Mt Tarawera Helicopter Tour with Volcano Landing

Recommended by 98% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Rotorua, New Zealand

Great choice

5+ bookings last month.

40 minutes (approx.)
Flight time: 40 minutes
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

After exploring Rotorua’s volcanic attractions, hover above Mt. Tarawera for a different perspective on a helicopter tour. Soar above the Northern Lakes district as you take off from Rotorua. View the geothermal landscape of crater lakes and domes from the air and learn about geologic history from your guide. Land for a short, guided exploration of the volcanic terrain on foot.

Listen to insights about the terrain from the knowledgeable pilot
Enjoy panoramic views of volcanic terrain you couldn't get from the ground
Receive personalized attention on a small-group tour
Make your own way to the helipad in central Rotorua

What's Included

Pilot-guide
Commentary on board

Food and drinks
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Lakefront Drive, Ohinemutu, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Rotorua City Lakefront

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Make your way to the lakefront helipad in Rotorua and board your helicopter for the flight to Mt. Tarawera. Your pilot takes off over the crater lakes of the Northern Lakes district before treating you to expansive aerial views over the lunar-like landscape of the volcano, which includes a 5-mile- (8-kilometer-) long rift.

Soaring over Lake Tarawera, the helicopter circles the volcanic terrain, including a vast crater system formed by the 1886 eruption, which covered the village of Te Wairoa and took 153 lives. Learn about the destruction of the Pink and White Terraces—waterfall pools that drew 19th-century tourists to the shores of Lake Rotomahana.

Upon landing, disembark the chopper with your guide and explore Mt. Tarawera on foot. Walk past otherworldly craters and volcanic domes and compare the region’s geologic history with Māori legend as you listen to colorful commentary.

After your exploration on the ground, re-board the helicopter for the return flight to Rotorua.

Mt. Tarawera

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Total weight per passenger: 298 lbs
Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps

Infant seats available
Most travelers can participate
Due to comfort and balance of the aircraft, the maximum weight per seat/passenger is 297 lbs (135 kg)
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Hilary_M

This is a wonderfully run and well conducted trip but be prepared to need to be flexible as its weather dependent and safety first! we went two hours earlier than booked because the weather was closing in and we thought it was going to be cancelled. So glad we got airborne as the flight was stunning and the landing on the volcano, not to mention the views! were other worldly :) Thoroughly recommend. Probably best to book early in your visit so allowing time to reschedule if necessary.

Reviews

4.9

based on 43 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Fabulous, exciting, exceptional trip!

Hilary_M, Mar 2026

Unforgettable amazing experience

Jackie_M, Dec 2024

This awesome helicopter tour will leave an unforgettable memory. The pilot was patient and interacted with us all. He did not hurry us and we had amazing views. I would go again!!!!!

Response from Host, Dec 2024

Hi Jackie, Thank you for the amazing review. We are so pleased you had such a great time! Thanks Volcanic Air

One of the kind

Elena_N, Oct 2024

What a wonderful experience we had! One of the best tours ever! The flight, the views, the landing were incredible!

Response from Host, Oct 2024

Thank you for your lovely review, so happy we could deliver one of the best tours ever!!

Great experience, wonderful time

Wolfram_S, May 2024

Great trip on a wonderful sunny morning. Experienced pilot with interesting information about the mountain and the area. We had a lot of fun.

Flying high

Alice_D, Mar 2024

The whole tour was amazing from start to finish, landing on the volcano and seeing it up close was the highlight! Commentary was fun and informative, would thoroughly recommend!

Speechless

Ally_A, Feb 2024

It’s hard to describe just how incredible of a trip this was. We had perfect weather with views for miles. Our pilot was class. He gave us jaw dropping views and a memorable take off from the volcano itself. If you’re on the fence about this one, just go. You can thank me later.

Raw Beauty of Mt. Tarawera and the surrounding Region

Ke_L, Jan 2024

The Mt Tarawera helicopter tour is truly breathtaking. We have a unique opportunity to witness the stunning volcanic crater, vibrant geothermal landscapes, and magnificent aerial views of the surrounding region. The tour provided us with an unforgettable experience. The highlight of this tour was that Mr. Ken Roureti was touring with us. Mr. Raureti is a local Maori leader. Not only did we get many profound stories from him, but we also learned how to respect the land.

Up, up and away!

Tanja_P, Nov 2023

This was an amazing experience! What an incredible way to see Rotorua's lakes and landscapes from a new perspective. The staff were very nice and super knowledgeable. Highly recommend booking this tour!

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Thank you so much for booking with us! I hope your photos are half as good as the views were

Scared, but enjoyed it

Joyce_J, Oct 2023

I was scared landing on the volanco and walking on the steep hills thinking I'll fall off. The pilot was nice to offer me comfort.

Wonderful flight

Stephan_A, Nov 2022

Very friendly staff, stunning views and interesting info given by the crew. Well worth the price! Highly recommend!

Amazing experience!

James_H, May 2022

The kids and i had an awsome time in the helicoptor definitely worth it and will be back again next time we are in rotorua!

Response from Host, May 2022

Thank you for your review and we are so happy you and your kids enjoyed your flight. We would love to have you come back again!

Awesome trip, really...

Tyler_W, Apr 2022

Awesome trip, really enjoyed it. Loved the views form the helicopter and the history etc form our pilot

Response from Host, Apr 2022

Thanks for the feedback Tyler, great to hear you enjoyed the trip

New Zealand's mini Grand Canyon

Russell_N, Oct 2020

Incredible trip well looked after by pilot. Amazing place and the size of the rift is a must see. A lot of work done by local iwi to clean up noxious weeds etc. Mt. Tarawera looks great.

Excellent trip !!

Enzo_K, Oct 2020

All staff were friendly and helpful Pilot was knowledgeable and very informative the whole experience was memorable

Response from Host, Oct 2020

Great to hear you had a good trip and thank you for the review:)

Amazing

Gayleen_D, Mar 2020

Wow oh wow fantastic, This wa just amazing, Sam the pilot was graet and so knowledgeable, Will never forget this awesome experience

Response from Host, May 2020

Thank you, and we are delighted you had an awesome experience

This tour was one off my highlights...

Katrina L, Jan 2018

This tour was one off my highlights. It was so amazing from the views to the flight, which was very smooth. The scenery was beautiful and the pilot was very informative. This tour is so worth the money and the staff were all great to deal with.