North Island | Must Do New Zealand

Updated: 13th July 2026

Rotorua Helicopter Tours & Scenic Flights

Discover Rotorua from a completely different perspective with a scenic helicopter flight from Volcanic Air. Soar above steaming geothermal valleys, crater lakes, native forests and volcanic landscapes, with exclusive experiences including Mount Tarawera summit landings, Whakaari / White Island flyovers and remote locations that can only be reached by air.

Choose from a range of helicopter adventures, including volcanic landings, scenic overflights and guided experiences at Ōrākei Kōrako. Whether it’s your first helicopter flight or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, Volcanic Air offers unforgettable aerial experiences across Rotorua’s remarkable geothermal region.

Summit landings on Mount Tarawera, geothermal overflights and optional White Island flyovers.”

Choose Your Rotorua Helicopter Adventure

5 unforgettable helicopter experiences

Mount Tarawera/Orakei Korako landing

Price: Adults $1490 per person
Price: Child (Age 2 – 11) $1118 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

Combine two of Rotorua’s most remarkable natural attractions in one unforgettable helicopter adventure. Fly above the region’s crater lakes, geothermal valleys and volcanic landscapes before landing on Mount Tarawera, where you’ll have time to explore the spectacular summit and volcanic craters.

Your journey continues to Ōrākei Kōrako – The Hidden Valley, where a short ferry ride takes you into one of New Zealand’s finest geothermal reserves. Wander among steaming geysers, bubbling hot springs, silica terraces and colourful geothermal features before your scenic helicopter flight returns across the Waikato River, Paeroa Range and Rotorua’s beautiful lake district.

Tour Highlights

Summit landing on Mount Tarawera
Visit Ōrākei Kōrako Hidden Valley
Ferry crossing included
Geysers, hot springs & silica terraces
Scenic return flight over Rotorua

Mount Tarawera Volcanic Adventure

Price: Adults $995 per person
Price: Child (Age 2 – 11) $747 pp
(flight operates with a minimum of 2 adult fares)
Departs: 9:00 am 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm
Duration: 60 minutes approx

Experience one of Rotorua’s most spectacular helicopter adventures with a summit landing on Mount Tarawera, the site of New Zealand’s largest volcanic eruption in living memory. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking aerial views of Rotorua’s crater lakes, Tarawera Falls, Waimangu Volcanic Valley and the colourful geothermal landscapes of Wai-O-Tapu.

After landing on the summit, step out to explore the dramatic volcanic rift created during the 1886 eruption. Your experienced pilot will share fascinating stories about the volcano’s history, geology and Māori heritage while you take in panoramic views across the Lakes District, surrounding national parks and Bay of Plenty.

Tour Highlights

Summit landing on Mount Tarawera
Aerial views of Rotorua’s crater lakes
Fly over Tarawera Falls
Waimangu Volcanic Valley & Wai-O-Tapu
Informative pilot commentary

The Tarawera Falls Volcanic Heli Hike

Price: Adults $1170 per person
Pri(flight operates with a minimum of 2 adult fares)
Departs: 9:00 am Rotorua lakefront
Duration: 7 Hours approx

Experience an unforgettable combination of helicopter flight, volcano, waterfall and wilderness. Your adventure begins with a scenic flight across Rotorua’s crater lakes to the summit of Mount Tarawera, where you’ll enjoy incredible panoramic views before continuing to Tapahoro on the shores of Lake Tarawera.

From here, set off on a self-guided walk following the crystal-clear Tarawera River through native forest to the spectacular Tarawera Falls, one of New Zealand’s most unique waterfalls. After time to relax, enjoy a picnic or swim, return by boat across Lake Tarawera before transferring back to Rotorua.

Tour Highlights

Scenic helicopter flight
Mount Tarawera summit landing
Self-guided Tarawera Falls hike
Boat cruise across Lake Tarawera
Incredible volcanic and forest scenery

White Island/Mt Tarawera Volcanic Extremes

Price: Adults $2295.00 per person
Price: Child (Age 2 – 11) $1722.00 pp
(flight operates with a minimum of 2 adult fares)
Departs: 9:00am 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm Rotorua
Duration: 2 Hours approx

Discover two of New Zealand’s most remarkable volcanoes on this unforgettable helicopter adventure. Fly across the Bay of Plenty for spectacular aerial views of Whakaari / White Island, one of the country’s most active offshore volcanoes, before continuing inland to land on the summit of Mount Tarawera.

