Experience the thrill of a scenic floatplane ride followed by white water rafting on the Tongariro River. Discover why Fly ‘n Raft is a must-do adventure in Lake Taupo.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–6 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate physical fitness recommended; participants should be comfortable with light to moderate activity.
Wildlife
History
Lake Taupo was formed by a supervolcanic eruption over 26,000 years ago, shaping the landscape that makes this adventure so striking.
Conservation
Fly ‘n Raft emphasizes eco-friendly practices, including minimizing impact on riverbanks and promoting leave-no-trace principles.
Taupo's Floatplane
Experience the thrill of a scenic floatplane ride followed by white water rafting on the Tongariro River. Discover why Fly ‘n Raft is a must-do adventure in Lake Taupo.
Taupo's Floatplane is a seaplane operator based in Taupō, Waikato, offering scenic floatplane flights and water takeoffs and landings across the central North Island. Featured on The Adventure Collective, the company presents a range of curated aerial experiences designed to showcase geothermal landscapes, volcanic features and Lake Taupo from the air.
Flights include short scenic hops and longer exploration trips. Popular options are the 20-minute Peek At The Lake and the 30-minute Western Bay Explorer, both departing Taupo Bay and flying past the Wairakei steam field and Huka Falls. The A Taste of Taupo and White Island flights deliver brief, high-impact views of the Waikato River, Huka Falls, Taupo Lake and New Zealand’s only active marine volcano. The Orakei Korako experience features a water landing on the Waikato River with time to view silica terraces and geysers, while the Lakes of Rotorua trip flies over the 1886 eruption fissure and the vivid Green and Blue Lakes. The Fly ‘n Raft package combines a scenic floatplane ride over Lake Taupo with a white water rafting section on the Tongariro River, guided by expert rafters and suitable for all skill levels.
All flights operate from Taupō, Waikato, with options for aerial-only sightseeing or combined landings at geothermal sites. Taupo's Floatplane focuses on delivering unique aerial perspectives of the Taupo Volcanic Zone and surrounding natural attractions. Booking information and scheduling are handled through Taupo's Floatplane's official channels, with options to select aerial-only flights or trips that include on-ground exploration at geothermal attractions today.
Base Location
Taupō, Waikato
Operating from Taupo Bay.
Scenic Sights
Huka Falls & Geothermal
Views of Wairakei steam field and lakes.
Trip Lengths
20–30 min+
Short hops and longer excursions.
Featured
The Adventure Collective
Listed for local adventure experiences.
Reserve a scenic seaplane trip or combined adventure package for unparalleled aerial views of Huka Falls, Orakei Korako and Lake Taupo.
Book in advance
Secure your spot beforehand, especially during peak season, to ensure availability.
Wear quick-drying clothing
Choose moisture-wicking layers and avoid cotton to stay comfortable during rafting.
Bring waterproof gear
Use waterproof bags or clothes to protect your belongings from splashes during the flight and raft.
Follow safety instructions
Listen carefully to guides and adhere to safety protocols for a fun, worry-free experience.
Waterproof jacket
Necessary to stay dry during the rafting portion, especially if it rains or splashes occur.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Quick-drying clothes
Keeps you comfortable and dry during water activities.
summer|fall|winter|spring
Sturdy water shoes or sandals with straps
Provides grip and foot protection on the river and in the aircraft.
all seasons
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Protect your skin and eyes from UV rays during outdoor activities.
summer