Mt Tarawera Helicopter Tour & Volcano Landing from Rotorua

Summary

Helicopter Adventure to Mt Tarawera Volcano with Guided Walk

If you want to see Rotorua’s volcanic heart up close—and actually land on Mt Tarawera—this helicopter tour is hard to beat. You’ll fly over crater lakes, walk along the volcano rim with a local guide, and hear real stories that bring this wild landscape to life.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell—sort of earthy, a bit like warm stone after rain—when we stepped out onto the volcano. The flight up from Rotorua was smooth, just a little hum in my headphones as our pilot, Mike, pointed out Lake Okataina glinting below. You get this wild patchwork of blue lakes and green forest, then suddenly the landscape flips: deep craters, red rock scars from the 1886 eruption. It’s not something you can really see from the ground.

We landed right on Mt Tarawera itself. There’s a kind of hush up there—just wind and the crunch of gravel under your boots. Our guide walked us along the rim for about 20 minutes, stopping to show us where steam sometimes still rises (though today it was just cool air). He shared stories about the eruption that split the mountain in two and wiped out villages below. I snapped a few photos but mostly just stood there, taking it in. The whole place feels raw and ancient.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Helicopter Tour and Volcano Landing

• Walk at dormant volcano and view lakes

Top questions

Is this helicopter tour suitable for kids?

Yes, children are welcome! Infants need to sit on an adult’s lap or use a specialized infant seat provided by us.

How long do we spend on Mt Tarawera?

You’ll have around 20 minutes walking on the volcano with your guide for photos and exploring.

What should I wear for the tour?

Comfortable clothes and closed shoes are best—it can get breezy up on the mountain even if it’s warm in Rotorua.

Is public transport available to reach the departure point?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby if you’re not driving yourself.

What’s included

Your flight includes live commentary from an experienced pilot-guide, landing on Mt Tarawera, and a guided volcano walk. We provide infant seats if needed—just let us know ahead of time.