding of what that fateful night in 1886 must have been like for the blissfully unaware Wairoa residents.

The bird’s eye view of the volcanic landscape combined with an on-the-ground schooling in thermal activity reminds us of the precarious place in which we stand and many live - on an active fault line.

Our return trip was in the Buried Village shuttle - a very scenic drive back to the Rotorua Lakefront along the original tourist trail, past the Blue and Green Lakes.

In terms of thrill, emotive power, historical significance and epic beauty this volcanic air safari delivered a thoroughly memorable day. From the moment we ascended to the road trip back our day was perfectly delivered – clear blue skies, walking tour and Devonshire tea on the site of a volcanically devastated site – what more could you ask for?

For your trip up above visit the Volcanic Air Safari website and select your next adventure.