Tours
Helicopter Tours
White Island and Mt. Tarawera
Helicopter to White Island and land for an approx. 1-hour guided walk in the crater of New Zealand’s most active volcano. White Island was once home to workers who mined the island for sulphur, and remains of this activity are still visible today. This 3.5-hour trip takes you from Huka Lodge via the Waikato River on to White Island, 25 miles off the Bay of Plenty coast. During your trip you will also have the exclusive opportunity of a breathtaking landing on the summit of Mt. Tarawera, a dormant volcano that last erupted in 1886. Closed and sturdy footwear is recommended. Landing is dependent on weather and levels of volcanic activity.
Geothermal Wonderland
Travel north via the famous Huka Falls, following the Waikato River along the volcanic fault line to Wai-O-Tapu and Waimangu – the world’s newest geothermal eco-system. Landing on the rim of the dormant volcano Mt. Tarawera, for a guided walk. Return to the lake edge via some lush farmland and forestry. Flight time 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Hawke’s Bay wine trail by helicopter
Travel over some spectacular scenery to and from Hawke’s Bay and take the opportunity to taste this region’s famous wines. Visit Esk Valley one of Hawke’s Bay’s finest boutique producers and Mission Estate Winery, established in 1851, making it the oldest winery in New Zealand. Enjoy lunch at Te Awa Farm before heading to Selini Estate, whose gourmet food store specialises in top quality products and specialty gift items. Your last stop will be Trinity Hill Estate before returning to Taupo. Lunch, wines and wine tasting is in addition to the prices quoted below.
Tongariro World Heritage
This 1 hour 20 minute flight takes you south of Taupo into the magnificent Kaimanawa Range wilderness, with the possible sighting of wild horses, red and sika deer. Land next to the world-famous Rangitikei River to view the huge trophy-size Rainbow Trout. Return to the lake edge via the three magnificent volcanoes of the Tongariro World Heritage Park – Mts. Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. These are significant for their cultural history and rare flora and fauna, with magnificent views of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and stunning Emerald Lakes.
Heritage trail
A 30-minute scenic flight starting with the famous Huka Falls and Wairakei Geothermal Power Station region – at the time, only the second geothermal plant in the world to begin commercial operation. Proceeding to Mt. Tauhara – a dormant strato-volcano formed about 65,000 years ago and the Maori rock carvings and the northern shores of Lake Taupo. See the Wairakei Terraces from the air, with cascading silica terraces in blues, pinks and whites, fed by the steaming multi-hued waters of the Alum Lakes.
Waitomo Caves
This 45-minute flight from Huka Lodge takes you around the northern shores of Lake Taupo to the Waitomo Caves and returns via the Waikato River hydro-electric dam system, Wairakei Geothermal Bore Field and Huka Falls.
Limousine Tours
We can plan an itinerary to satisfy your requirements and show you some wonderful sights either locally or a 1-2 hour drive away.
Rotorua Tour
A fun day to view Maori culture and unique thermal activity. There are many major attractions to choose from including; Whakarewarewa, Rainbow Springs, the Buried Village, Agrodome Farm Show, beautiful gardens, art galleries, hot natural thermal pools, sheep-shearing demonstrations and wildlife experiences. For lunch, enjoy fine food and a scenic setting at a beautiful lake near Rotorua. Rotorua is situated 1-hour by car, from Taupo.
Napier/Hastings Tour
Take a trip to the ‘Napa Valley’ of New Zealand on the east coast of the North Island. A full-day is needed to visit this rich and fertile land where you can taste some of their award-winning wines, lunch at a well-known vineyard or visit the city of Napier, which has become the Art Deco capital of the world, due to the redevelopment in 1931 following an earthquake. You can walk or travel by vehicle to see the gannets at Cape Kidnappers or visit artists and antique shops.
