Rotorua Scenic Helicopter Flights — Volcanic Air
Rotorua Scenic Helicopter Flights — Volcanic Air
Summit landings on Mount Tarawera, geothermal overflights and optional White Island flyovers.”
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 New Zealand’s 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 Rotorua helicopter scenic flight options:
or we can tailor a flight to your itinerary:
Floatplane - Crater Lakes Flight
Price: Adults $235 per person
Price: Child (Age 2 – 11) $177 pp
(flight operates with a minimum of 2 adult fares)
Departs: 2:00 pm Rotorua lakefront
Duration: 15 minutes approx
Our Crater Lakes flight offers amazing views of our hidden lakes district from above.
Departing our city lakefront Floatplane 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 our lake landing.
Mount Tarawera Volcanic Adventure
Price: Adults $950 per person
Price: Child (Age 2 – 11) $760 pp
(flight operates with a minimum of 2 adult fares)
Departs: 9:00 am 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm
Duration: 60 minutes approx
Combine the thrill of landing on Mount Tarawera with a flight that includes spectacular aerial views of our stunning crater lakes, the renowned Tarawera Falls and the vibrant Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu geothermal reserves.
This tour highlights these amazing features unique to this region because of their location on our Faultline relative to the Pacific Rim of Fire.
Mount Tarawera/Orakei Korako landing
Price: Adults $1395 per person
Price: Child (Age 2 – 11) $1047 pp
(flight operates with a minimum of 2 adult fares)
Departs: 9:00am 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm Rotorua
Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours approx
Leaving Wai-O-Tapu we descend to follow the Waikato River to the hidden valley of Orakei Korako. Once landed, you will ferry across the river and begin your land based tour.
Experience hot springs, gushing geysers and the natural beauty of this geothermal wonderland.
Your return flight takes in views of farmland and the Paeroa mountain range before flying over Rotorua City and returning to our lakefront pier.
This tour is approximately 2.5-3 hours in duration, includes approximately 20-minute landing on Mount Tarawera and 1-1.5 hours touring the valley. Also includes check in and briefing.
Eruption Trail & Volcanic Landing
Price: Adults $630 per person
Price: Child (Age 2 – 11) $473 pp
(flight operates with a minimum of 2 adult fares)
Departs: 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm Rotorua lakefront
Duration: 40 minutes approx
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!
The Tarawera Falls Volcanic Heli Hike
Price: Adults $1090 per person
Pri(flight operates with a minimum of 2 adult fares)
Departs: 9:00 am Rotorua lakefront
Duration: 7 Hours approx
From volcanoes to waterfalls This day trip features vistas not found anywhere else in New Zealand, if not the world.
This Heli walk combines landing on Mount Tarawera with a half-day hiking to the Tarawera Falls.
From Rotorua, your helicopter crosses the Lakes District to Mount Tarawera. From the peak of this dormant volcano, you can see the Bay of Plenty, Lake Tarawera, the surrounding National Parks, and the volcano’s huge craters.
Your helicopter will transport you to Tapahoro on Lake Tarawera, where your journey begins. This self-guided hike follows the gin-clear Tarawera river beneath imposing bluffs towering over native New Zealand forest.
The hike continues past more and more impressive cascades until you arrive at the main fall flowing unbelievably from the middle of a cliff through a passage carved in time to create one of the most intriguing waterfalls in New Zealand. Picnic and swim in the river’s pools along the route.
The climb, including the return walk to Tapahoro, takes 3.5 hours at a moderate pace. At Tapahoro, you’ll meet the Totally Tarawera team for your return boat journey across Lake Tarawera to the Tarawera outlet before your vehicle transfer back to the Rotorua Lakefront.
White Island/Mt Tarawera Volcanic Extremes
Price: Adults $2150.00 per person
Price: Child (Age 2 – 11) $1613.00 pp
(flight operates with a minimum of 2 adult fares)
Departs: 9:00am 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm Rotorua
Duration: 2 Hours approx
Experience “Volcanic Extremes” by flying over the active crater of “Whakaari” White Island and landing on the now-dormant, but still incredibly magnificent peak of Mount Tarawera.
Both of these volcanoes are significant, Whakaari for its deadly 2019 eruption and Mount Tarawera for its far greater 1886 eruption, which is considered to be the greatest in living memory in New Zealand.
Whakaari is an active coastal volcano whose activity varies daily, whereas Mount Tarawera towers magnificently over the North Island’s core area from far inland.
Craters and domes in the now dormant mountains are relics of the huge eruption that formed this region. In addition to the deep craters of the volcanoes, the peak of the Mountain offers impressive views of the surrounding country.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley, breathtaking crater lakes, abundant agricultural, forestry, and horticultural fields, and distant national parks are also visible from the air. This region’s distinct range of landscapes is rooted in a rich culture and fascinating history.
TOUR INCLUDES:
A 1 hour and 25 minute scenic flight plus a 20-minute walking tour to Mount Tarawer’s peak.
We invite you to step on board with Volcanic Air and create memories that will stay with you for a lifetime
FAQ: Rotorua Scenic Helicopter Flights (Volcanic Air)
Do Volcanic Air flights land on Mount Tarawera?
Yes. Selected tours include a summit landing on Mt Tarawera with time for photos and crater views.
Do flights land on White Island / Whakaari?
No. White Island is flyover only. Landings are on Mt Tarawera (and other permitted sites on combo tours).
How long are the flights?
Core scenic options run ~40–60 minutes; longer combos and heli-hike experiences range from 2–7 hours including landings/transfers.
Where do Rotorua Helicopter flights depart from?
Rotorua lakefront. Your confirmation includes exact meeting point, check-in time and pre-flight notes.
What should I wear and bring?
Comfortable layers and closed shoes; warmer gear for summit landings. Sunglasses recommended. Bring a camera/phone with a strap.
Is this suitable for first-time or nervous flyers?
Yes. Helicopters are stable with excellent visibility. Tell the team if you’re nervous—seating and simple tips can help.
Are there age, weight or seating limits?
Yes. Seating is arranged for safe weight balance. Please provide accurate passenger weights at booking; note any preferences.
What happens if the weather isn’t suitable?
Safety and views come first. Your flight may be delayed or rescheduled to a better window; if not possible, the team will help you rebook.
Can we combine a landing with geothermal stops?
Yes. Popular combos pair a Mt Tarawera landing with geothermal flyovers or a guided walk at Ōrākei Kōrako.
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