Volcanic Heli Hike

HELICOPTER TOUR

VOLCANIC HELI HIKE – TARAWERA FALLS

Tour Code: 6D

This Heli-Hike experience is incomparable: it combines the thrill of landing on the summit of Mount Tarawera with a half-day hike following the crystal-clear waters of the Tarawera River to the magical Tarawera Falls.

Departing from Rotorua, your helicopter takes you across our stunning lakes district to land on the summit of Mount Tarawera. This dormant volcano is the site of the largest eruption in New Zealand’s living memory and offers sweeping views of the Bay of Plenty, Rotorua’s many lakes, surrounding National Parks, and, of course, the volcano’s massive craters. Your pilot will guide you to the very summit on foot, providing their services as a photographer, historian and geologist. After 15 minutes, reboard and your helicopter will relocate you to Tapahoro Bay on the shores of Lake Tarawera, where your hike begins.

This self-guided hike (you are provided with a GPS unit) follows along a clearly formed track along the gin-clear Tarawera River. Walking under imposing bluffs and through native New Zealand forest, the hike continues past a series of increasingly impressive cascades until you arrive at the main fall, which flows out from the middle of a cliff. Stop at the base of the falls to enjoy your picnic lunch and a refreshing swim.

Retrace your steps back to Tapahoro Bay where you will meet the Totally Tarawera team for your return boat ride across beautiful Lake Tarawera. After the boat, they will also provide a road transfer back to the Rotorua Lakefront.

The hike is about 8 km total and you are given 3.5 hours – enough for a leisurely hike with time for a picnic.

Duration: Allow 6.5 Hours

Location: All tours depart from Lakefront Drive, Rotorua City Lakefront

Requirements: This tour operates with a minimum of 2 fares.

Please bring a backpack, water, warm layers and comfortable shoes for hiking in. A GPS unit will be provided.

Safety: A full safety briefing will be provided at the Volcanic Air Base. All passengers will be required to be weighted in order to ensure proper weight distribution in the aircraft.

TOUR INCLUDES

• Helicopter flight to and landing on Mount Tarawera

• Helicopter transfer to Tapahoro (Lake Tarawera)

• Scenic boat transfer from Tapahoro to the landing Lake Tarawera

• Return vehicle transfers to the Rotorua City Lakefront

ADDITIONAL (OPTIONAL)

• Lunch box including a beverage (non alcoholic) is $60pp

• Gourmet picnic lunch $95pp

• Hiking guide , POA