Lift off from Rotorua for a 40-minute helicopter tour that lands on Mt Tarawera, offering a 20-minute walk across volcanic terrain. Learn geology, hear local history from the pilot-guide, and photograph crater lakes and fissures up close.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A low thrum rises under you as the helicopter lifts off Rotorua’s lakefront and the Northern Lakes spread like a carved map below. The pilot threads the aircraft between ridges and crater lakes—green, glass, and steam—until a black scar of volcanic rock appears: Mt Tarawera. You land on the flank of a dormant crater, step onto coarse ash and fractured lava, and spend twenty minutes moving through an open-air classroom of geology where steam vents and fissures outline a violent past.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
40 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires short 20-minute walk on uneven volcanic rock at landing site.
Wildlife
History
Mt Tarawera’s 1886 eruption dramatically altered the local landscape and buried the Pink and White Terraces; the site remains culturally significant to Te Arawa iwi.
Conservation
Operators follow strict landing protocols to limit impact on fragile volcanic soils; visitors should stick to marked paths during the ground stop to protect geological features.
Reserve your spot on the Mt Tarawera Helicopter Tour with Volcano Landing today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Check weather and cancel policies
Flights are heavily weather-dependent—confirm conditions the morning of and note the 24-hour cancel window for full refunds.
Mind the weight limit
Maximum passenger weight per seat is 297 lbs (135 kg); be prepared to disclose weight during booking for safety and balance.
Dress in layers and sturdy shoes
Landing area is exposed and uneven—windproof outerwear and closed-toe shoes make the short walk comfortable and safe.
Bring hands-free camera gear
A small camera or phone harness keeps shots steady during landing and while walking on rough ground.
Windproof jacket
Blocks wind and cool temperatures on the exposed landing flank.
Sturdy closed-toe shoes
Provides traction and protection on coarse ash and fractured lava rock.
Camera with polarizing filter
Helps reduce glare on crater lakes and improves landscape contrast for photos.
Photo harness or small backpack
Keeps hands free during boarding and the short walking tour while securing gear.