Rotorua Scenic Flights by Helicopter with Volcanic Air

From the first experience of flight in either a helicopter or floatplane through to the thrill of exploring our stunning lakes district, vibrant geothermal reserves and remarkable volcanoes, Volcanic Air have an option for everyone.

Helicopter options include landing on two of New Zealand’s most iconic volcanoes, White Island and Mount Tarawera. White Island is our only permanently active volcano and walking around the active crater floor on an almost lunar like landscape is a once in a lifetime experience. In contrast landing on the summit of Mount Tarawera is awe inspiring. This is the site of the largest eruption in New Zealand’s living memory and standing on the summit commands stunning views of the volcanoes massive craters and the surrounding lakes district and national parks.

Check out our various helicopter scenic flight options from Rotorua,

or we can customize a flight to suit your itinery:

Tour 2B – Crater Lakes Flight – $195 pp

Our Crater Lakes flight offers amazing views of our hidden lakes district from above. Departing our city lakefront helipad we climb eastbound to view the lakes of Tikitapu (Blue Lake) , Rotokakahi (Green Lake), Okareka, Tarawera and Okataina. These stunning crater lakes are surrounded by native forests and pastoral lands, hidden from the city by our volcanic terrain only an aerial perspective reveals the true beauty of this region. Returning to the Lakefront our descent takes us across the shores of the Lake Rotorua offering views of the city prior to landing.

Tour 3B – Volcanic Landing – $385 pp

This tour includes: “Eruption Trail tour and Volcanic Landing”
Fly to the site of the largest eruption in New Zealand’s living memory. Landing on Mount Tarawera offers a privileged view of spectacular craters and domes formed by the 1886 eruption. Here you will enjoy an interesting commentary based on the region’s history, culture and geology. Flights to and from the volcano take in expansive views of our stunning Lakes District, National Parks and a view of Mount Tarawera from above!

Tour 4B – White Island Landing – $865 pp

Fly to and land on New Zealand’s only permanently active volcano White Island. Leaving the Rotorua city lakefront we fly north past our northern lakes district before crossing the coast on track to White Island. Arriving overhead the volcano enjoy aerial views of the active crater before landing on this lunar like surface. Here embark upon a leisurely guided tour of the island’s crater floor to view active steam vents ‘fumaroles’, hot streams, vibrant sulphur formations and the steaming crater. This landscape is constantly changing as the activity forms new features and removes old ones. The Crater Lake changes in depth and temperature so that from one day to the next the landscape is different.

Part of our tour includes a walk through crumbling mining ruins to view the weathered remains of what was a working factory built in 1923 and abandoned in 1933. Tours on this privately owned volcano are conducted by your pilot / guide whose wealth of knowledge about the island’s history and geology enhances the experience.

Tour 4C – Dual Volcano Landing – $995 pp

White Island / Mount Tarawera – “Dual Volcano Landing”
Experience the thrill of combining our two signature helicopter tours landing on both Mount Tarawera and White Island. The contrast between these two volcanoes couldn’t be more amazing, from the active crater floor and steaming crater lake of White Island to the heights of Mount Tarawera‘s summit. Here we enjoy spectacular vistas of the Volcanoes craters and the surrounding Lakes district.

Tour 6B – Mt Tarawera Fly/Drive combo – $565 pp

This unique experience allows visitors to fly to Mt Tarawera with Volcanic Air, taking in the scenic wonders of the area from the air, before landing on Mt Tarawera for your guided crater walk experience. This flight includes the stunning scenery of Lakes Okareka, Tarawera and Rotomahana, as well as being able to see on clear days to White Island and Mt Ruapehu. Once you have landed, you will be guided around the crater of Mt Tarawera by Kaitiaki Adventures, before being driven back to Rotorua.