Rotorua
Top Rotorua activities
Top Rotorua landmarks
Beyond Rotorua
Rotorua trip ideas

Mt Tarawera Helicopter Tour with Volcano Landing

Badge of ExcellenceRotorua, New Zealand
  • 40 minutes
  • Flight time: 40 minutes
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Hover above Mt Tarawera on a helicopter tour with a landing that includes a short, guided exploration of the volcanic terrain on foot. View the geothermal landscape of crater lakes and domes from the air, then get up close to the volcanic scenery as you learn about its geologic history from your guide. Soar above the Northern Lakes district as you take off from Rotorua.
  • Mt. Tarawera helicopter flight and walking tour from Rotorua
  • Take a guided walk on Mt. Tarawera
  • Listen to insights about the terrain from the knowledgeable pilot
  • Enjoy panoramic views of volcanic terrain

What's Included

  • Pilot-guide
  • Commentary on board
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • Lakefront Drive, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

    Rotorua City Lakefront

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Make your way to the lakefront helipad in Rotorua and board your helicopter for the flight to Mt Tarawera. Your pilot takes off over the crater lakes of the Northern Lakes district before treating you to expansive aerial views over the lunar-like landscape of the volcano, which includes a 5-mile-long (8-km) rift. 

Soaring over Lake Tarawera, the helicopter circles the volcanic terrain, including a vast crater system formed by the 1886 eruption, which covered the village of Te Wairoa and took 153 lives. Learn about the destruction of the Pink and White Terraces — waterfall pools that drew 19th-century tourists to the shores of Lake Rotomahana.

Upon landing, disembark the chopper with your guide and explore Mt Tarawera on foot. Walk past otherworldly craters and volcanic domes and compare the region’s geologic history with Maori legend as you listen to colorful commentary. 

After your exploration on the ground, re-board the helicopter for the return flight to Rotorua.

Mt. Tarawera

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

  • Total weight per passenger: 298 lbs
  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Infant seats available
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Due to comfort and balance of the aircraft, the maximum weight per seat/passenger is 297 lbs (135 kg)
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

See more
Featured review
Ally_A
It’s hard to describe just how incredible of a trip this was. We had perfect weather with views for miles. Our pilot was class. He gave us jaw dropping views and a memorable take off from the volcano itself. If you’re on the fence about this one, just go. You can thank me later.

Reviews

5.0
29 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
0
0
0
0
0
Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 29 reviews
Flying high
Alice_D, Mar 2024
The whole tour was amazing from start to finish, landing on the volcano and seeing it up close was the highlight! Commentary was fun and informative, would thoroughly recommend!
Speechless
Ally_A, Feb 2024
It’s hard to describe just how incredible of a trip this was. We had perfect weather with views for miles. Our pilot was class. He gave us jaw dropping views and a memorable take off from the volcano itself. If you’re on the fence about this one, just go. You can thank me later.
Raw Beauty of Mt. Tarawera and the surrounding Region
Ke_L, Jan 2024
The Mt Tarawera helicopter tour is truly breathtaking. We have a unique opportunity to witness the stunning volcanic crater, vibrant geothermal landscapes, and magnificent aerial views of the surrounding region. The tour provided us with an unforgettable experience. The highlight of this tour was that Mr. Ken Roureti was touring with us. Mr. Raureti is a local Maori leader. Not only did we get many profound stories from him, but we also learned how to respect the land.
Up, up and away!
Tanja_P, Nov 2023
This was an amazing experience! What an incredible way to see Rotorua's lakes and landscapes from a new perspective. The staff were very nice and super knowledgeable. Highly recommend booking this tour!
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Thank you so much for booking with us! I hope your photos are half as good as the views were
Scared, but enjoyed it
Joyce_J, Oct 2023
I was scared landing on the volanco and walking on the steep hills thinking I'll fall off. The pilot was nice to offer me comfort.
Wonderful flight
Stephan_A, Nov 2022
Very friendly staff, stunning views and interesting info given by the crew. Well worth the price! Highly recommend!
Amazing experience!
James_H, May 2022
The kids and i had an awsome time in the helicoptor definitely worth it and will be back again next time we are in rotorua!
Response from Host, May 2022
Thank you for your review and we are so happy you and your kids enjoyed your flight. We would love to have you come back again!
Awesome trip, really...
Tyler_W, Apr 2022
Awesome trip, really enjoyed it. Loved the views form the helicopter and the history etc form our pilot
Response from Host, Apr 2022
Thanks for the feedback Tyler, great to hear you enjoyed the trip
New Zealand's mini Grand Canyon
Russell_N, Oct 2020
Incredible trip well looked after by pilot. Amazing place and the size of the rift is a must see. A lot of work done by local iwi to clean up noxious weeds etc. Mt. Tarawera looks great.
Excellent trip !!
Enzo_K, Oct 2020
All staff were friendly and helpful Pilot was knowledgeable and very informative the whole experience was memorable
Response from Host, Oct 2020
Great to hear you had a good trip and thank you for the review:)
Amazing
Gayleen_D, Mar 2020
Wow oh wow fantastic, This wa just amazing, Sam the pilot was graet and so knowledgeable, Will never forget this awesome experience
Response from Host, May 2020
Thank you, and we are delighted you had an awesome experience
This tour was one off my highlights...
Katrina L, Jan 2018
This tour was one off my highlights. It was so amazing from the views to the flight, which was very smooth. The scenery was beautiful and the pilot was very informative. This tour is so worth the money and the staff were all great to deal with.
Great Tour !! View is amazing and the...
Danielle_L, Dec 2015
Great Tour !! View is amazing and the pilot was really friendly.

From $379.19

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Explore Similar Things to Do

Help CenterCustomer CarePrivacy and Cookies StatementAbout ViatorNewsViator blog
© 1997-2024 Viator, Inc.
Terms & Conditions