It's been in hibernation for winter, but Rotorua's famous Otter floatplane is back in the air and now locals have a chance to win a free scenic flight.
Volcanic Air Safaris pilot Angela Swann-Cronin said the best way to see Rotorua was from the air and with that in mind the company wanted to give away two chances to win two seats on their classic De Havilland Otter floatplane for a 30-minute scenic flight.
"The flight would take in stunning aerial views of our eastern crater lakes, the volcanic craters of Mount Tarawera, follow the eruption trail to Waimangu geothermal valley, then return to land at the Rotorua Lake Front," Mrs Swann-Cronin said.
The company purchased the former Canadian Air Force 1954 De Havilland Otter in 2004 and it first started operating above Rotorua in February 2005.
The aircraft was fully refurbished to seat 10 people in comfort and has large bubble-like windows to give passengers a better view. She said after spending the winter months in its hangar getting some TLC the Otter was back on the water. "Our aim is to raise local awareness of the unique floatplane. It is the only Otter of its kind operating in the Southern Hemisphere and has a proud history."
It has flown search and rescue missions, been a commuter aircraft, and since 1986, was a tourist carrier. In its early years it was sent to Egypt on United Nations duties to help supervise the ceasefire between Israel and Egypt after the Suez crisis.
"It's a beautiful, unique and classic aircraft we are lucky to have in Rotorua. I'm proud to show off Rotorua and it's an even more visually stunning place from the air."
Mrs Swann-Cronin said the prizes, valued at $430 each, would make a great Christmas present for a local person.
To win one of two double passes for a 30-minute scenic flight, pop into Volcanic Air Safaris at the Rotorua Lakefront and answer a questionnaire based on this article. Winners will be announced early December. You must be a Rotorua local to claim your prize.