Mt Tarawera Helicopter Tour with Volcano Landing from Rotorua

Fly over crater lakes, land on a dormant volcano, walk the rim for close-up views.

A 40-minute helicopter tour from Rotorua that takes you over the Northern Lakes district and lands on Mt Tarawera volcano for a 20-minute walking tour of the crater. The pilot-guide provides commentary on the region's eruption history and geothermal geology as you fly, then you step out onto the volcanic landscape for photographs of the surrounding crater lakes. Infants sit on an adult's lap; the maximum weight per seat is 297 lbs (135 kg).

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter tour and volcano landing

• Take off from Rotorua
• Fly over Northern Lakes district
• Listen to pilot-guide commentary
• Land on dormant volcano
• Walk 20 minutes on volcano
• View volcanic scenery and lakes

The Experience

You arrive at the helipad in Rotorua and board a helicopter with a pilot-guide who narrates the flight as you climb. The route follows the eruption trail of Mt Tarawera, banking over the Northern Lakes district so you see the rugged volcanic terrain from above—the crater lakes, the scarred landscape, the scale of what happened when the mountain erupted. The pilot explains the region's geology and history during the flight, so you understand what you are looking at.

The helicopter lands on the volcano itself. You step out onto the dormant crater and spend 20 minutes walking the rim, taking photographs of the geothermal scenery and the lakes that ring the mountain. This is the part best done on foot—the close views, the texture of the volcanic rock, the perspective from ground level that the air alone cannot give. Then you return to the helicopter for the flight back to Rotorua.

The whole experience runs 40 minutes from takeoff to landing. A pilot-guide is on board throughout, so you have someone who knows the mountain and can answer questions. Public transportation options are available near the helipad if you need them to get there.

What’s included

Helicopter flight with pilot-guide commentary on the region's geology and eruption history; 20-minute walking tour on the Mt Tarawera crater rim.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Volcanic Air

Is this one for you?Most helicopter tours over Rotorua stay in the air the whole time. This one lands you on the volcano itself, so you walk the crater rim and photograph the geothermal landscape from ground level instead of only seeing it from above.

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Top questions

What exactly do you see from the helicopter on the way to Mt Tarawera?

The Northern Lakes district and the eruption trail of Mt Tarawera. The pilot-guide points out the crater lakes and the rugged geothermal landscape as you fly, explaining the region's volcanic history and geology so you understand the terrain below.

How long do you actually spend on the volcano itself?

The walking tour on the crater rim lasts 20 minutes. You land on Mt Tarawera and walk to take photographs and see the volcanic scenery up close before returning to the helicopter.

Is there a weight limit for passengers?

Yes. The maximum weight per seat is 297 lbs (135 kg). Infants can sit on an adult's lap, and specialized infant seats are available if you need one.

Does the tour include food or drinks?

No. The tour includes the helicopter flight, pilot commentary, and the walking tour on the volcano. Food, drinks and gratuities are not included.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the helipad?

Yes. Hotel pickup is not included with this tour. Public transportation options are available near the helipad in Rotorua.