HELICOPTER TOURS

VISIT ICONIC VOLCANOES

Volcanic Air offers scenic helicopter tours that provide a unique perspective of Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, volcanic landscapes, and pristine lakes. Flying in our state-of-the-art helicopters, you can effortlessly explore iconic destinations like Mount Tarawera, the site of New Zealand’s most recent volcanic eruption, and the dramatic geothermal parks of the region.

 

Our helicopter scenic flights are designed to showcase the best of Rotorua’s diverse natural beauty from above, combining adventure with stunning views. Whether it’s a thrilling crater landing on Mount Tarawera or a scenic flyover of the Blue and Green Lakes, Volcanic Air provides a remarkable aerial experience with a focus on customer service and safety.

 

Keen to learn more about the helicopters we fly? Find all the details here!

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Mt Tarawera Landing and Guided Walk

Volcanic landing and walking tour

Fly to the site of the largest eruption in New Zealand’s living memory.

 

Landing on Mount Tarawera offers a privileged view of spectacular craters and domes formed by the massive 1886 eruption. Here you will enjoy an interesting commentary based on the region’s history, culture and geology. Scenic flights to and from the volcano also take in expansive views of our stunning Lakes District, National Parks, and a view of Mount Tarawera from above!

Mt Tarawera/Waimangu/Wai-o-tapu and Tarawera Falls

Mount Tarawera | Wai-o-tapu | Tarawera falls

The Volcanic Adventure is one of our most diverse scenic flights.

 

Departing from the Rotorua Lakefront, you’ll take a scenic helicopter flight to Mount Tarawera and land on its summit. From this unique vantage point, you’ll enjoy amazing vistas of the Rotorua region, as well as the fascinating landscape of the mountain itself. The adventure continues as you take off again to enjoy spectacular aerial views of our stunning crater lakes, the renowned Tarawera Falls, and the vibrant Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu geothermal parks.

Wai-O-Tapu
Rotorua crater lakes

Crater Lakes

Aerial views of 6 stunning Crater Lakes

Our Crater Lakes scenic flight offers amazing views of our hidden lakes district from above.

 

These stunning crater lakes are surrounded by native forests and pastoral lands, so are best experienced from one of our scenic flights. Hidden from the city by our volcanic terrain, only an aerial perspective reveals the true beauty of this region. Departing our Rotorua Lakefront helipad, we climb eastbound to view the lakes of Tikitapu, Rotokakahi, Okareka, Tarawera, and Okataina. Returning to the Lakefront, our descent takes us across the shores of Lake Rotorua, offering expansive views of the city prior to landing.

Mt Tarawera/Orakei Korako Dual Landing

Mount Tarawera | Orakei Korako

Combine the thrill of landing on Mount Tarawera with a scenic flight that includes spectacular aerial views of our stunning crater lakes, the renowned Tarawera Falls, and the vibrant Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu geothermal reserves. You’ll then land at the hidden geothermal valley of Orakei Korako, for a unique walking tour.

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Orakei Korako's Artist Pallet from the air
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Volcanic Extremes

White Island / Mount Tarawera by helicopter

Experience “Volcanic Extremes” flying over the active crater of “Whakaari” White Island before landing on the now dormant, but extremely spectacular summit, of Mount Tarawera.
Both of these volcanoes are of significance, Whakaari more recently for the devastating 2019 eruption and Mount Tarawera for the much larger 1886 eruption, considered to be the largest in New Zealand’s living memory.