Based on the shores of Lake Rotorua, Volcanic Air offers the most comprehensive range of scenic flights and air tours in the region. Established in 1992, we carry over 10,000 satisfied customers per year to experience our local volcanoes, geothermal reserves and lakes district from both the air and the ground. Volcanic Air operate a mixed fleet of both helicopters and Rotorua’s only floatplanes. The versatility of these aircraft allows us to visit remote destinations that are hard to reach by other means. Our region is unique, and the diversity of its landscape is quite remarkable. We combine spectacular scenery with informative and interesting commentaries about an area that is considered as the cultural heart of New Zealand. Look no further than Volcanic Air for the best scenic flights Rotorua has to offer.
Our key scenic flights in Rotorua include Mount Tarawera, the site of the largest eruption in New Zealand’s living memory. Standing on Mount Tarawera offers a privileged view of spectacular craters and domes formed by the eruption. Further south, we also land at the hidden valley of Orakei Korako, to experience stunning scenery and fascinating geothermal activity. Other key highlights of our Rotorua scenic flights include aerial views of vibrant geothermal reserves like Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu, as well as the area’s lakes district.
An amazing experience seeing the Rotorua lakes region from the air, out-weighed only by the rare opportunity to set foot on the remarkable Mt Tarawera. Josh is an excellent... read more helicopter pilot and a wonderful tour guide. Many thanks also to Steve and his crew for going above and beyond to completely turn our day around - much appreciated. We will be back to experience a float plane ride next time!
Absolutely amazing experience for the whole family incl 3+5 yr old!! The pilot Stephen is super helpful, nice and knowledgeable; you learn a lot about the area and places you... read more fly over. They know how to include little children so very safe and they loved it!!
Highly recommend
The weather was not looking good for the day we had booked. We were placed on a flight the day earlier thanks to Stephen for his wonderful phone manners and... read more ability to be flexible with times.
Met at the temporary building (ground works visible on waterfront) Again Stephen was fantastic on greeting and the pre-check in.
An amazing trip, although due to low cloud over the Mount was unable to stay as long as i would have liked. Put my complete faith in Tim, our wonderful pilot, though as we headed to our next destination.
Very knowledgeable with the history, and Tim was happy to answer our questions.
The afternoon at Orakei Korako was also very enjoyable - left to explore in our own time (within the limits of our tour)
The flight back was stunning. So pleased this tour was able to be done for us - especially as the weather was pretty unpredictable for the rest of the week.
Absolutely great time flying around the area, awesome knowledgeable pilot who shared interesting things about Mount Tarawera and the surrounding areas. Chasing deer on the mountain was an enjoyable thrill!... read more Highly recommend.
Our excellent pilot, Sam, gave us good information on the areas we flew over which included Tarawera falls, landing and guided walk on Mount Tarawera, Waimangu Thermal Valley, Waiotapu and... read more forestry area including Rotorua waterfront. We could see right down to Mount Ruapehu and out to see to Mount Edgecumbe and Whale Island. The views were amazing! Great way to understand and appreciate the natural beauty of the many lakes and mountains in Rotorua and surrounds. Trip lasted one hour including 20 mins guided walk on Mount Tarawera. Thanks Sam
Our excellent pilot, Sam, gave us good information on the areas we flew over which included Tarawera falls, landing and guided walk on Mount Tarawera, Waimangu Thermal Valley, Waiotapu and... read more forestry area including Rotorua waterfront. We could see right down to Mount Ruapehu and out to see to Mount Edgecumbe and Whale Island. The views were amazing! Great way to understand and appreciate the natural beauty of the many lakes and mountains in Rotorua and surrounds. Trip lasted one hour including 20 mins guided walk on Mount Tarawera. Thanks Sam
Our aircraft are maintained to the highest standard and are flown by experienced pilots. All of our pilots also have an intimate knowledge of the local area. Volcanic Air is approved by the New Zealand Civil Aviation authority and independently accessed via a stringent Quality Assurance Program. We are also Qualmark Gold accredited.