Pure Rotorua Experience (Private)

This full day of incredible experiences begins as soon as you’re picked up from your lodge in a private helicopter for a scenic flight over the mountain-lined waters of Lake Rotoiti. Flying into the sacred lands of the Ngati Pikiao, you’ll be welcomed into the Marae with a traditional Powhiri greeting and have a chance to chat with the local people, hearing stories of their ancestors, and working with them on the preparation of the Hangi (Earth oven) lunch. While your lunch is cooking in the underground oven you’ll rejoin your pilot and take off for Whakaari.

With lunar-like craters, active volcanic vents, bubbling hot streams and a steaming Crater Lake, it is an otherworldly landscape and yours to explore before flying back to the Marae to help your hosts and the local Whanau chef lift the food from its pit before enjoying this delicious traditional feast. After lunch, immerse yourself in the Maori culture as you watch a performance of the fearsome Haka and learn about the importance of song and dance in Maori life. From here it is a short drive to Lake Rotoiti to set sail on your private 53ft luxury catamaran. Sit back and relax as you cruise across the waters to the tribally owned hot pools where you can unwind in the natural geothermal waters before returning to your lodge.