24 Jul The Best Geothermal Tour in Rotorua
The Best Geothermal Tour in Rotorua
Discover Mt Tarawera and Orakei Korako by Helicopter or Floatplane
Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland like no other—home to steaming lakes, bubbling mud pools, and powerful volcanic landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see. But to truly grasp the scale and raw beauty of this region, you need to take to the sky.
At Volcanic Air, we believe the ultimate way to experience Rotorua’s geothermal treasures is by scenic flight—and we offer two unforgettable ways to do it: by helicopter or floatplane. The major difference is helicopters allow you to landing on the sacred summit of Mt Tarawera for a 15 minute guided walk with your pilot, while both aircraft include a memorable flight into the surreal geothermal valley of Orakei Korako.
We might be a little biased… but thousands of happy clients and countless positive feedback allows us to say with confidence: this is the best geothermal tour in Rotorua!
Why Choose a Scenic Flight?
On the ground, Rotorua’s geothermal sights are incredible—but from above, they become something else entirely. The aerial perspective reveals the sharp contrast of vivid colors, huge volcanic craters, and steaming vents scattered across the landscape. What looks dramatic on foot becomes jaw-dropping in flight.
The impact of the Pacific Ring of Fire – a string of volcanos and sites of seismic activity which ring the Pacific Ocean and accounts for 90% of all earthquakes and 75% of all active volcanos, becomes apparent from the air – when you can see the chain of volcanos starting with Whakaari/ White Island in the Bay of Plenty, traveling straight through Rotorua, south to the Central North Island volcanos.
Helicopter to Mt Tarawera + Orakei Korako
For those seeking something truly unique, our helicopter experience combines two of the North Island’s most powerful volcanic sites:
Mt Tarawera
Land on the summit of the mountain that changed Rotorua forever in the 1886 eruption.
Walk along the crater edge with your pilot-guide, taking in expansive views of the rift valley and crater lakes below.
Hear stories of the eruption and the mountain’s significance to Te Arawa iwi.
Orakei Korako – The Hidden Valley
Fly beyond Rotorua to one of New Zealand’s most active and beautiful geothermal areas seeing aerial views of Waimangu Volcanic Valley and Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland for beautiful, diverse views of geothermal parks
View boiling terraces, sinter formations, and colourful silica flats from the air.
Land at Orakei Korako, nestled between Taupō and Rotorua on the edge of Lake Ohakuri.
From the landing point, you’ll take a short ferry across the lake to begin your 1 hour self-guided geothermal walk through this surreal landscape.
This is a journey of contrasts—from the shattered summit of Tarawera to the alien landscapes of Orakei Korako—all in one seamless, breathtaking experience.
The Walk: One Hour of Pure Geothermal Wonder
You’ll have around 60 minutes to explore this extraordinary park at your own pace. Highlights include:
Silica Terraces – Some of the largest and most active in the Southern Hemisphere
The Artist’s Palette – A kaleidoscope of steaming colours, created by mineral-rich waters
Ruatapu Cave – One of only two known geothermal caves in the world
Boiling Mud Pools & Geysers – Bubbling reminders of the power below your feet
Wander through steamy forests, cross wooden boardwalks, and feel completely immersed in one of the most untouched geothermal areas in Aotearoa. It’s peaceful, raw, and completely unforgettable.
Floatplane Adventure to Mt Tarawera & Hidden Lakes
For something equally spectacular, our floatplane tours offer a thrilling take-off from Lake Rotorua and a bird’s-eye view of:
The dramatic summit of Mt Tarawera and its enormous volcanic rift
The Rotorua Lakes District, including Lakes Rotoiti, Okataina, Okareka, and Rotomahana
Fly over Waimangu Volcanic Valley and Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland for beautiful, diverse views of geothermal parks
Land on a twisting, winding river for one of the coolest experiences of your life!
The Walk: One Hour of Pure Geothermal Wonder
You’ll have around 60 minutes to explore this extraordinary park at your own pace. Highlights include:
Silica Terraces – Some of the largest and most active in the Southern Hemisphere
The Artist’s Palette – A kaleidoscope of steaming colours, created by mineral-rich waters
Ruatapu Cave – One of only two known geothermal caves in the world
Boiling Mud Pools & Geysers – Bubbling reminders of the power below your feet
Wander through steamy forests, cross wooden boardwalks, and feel completely immersed in one of the most untouched geothermal areas in Aotearoa. It’s peaceful, raw, and completely unforgettable.
What Makes This Rotorua’s Best Geothermal Tour?
Unmatched Access – Land on Mt Tarawera’s summit or glide into Orakei Korako’s geothermal basin
Expert Local Pilots – Your guide in the sky, with rich knowledge of the region’s history, culture, and geology
Unique Aircraft – Choose between the freedom of a helicopter or the novelty of a floatplane
Small Group Experiences – Intimate flights with personalised commentary and flexibility
Cultural Respect – Learn about the sacred importance of these sites to local Māori, and experience them with care
A Tour That Tells a Story
Orakei Korako is a place where the land speaks. It bubbles, hisses, pulses with energy. By combining the thrill of flight with the intimacy of a ground-level walk, this tour offers the full story of Rotorua’s geothermal power—from above and within.
There’s no better way to witness the incredible forces that shaped this land than from the air. Whether you choose helicopter or floatplane, a scenic flight with Volcanic Air is more than just a tour—it’s a journey through time, nature, and culture.
Ready to see Rotorua from a whole new perspective?
Book our Helicopter Tour and Floatplane Tour and discover why this is the best geothermal tour in Rotorua.