Rotorua is a playground for those who love natural wonders, geothermal activity, and volcanic landscapes. While the bubbling mud pools and steaming geysers are famous, taking to the skies offers a whole new perspective. Helicopter tours here provide unforgettable views of Mount Tarawera, White Island, and the Rotorua Lakes District, making the scenery both accessible and awe-inspiring. We particularly love the Mt. Tarawera Helicopter Tour with Volcano Landing because it combines the thrill of flight with a short walk on a dormant volcano, giving you a tangible connection to the landscape. For those short on time but eager to see spectacular sights, the Mount Tarawera Volcanic Adventure is ideal, offering a quick flight and landing with personalized attention. And if you’re after a high-end experience, the Volcanic Extremes tour over White Island and Mount Tarawera takes you over active and dormant volcanoes in one breathtaking trip. Ready to lift off? Let’s explore each of these top helicopter tours in detail.
Quick Overview of Rotorua Helicopter Tours
The list below covers a variety of helicopter experiences, from short scenic flights to full-on volcanic adventures. Whether you want a quick 20-minute trip over Rotorua’s geothermal parks, a thrilling hour-long flyover with a volcano landing, or an extended, all-access tour of White Island combined with Mount Tarawera, there’s something for every interest and schedule. All tours are designed to showcase Rotorua’s volcanic landscape from the sky, with some including guided walks on iconic sites. Click on the links to see full details of each experience.
1. Mt Tarawera Helicopter Tour with Volcano Landing
At number 1, this 40-minute helicopter tour offers an unforgettable adventure with a volcano landing on Mount Tarawera. You’ll take off from Rotorua and soar above the famous volcanic mountain, known for its massive eruption in 1886. The highlight is the landing, where you’ll step onto the volcanic terrain, explore the crater, and take a short guided walk. Your pilot, who shares insights about the geological history of the area, enhances the experience with fascinating commentary.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of aerial views and ground exploration. The panoramic vistas of crater lakes, domes, and geothermal activity are spectacular from the air, and standing on the volcano’s surface makes the landscape feel real and immediate. With a perfect 5.0-star rating based on 39 reviews, guests rave about the patience and friendliness of the pilot, the stunning views, and the thrill of landing on a dormant volcano. The tour is priced at $409.81 per person, offering excellent value given the unique experience.
Bottom line: This is perfect for those who want a balanced mix of flying and walking, with a focus on the volcanic landscape and a memorable land-on experience.
2. Mount Tarawera Volcanic Adventure by Helicopter
Ranking second is the 1-hour Mount Tarawera Volcanic Adventure, which provides a more comprehensive exploration of Rotorua’s volcanic sites. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a short, efficient but rich experience—it hits the highlights of the geothermal parks and the volcano itself. Flying over Wai o Tapu and Waimangu geothermal parks, you’ll get sweeping views of bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and crater lakes before landing on Mount Tarawera for a guided walk.
The small group size (max. 6 people) ensures a personalized experience, and the admission ticket is included. With a perfect 5.0-star rating based on 11 reviews, travelers praise the dramatic contrasts of the scenery and the professionalism of the pilot. The $644.73 price reflects the more extensive experience, including the land visit and scenic highlights.
Bottom line: If you’re short on time but want a fuller picture of Rotorua’s volcanic landscape, this tour offers excellent value, combining breathtaking flight with a short walk.
3. Rotorua: Helicopter Flight and Guided Walk on Mt Tarawera
At number 3, this 40-minute scenic helicopter flight is a fantastic choice for those who want both aerial views and an educational walk. It kicks off with a spectacular flyover of lakes, mountains, and bush before landing on Mount Tarawera for a guided walk. This tour emphasizes learning about the region’s geology, culture, and history directly from your guide, making it more than just sightseeing.
While it has only four reviews, all are highly positive and appreciate the mix of scenery and storytelling. The tour costs $369 per person and is suited for travelers who enjoy active experiences combined with sightseeing. The landing on a famous volcanic site makes this a memorable option for those interested in geology and local stories.
Bottom line: Perfect for curious travelers who want a balanced experience of flight, exploration, and education about Rotorua’s volcanic history.
4. Helicopter White Island / Mount Tarawera ‘Volcanic Extremes’
Number 4 offers an extreme volcanic adventure combining flights over White Island, an active marine volcano, with a landing on Mount Tarawera. Priced at $1,401.26 for about 1 hour and 45 minutes, this tour is the most comprehensive and expensive, but it’s also the most dramatic.
You’ll fly over White Island’s crater lake and active vents, experiencing the raw power of an offshore volcano. Afterward, your pilot will land on Mount Tarawera, where you’ll see craters and domes formed by a 1886 eruption. The tour includes insights into volcanic activity and eruptions, making it a favorite among those fascinated by volcanic phenomena. The reviews are limited (2 reviews, both perfect 5/5), but the experience promises jaw-dropping views and a sense of adventure.
Bottom line: Best suited for adventure travelers or geology enthusiasts willing to invest in an in-depth volcanic experience. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip for those seeking the most intense scenery.
5. Rotorua: Volcano Landing and Geothermal Park Helicopter Tour
Last but not least, this 3-hour tour combines a volcano landing, aerial views, and a self-guided exploration of Orakei Korako Geothermal Park. For $817 per person, it offers the most comprehensive experience with a full hour at the geothermal park to walk and soak in the vibrant colors and fumaroles.
You’ll land on Mount Tarawera, then enjoy panoramic views of lakes and geothermal areas. Following the flight, you can walk around the geothermal park at your own pace, seeing Artist’s Palette and Champagne Pool. It’s a perfect choice for travelers who want a luxurious and immersive experience, combining helicopter thrill with leisurely exploration.
Reviewers note that the tour’s duration and the self-guided component make it ideal for those who want time to absorb the scenery thoroughly. The price reflects the full experience and the extra time spent at the geothermal park.
Bottom line: Great for luxury travelers and nature lovers who want a detailed, all-encompassing experience of Rotorua’s volcanic and geothermal splendors.
$817 per person
How to Choose the Right Rotorua Helicopter Tour
Choosing the best helicopter experience depends on your budget, time, and interests. If you’re looking for a quick thrill with stunning views, the Mount Tarawera Helicopter Tour with Volcano Landing offers a perfect balance of flight and land exploration. For a more extensive volcanic adventure, the Volcanic Extremes tour over White Island is unmatched but requires a significant investment.
Those interested in geothermal parks and cultural insights might prefer the Volcano Landing and Geothermal Park Tour, which combines aerial views with a relaxed walk. The small-group tours of the hour-long Tarawera Adventure provide personalized attention and a concise, memorable experience.
When booking, consider weather conditions, as clear skies will maximize your views, and book early during peak season (summer months) to secure your spot. Many tours include admission tickets and guided walks, adding value and making your trip smoother.
Final thoughts
Rotorua’s helicopter tours offer a wide range of ways to experience this volcanic landscape from above. Whether you opt for a short but impactful flight with a volcano landing or an extended, immersive adventure over White Island, each tour provides a unique perspective on New Zealand’s volcanic forces. For most travelers, the Mount Tarawera Helicopter Tour with Volcano Landing strikes a great balance of adventure, scenery, and value. But if your curiosity is sparked by active volcanoes and geological extremes, the Volcanic Extremes tour is the ultimate splurge.
Don’t forget: these experiences are popular. Book early, check the weather forecast, and prepare to be amazed by Rotorua’s fiery landscape from the sky.