Duration: Allow 40 minutesLocation: All scenic flights depart from Lakefront Drive, Rotorua City LakefrontRequirements: This flight requires a minimum of 2 adult faresPassenger 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.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.

Scenic take-off and landing from Lake RotoruaAmazing views of Mokoia Island, Sulphur Bay and Rotorua CityBreathtaking sights of 12 unique crater lakesFly over the 8km rift and craters of Mount TaraweraLand on the summit of Mount Tarawera for a 15-minute guided walkReboard your waiting helicopter and return to Rotorua City through the Redwood ForestExpert commentary on the local geography and cultural heritage

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

Mount Tarawera Landing & Guided Walk by Helicopter

North Island

Volcanic Air

from

NZ$675

per adult

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

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.

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
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.

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.

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

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

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: **Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount.

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