Mount Tarawera Landing & Guided Walk by Helicopter

North Island

Volcanic Air

from

NZ$630

per adult

Book Now

Couple standing near a helicopter on Mount Tarawera summit

Experiences

Helicopter Scenic Flights

Family-friendly Tours

Hiking & Walking

Half-Day Tours

North Island

Start: Rotorua

Duration: 40 minutes

Difficulty: 2

Maximum Weight: 110kg

Details

Scenic Helicopter Adventure Over Rotorua

A helicopter flight from Rotorua Lakefront offers sweeping views of sparkling lakes, lush forests, and steaming geothermal valleys. As the helicopter ascends, you’ll pass over Lakes Okareka, Okataina, and Tarawera before soaring above the dramatic slopes of Mount Tarawera. This aerial perspective reveals the region’s striking natural contrasts in a way few experiences can.

Flying along the eight-kilometre rift line carved by the 1886 eruption, you’ll witness the rugged volcanic formations that shaped the landscape. The vivid colours of the crater walls stand out against the deep green forest and shimmering blue lakes. Your pilot’s commentary brings the area’s geology and history to life throughout the flight.

Friends relaxing near their helicopter with sweeping views across Mount Tarawera

Helicopter flying past the deep ravines and coloured cliffs of Mount Tarawera

Group walking along the rim of Mount Tarawera crater under a clear morning sky

Lake Rotomahana viewed from the upper slopes of Mount Tarawera

Sunrise silhouette of hikers at the summit of Mount Tarawera

Visitors posing next to the Mount Tarawera summit sign at Ruawāhia Dome

Two friends taking a selfie with the volcanic landscape of Mount Tarawera behind them

Woman in pink jacket sitting at the crater rim overlooking Mount Tarawera’s volcanic landscape

Couple posing beside the colourful crater slopes of Mount Tarawera

Group hiking uphill with a helicopter parked in the distance on Mount Tarawera

Two women taking a selfie with Lake Tarawera and distant ridges behind them

Smiling family with guide walking away from a landed helicopter on Mount Tarawera

Two women taking a selfie on Mt Tarawera at sunrise

Family walking on Mt Tarawera with helicopter parked in the distance

Small group walking away from a landed helicopter on Mount Tarawera’s summit

Visitors enjoying views over the rugged summit and volcanic terrain of Mount Tarawera

Helicopter and group beside Mount Tarawera’s massive crater

Group walking along Mt Tarawera’s crater ridge with sweeping volcanic views

Guided Summit Walk and Panoramic Views

Touching down on the summit, you’ll have around 15 minutes to walk the volcanic terrain. The experience is enriched with insights into Māori history and the cultural significance of Mount Tarawera. On clear days, you may see as far as White Island to the north and Tongariro National Park to the south.

The sweeping 360-degree views from the summit create a perfect setting for photography and reflection. Every direction reveals a new layer of New Zealand’s unique volcanic landscape. With your pilot doubling as guide, historian, and photographer, this is more than a flight – it’s a memory that lasts a lifetime.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Duration: Allow 40 minutes
Location: All scenic flights depart from Lakefront Drive, Rotorua City Lakefront
Requirements: This flight requires a minimum of 2 adult fares

Tour duration, flight times, and inclusions may vary due to weather conditions, volcanic activity, and passenger load. Excursion landings are at your own risk and at the pilot’s sole discretion.

HIGHLIGHTS

Scenic take-off and landing from Lake Rotorua
Amazing views of Mokoia Island, Sulphur Bay and Rotorua City
Breathtaking sights of 12 unique crater lakes
Fly over the 8km rift and craters of Mount Tarawera
Land on the summit of Mount Tarawera for a 15-minute guided walk
Reboard your waiting helicopter and return to Rotorua City through the Redwood Forest
Expert commentary on the local geography and cultural heritage

AGE INFORMATION

Adult: 12 years +
Children: 2-11 years
Infant: Under 2 years (free charge)

Passenger Weight: Individual weights must be advised at the time of booking. If an individual passenger weight exceeds 110kgs a surcharge may apply. Any passenger exceeding 135kgs will be required to pay two adult fares.

CANCELLATION & REFUND

Cancel 30+ days before: Full refund**
Cancel 8-30 days before: 25% fee**
Cancel 2-7 days before: 75% fee**
Cancel within 48 hours: No refund.

Note: **Refunds exclude credit card, payment or booking fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

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TOUR QUESTIONS

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