From above you’ll experience Rotorua’s crater lakes, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, native forests and the colourful geothermal landscapes that define this remarkable region. Standing on Mount Tarawera’s summit provides breathtaking views across the volcanic rift created during the famous 1886 eruption.

Tour Highlights

Scenic flight over Whakaari / White Island
Summit landing on Mount Tarawera
Rotorua crater lakes
Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Exceptional aerial photography opportunities

TOUR INCLUDES:
A 1 hour and 25 minute scenic flight plus a 20-minute walking tour to Mount Tarawer’s peak.

Eruption Trail & Volcanic Landing

Price: Adults $675 per person
Price: Child (Age 2 – 11) $507 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 summit of Mount Tarawera for an unforgettable helicopter landing on one of New Zealand’s most significant volcanoes. Standing beside the dramatic craters formed during the 1886 eruption offers a unique perspective of the forces that shaped Rotorua’s volcanic landscape.

Your experienced pilot provides fascinating commentary throughout the flight while showcasing Rotorua’s crater lakes, native forests and surrounding national parks. This shorter helicopter adventure is ideal for visitors wanting the thrill of a volcanic summit landing within a compact itinerary.

Tour Highlights

Helicopter landing on Mount Tarawera
Explore the volcanic summit
Spectacular crater views
Rotorua Lakes District
Pilot commentary on geology and history

Looking for a floatplane adventure?

Experience Rotorua from the water and air with our Rotorua Floatplane Scenic Flights, featuring lake take-offs, water landings and scenic flights over the crater lakes and Mount Tarawera.

Check Out Our Scenic Floatplane Flight Options:

FAQ: Rotorua Scenic Helicopter Flights (Volcanic Air)

Do Volcanic Air helicopter flights land on Mount Tarawera?

Yes. Several Volcanic Air helicopter tours include a summit landing on Mount Tarawera, giving you time to explore the volcanic craters, take photographs and enjoy panoramic views across Rotorua’s Lakes District and surrounding national parks.

Do helicopter flights land on Whakaari / White Island?

No. Due to current safety restrictions, Whakaari / White Island is viewed from the air only. Selected tours include a scenic flyover before landing on Mount Tarawera or visiting other approved destinations.

How long are the Rotorua helicopter flights?

Scenic helicopter flights range from approximately 40 to 60 minutes, while longer experiences combining summit landings, geothermal attractions and hiking adventures take between 2 and 7 hours, depending on the tour selected.

Where do Rotorua helicopter flights depart from?

All helicopter flights depart from the Rotorua lakefront. Your booking confirmation will include the exact meeting location, check-in time and pre-flight information.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable layered clothing and closed footwear, with an extra warm layer recommended for Mount Tarawera summit landings. Sunglasses and a camera or phone with a secure strap are also recommended.

Are Rotorua helicopter flights suitable for first-time or nervous flyers?

Yes. Helicopters offer excellent visibility and a smooth flying experience. If you’re feeling nervous, simply let the Volcanic Air team know before departure and they’ll help make your flight as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Are there age, weight or seating restrictions?

Passenger seating is arranged to ensure the helicopter is correctly balanced for safety. Please provide accurate passenger weights when booking and advise the team of any seating preferences or special requirements.

What happens if the weather isn’t suitable for flying?

Passenger safety always comes first. If weather conditions are unsuitable, your flight may be delayed or rescheduled. If flying isn’t possible on the day, the Volcanic Air team will help arrange an alternative departure or another suitable option.

Can I combine a Mount Tarawera landing with geothermal attractions?

Yes. Several helicopter experiences combine a Mount Tarawera summit landing with scenic geothermal flyovers or a visit to Ōrākei Kōrako – Hidden Valley, allowing you to experience two of Rotorua’s most remarkable natural attractions in one unforgettable adventure.