MOUNT TARAWERA LANDING / GEOTHERMAL PARKS
Tour Code: 3C
Tour Code: 3C
Experience volcanic and geothermal highlights with the most popular helicopter ride Rotorua has to offer! Includes a landing & guided walk on a dormant volcano, flying over the Tarawera Falls, 12 lakes and 3 geothermal reserves (Wai-O-Tapu, Waimangu & Sulphur Bay).
As you fly above Lake Rotorua and leave Rotorua City and volcanic caldera behind, our stunning crater lakes (see if you can spot all 12!) will spread out below you. Varying in size and color, with lush native bush and farmlands in abundance, you will understand why Rotorua is home to some world-class fishing and boating. Your pilot will fly you over the gin-clear Tarawera River to the Tarawera Falls, where the water erupts from the middle of the cliff before crashing down 65 meters. See if you can spot any hikers or, if you are really lucky, trout swimming in the river!
From the Falls you will fly south again up and over the formidable shoulder of Mount Tarawera, a now dormant volcano. Your pilot will land alongside the largest of the volcanic craters. Upon disembarking, enjoy a 15 minute guided walk up to the proper summit. Learn about the last volcanic eruption in 1886 (the largest in New Zealand’s living memory), Rotorua’s unique location on the Pacific Rim of Fire, the region’s rich Māori history, and don’t forget to take in the 360-degree views. Your pilot serves as a historian, geologist and your personal photographer.
Return to your waiting helicopter to fly south through the 8 km volcanic rift line, taking in the size and colors of the craters. Where the mountain ends, the eruption trail continues over Lake Rotomahana to Waimangu Volcanic Valley, a geothermal park shaped by the 1886 eruption. Try to capture the entire 17 km eruption line in a photo while over Waimangu before you track further south to the vibrant Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland where you can marvel at the stunning colors of the Artists Palette and Champagne Pool.
This tour highlights Rotorua’s amazing features, unique to this region because of our location on a significant fault line. Very few other scenic flights can show off native bush, farmlands, a city, 14 lakes, a volcanic caldera, active volcanoes in the distance, and multiple geothermal parks – AND include a landing on a dormant volcano, all in one hour’s time!
Duration: Allow 1 hour
Location: All flights depart from Lakefront Drive, Rotorua City Lakefront
Requirements: This flight operates with a minimum of 2 adult fares
Children: Children 2-11 years pay a child fare (75% of the adult fare)
Tour duration, flight times and inclusions may vary due to weather conditions, volcanic activity and passenger loadings. Excursion landings are undertaken at your own risk and such landings are at your pilot’s sole discretion. Read the full Terms and Conditions here.
To make a booking for travel within the next 24 hours, please call our office direct on +64 7 348 9984 or 0800 800 848
To make a booking for travel within the next 24 hours, please call our office direct on +64 7 348 9984 or 0800 800 848.