Volcanic Heli Hike to Tarawera Falls

North Island

Volcanic Air

from

NZ$1090

per adult

Book Now

Helicopter flying over Tarawera Falls near Mount Tarawera

Experiences

Helicopter Scenic Flights

Hiking & Walking

Family-friendly Tours

Day Tours

North Island

Start: Rotorua

Duration: 6.5 hours

Difficulty: 2

Maximum Weight: 110kg

Details

A Scenic Adventure Above and Below

This heli hike begins with a breathtaking flight over Rotorua’s sparkling lakes, leading to a landing on the summit of Mount Tarawera. Known for New Zealand’s most significant eruption in living memory, the volcano offers panoramic views across the Bay of Plenty and beyond. Your pilot doubles as a guide, sharing local geology and history before you continue your journey.

The adventure continues with a second flight to Tapahoro Bay, where your hike begins along the clear waters of the Tarawera River. The track is well-marked and weaves through lush native forest, offering glimpses of cascades and tranquil pools. With a GPS unit to guide you, this self-paced hike allows time to fully enjoy the scenery.

Passengers boarding Volcanic Air helicopter at Lake Rotorua jetty

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

Helicopter parked on Mt Tarawera’s summit with Lake Tarawera in the background

Helicopter and group beside Mount Tarawera’s massive crater

Friends relaxing near their helicopter with sweeping views across Mount Tarawera

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

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

Helicopter landed on the crater rim of Mount Tarawera

Helicopter flying past the dramatic cliffs of Tarawera Falls, Rotorua

Guide greeting a guest beside the water taxi at Tapahoro Bay on Lake Tarawera

Two women enjoying a scenic boat ride across Lake Tarawera

Group hiking alongside a stream en route to Tarawera Falls

Woman hiking the Tarawera Falls trail after helicopter drop-off near Rotorua, New Zealand

View of Tarawera Falls flowing from cliffs surrounded by native forest

Two people taking photos at the base of Tarawera Falls

Guests boarding the water taxi on Lake Tarawera after the hike

Discovering the Magic of Tarawera Falls

As you walk beneath dramatic bluffs and towering trees, the river’s cascades build anticipation for the final reveal. The main falls are truly extraordinary, with water surging straight from a cliff face into a deep plunge pool. This natural spectacle creates the perfect backdrop for a picnic and a refreshing dip.

The return journey retraces the same forested path, allowing you to appreciate new details along the way. On reaching Tapahoro Bay, a boat awaits to carry you across Lake Tarawera’s glassy waters. The final road transfer to Rotorua completes this well-rounded half-day adventure, blending air, land, and water into one unforgettable experience.

GENERAL INFORMATION

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

INCLUSIONS

Helicopter flight to and landing on Mount Tarawera
Helicopter transfer to Tapahoro (Lake Tarawera)
Scenic boat transfer from Tapahoro to the landing at Lake Tarawera
Return vehicle transfers to Rotorua City Lakefront

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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