1964 to 2024
Rotorua Airports 60 Year Anniversary
Rotorua Airport proudly marks 60 years of connecting our beautiful city to the world. Since its opening in 1964, the airport has been a gateway to the wonders of Rotorua, welcoming visitors and supporting our vibrant local community. Over the decades, we've grown, evolved, and adapted to meet the changing needs of air travel, while staying true to our commitment of providing exceptional service and promoting Rotorua's unique cultural heritage. As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to continuing our journey, embracing innovation, and soaring to new heights together. Here's to 60 years of adventure, connection, and community!
Wings on Display - 60 Years of Aviation
We’re excited to invite the community to our Aviation Open Day on 5 October 2024 from 10am to 2pm. This free family-friendly event offers a unique chance to explore Rotorua’s aviation industry. You’ll have the opportunity to view aircrafts up close, meet pilots, purchase tickets for scenic flights, and learn more about what our operators do.
Whether you're an aviation enthusiast, a curious explorer, or just looking for a fun day out with the family, there’s something for everyone! Join us at Rotorua Airport for this exciting event and discover more about Rotorua’s aviation world. We look forward to seeing you there!
Wings on Display - Scenic Flights
Join us in celebrating Rotorua Regional Airport's 60-year anniversary with an unforgettable scenic flight! Experience breathtaking aerial views of the Rotorua region, including its stunning geothermal landscapes, shimmering lakes, and lush forests. Whether you're a local or visiting, this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity lets you see our beautiful area from a whole new perspective. Seats are limited—book your scenic flight now and be a part of our milestone celebration!
Please note that if you are booking a scenic flight after 2pm, the static aircraft display will no longer be available for viewing.
Air Chathams - DC3Delight in an awesome 45 minute scenic experience and spectacular views over Rotorua. Learn about the history of the DC3 and take a very special trip with the Air Chathams dedicated crew. From $119 per person
Classic Flyers - Harvard The North American Aviation T-6 Texan is an American single-engined advanced trainer aircraft used to train pilots of the United States Army Air Forces, United States Navy, Royal Air Force, Royal Canadian Air Force and other air forces of the British Commonwealth during World War II and into the 1970s. From $495 per person.
Classic Flyers - Stearman The Boeing Stearman was designed as a WWll pilot trainer. It is a biplane, of which 8584 were built in the United States during the 1930s and 1940s as a military trainer aircraft. In the immediate post-war years they became popular as crop dusters and as sports planes. From $375 per person.
To book your flight, or find out more - click the Aircraft image above!
Experience the Tuku Iho Mini-Exhibition
Rotorua Regional Airport is proud to host the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute’s Tuku Iho Living Legacy Mini Exhibition throughout the month of October. This stunning showcase celebrates Māori culture and heritage through traditional and contemporary art forms, including carvings, weaving, and digital displays.
Whether you're flying in or out, or just visiting, take a moment to immerse yourself in the beauty and stories of these remarkable taonga (treasures).
Air travel has enabled the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI) to share its heritage on a global scale. From exhibitions in prestigious museums to cultural performances at international events, we have showcased the richness of Māori culture to diverse audiences worldwide. Just as our ancestors navigated the Pacific, we now navigate the skies, ensuring that the legacy of our people is known and celebrated worldwide.
In this celebration with Rotorua Regional Airport, NZMACI recognises that its journey is far from over. With each passing year, we reaffirm our dedication to cultural perpetuation, guided by the wisdom of our ancestors and the promise of the future. Together, we will navigate new paths, honouring our past while embracing the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
The skies may be our new ocean, but the spirit of our navigators will forever remain apart of us.
Air New Zealand Years of Uniform and Waka Rererangi (flying canoe)
Throughout October, we’re showcasing Air New Zealand Years of Uniform alongside the Waka Rererangi (flying canoe) – two special exhibits that highlight the evolution of flight in Aotearoa.
Tiaki & The Guardians #AirNZSafetyVideo
Air New Zealand Years of Uniform
From classic styles to modern designs, the uniforms tell the story of Air New Zealand’s journey through the decades, offering a unique glimpse into the changing trends and traditions of air travel. Paired with the Waka Rererangi, this display connects the rich Māori heritage with the history of aviation, creating a one-of-a-kind cultural and historical experience.
Waka Rererangi (flying canoe)
Inspired by the Tiaki Promise, the ‘Tiaki and the Guardians’ safety video follows a young man named Tiaki who with the help of his friends at Air New Zealand, boards a waka rererangi (flying canoe) and sets off on an adventure across Aotearoa to visit the Guardians of this world; Ranginui – our father sky, Tāne Mahuta – the forest, Papatūānuku– our mother earth, and Tangaroa – our oceans, lakes & rivers.
Tiaki means to care for our people, place and culture, and is Aotearoa's way of showing people how to help preserve and protect what makes our home so special, so that it can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.
Whether you’re a history buff, an aviation enthusiast, or simply curious, this exhibition is a must-see! Visit us at the terminal and take a journey through New Zealand’s aviation past.
ROTORUA AIRPORT
Phone: +64 7 345 8800
talk2us@rotorua-airport.co.nz
837 Te Ngae Road, Ōwhata,
State Highway 30,
Rotorua, New Zealand
Opening hours - 5:30am until 9:00pm daily
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