TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK DUAL WORLD HERITAGE AREA SCENIC FLIGHTS
Tongariro National Park is a world heritage site and is the second oldest National Park in the world after Yellowstone in America. The National Park includes three mountains, Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ngauruhoe, and Mt Tongariro, which were presented to the people of New Zealand in 1887 by Te Heuheu Tukino IV, Paramount Chief of the Tuwharetoa tribe.
This is an active volcanic area which had its last eruption in September, 2007. Major eruptions lasting many weeks occurred in 1995 and 1996 when Mt Ruapehu sent out plumes of ash, rock, and several lahars. Mt Ruapehu is the highest mountain in the North Island and the main skiing spot in the region. Its crater lake is filled with acidic tepid water which changes temperature on a regular basis.
Mt Ngaruhoe last erupted in 1975 and is a classic cone-shaped volcano. It is the youngest mountain in the Tongariro National Park.
Mt Tongariro is the lowest and most northerly of the three, measuring 1,968m (6,457 ft.). It is also the focus of Maori legends.
THE TALE OF THE WARRIOR MOUNTAIN'S LOVE FOR PIHANGA
To read this Maori legend, click here.
FEATURES OF THE FLIGHTS
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Views of the volcanic Tongariro National Park & World Heritage Site
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Scenes from past and present volcanic activity
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Views of the Ketetahi Hot Springs, Blue Lake, Emerald Lakes, Red Crater, Tama Lakes, Tongariro Crossing one day walk, the central desert, native forests of the Park, the tussock country, sheep farmlands and Lake Taupo, the biggest crater lake of them all
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Outstanding photographic opportunities
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Airplane adventure with informed commentary over pristine lakes, thermal and volcanic activity.
LOCATION
Chateau Airport at the intersection of the turn-off to Whakapapa Ski Area and State Highway 47, or Turangi Airport, Grace Road Turangi.
FLIGHTS
Tongariro Crossing:
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Fly around Mt Tongariro's volcanic craters and view the world famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Mt Ngauruhoe’s perfect cone, alpine lakes and the Chateau Tongariro Resort.
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From the Chateau Airport: $NZ115pp, 15 min.
Northern Circuit:
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A spectacular flight over Mt. Tongariro's craters, alpine lakes and classic shaped volcano of Mt Ngauruhoe, called 'Mt Doom' in The Lord of the Rings.
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From the Chateau Airport: $NZ175pp, 25 min.
The Volcanic Explorer:
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Our most popular flight climbing to 10,000 feet over all three volcanoes in the Tongariro National Park including the active crater lake of Mt Ruapehu and Lord of the Rings sites
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From the Chateau Airport: $NZ220pp, 35 min
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From Turangi Airport $NZ275pp, 45 min
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From Taupo Airport $NZ299 pp, 65 min – includes a flight around the beautiful Huka Falls and Wairakei geothermal area
AIRCRAFT
Two aeroplanes. Capacity 4 -6 seats per aircraft.
CONDITIONS
Flights operate from 8.00 am, 7 days per week, weather permitting. Flights during summer operate until twilight. Bookings are preferable but not essential for fixed wing flightS. Flights leave on demand with a minimum of 2 adult fares. No age limit.
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