We Rank The 5 Best Helicopter Flights & Tours In Rotorua

Rotorua stands out as a premier destination for helicopter flights and tours thanks to its dramatic volcanic landscape, shimmering lakes, and geothermal activity. Unlike most places, Rotorua offers the chance to see active volcanoes up close, soar over steaming craters, and land on dormant volcano summits—experiences that are truly unforgettable. I personally love the Mt Tarawera Helicopter Tour with Volcano Landing because it combines a scenic flight with a guided walk on an active volcano, offering a rare blend of adventure and insight. And for those who want more, the White Island / Mount Tarawera ‘Volcanic Extremes’ tour takes it a step further with views of an active offshore volcano and the iconic Tarawera eruption site, making it a must for volcanic enthusiasts.

If you’re visiting Rotorua and looking for a spectacular aerial experience, each of these tours offers something special—whether it’s a quick 20-minute flight or a full 3-hour adventure. Below is a curated list of the best helicopter tours, carefully selected for their uniqueness, value, and overall experience.

1. Mt Tarawera Helicopter Tour with Volcano Landing

This 40-minute helicopter tour offers more than just views. It starts from Rotorua’s lakefront helipad and takes you over the stunning Northern Lakes district before landing on Mount Tarawera, famous for its 1886 eruption. The highlight is a guided walk on the dormant volcano, where you can step out and see crater lakes and volcanic domes up close. It’s a rare experience to walk on a volcano and then soar above it, seeing the landscape from both perspectives.

What makes this tour stand out is the personalized attention on an intimate small-group basis, which means fewer crowds and more interaction. The reviews are glowing, with visitors describing it as “an unforgettable memory,” praising the pilot’s patience and the breathtaking views. The admission ticket to the crater lakes is included, adding value. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a combination of scenic flight and active exploration.

Bottom line: This tour balances spectacular scenery with a real-world experience on a volcano, making it ideal for those who want a memorable adventure without excessive time commitment.

2. Mount Tarawera Volcanic Adventure by Helicopter

For travelers with limited time but a desire to see the highlights, the 1-hour Mount Tarawera Volcanic Adventure is hard to beat. Starting from Rotorua, this tour flies over geothermal parks like Wai-o-Tapu and Waimangu, then lands on Mount Tarawera for a short guided walk. The route is carefully designed to showcase Rotorua’s most iconic volcanic features in a compact yet comprehensive experience.

One of the main advantages is the value for time—with just an hour, you get a bird’s-eye view of major geothermal sites and a land visit to the volcano. Visitors love the dramatic contrasts of the scenery, describing the flight as “stunning” and the volcanic landing as “incredible.” This tour is especially suited for anyone wanting a quick yet immersive volcanic experience, perfect for fitting into a busy itinerary.

Bottom line: Best for travelers short on time but eager to see Rotorua’s volcanic landscape from above and on the ground, this tour offers a great snapshot of the region’s geothermal and volcanic wonders.

3. Rotorua: Helicopter Flight and Guided Walk on Mt Tarawera

This 40-minute experience combines a scenic helicopter flight over lakes, mountains, and geothermal areas with a guided walk on Mount Tarawera. Starting at Lakefront Drive, the tour provides a 10-minute aerial overview, followed by a 20-minute walk on the volcano, then another short flight to soak in the views and learn about the region’s geology and history.

Guests praise the personalized storytelling from guides who are well-versed in local history and volcanic activity. The entire experience is designed for those who want a balanced mix of aerial sightseeing and on-the-ground exploration. The tour is weather-dependent, so clear days are best, but when conditions are good, it offers a comprehensive look at Rotorua’s volcanic landscape.

Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want a more in-depth, educational experience combining flight and walking, with an emphasis on regional geology and culture.

4. Helicopter White Island / Mount Tarawera ‘Volcanic Extremes’

This premium 1 hour 45-minute tour is for serious volcano lovers willing to splurge. It includes flights over White Island, an active marine volcano with a crater lake, and the dormant Mount Tarawera. The White Island landing offers a thrilling firsthand look at volcanic activity that has reshaped the landscape during recent eruptions, including the 2019 event. Then, the flight moves to Tarawera, where you land on the summit to see the craters and volcanic domes shaped by the 1886 eruption.

At around $1,423, the price reflects the exceptional experience—flying over active and dormant volcanoes in one tour. The reviews are limited but highly positive, emphasizing the spectacular views and unique access. This tour is best suited for serious volcano enthusiasts or those celebrating a special occasion.

Bottom line: It offers a rare combination of active and dormant volcano views, making it one of the most comprehensive and memorable rotorua helicopter experiences—but it’s best for those who want the ultimate volcanic adventure.

5. Rotorua: Volcano Landing and Geothermal Park Helicopter Tour

This longer, 3-hour tour combines a volcano landing, a walk around the sulfurous Artist’s Palette and Champagne Pool, and a visit to the Orakei Korako Geothermal Park. It starts with a spectacular helicopter flight over Rotorua’s lakes and volcanic landscapes, then lands on Mount Tarawera’s summit. After exploring the volcanic crater, you’re free to wander the geothermal park on your own for about an hour.

The tour is ideal for travelers who want a fuller day experience and the chance to wander among bubbling mud pools, colorful silica terraces, and steaming geysers. It’s a more involved experience, with the highlight being the self-guided exploration of Orakei Korako, a geothermal wonderland. With a price that reflects the extensive itinerary, it offers excellent value for those keen to combine helicopter sightseeing and geothermal adventures.

Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want an immersive day of volcano and geothermal park exploration, with plenty of time to soak in Rotorua’s natural features.

How to Choose the Right Rotorua Helicopter Tour

When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time constraints, and what kind of experience excites you most. The Mt Tarawera Helicopter Tour with Volcano Landing is great for a short, adventure-packed trip with a chance to walk on a volcano. If your schedule is tight but you still want a glimpse of Rotorua’s volcanic landscape, the Mount Tarawera Volcanic Adventure offers a quick, visually stunning experience.

For those craving a more educational experience or a longer day with geothermal park exploration, the Rotorua Volcano Landing and Geothermal Park Tour suits well. The extreme volcanic experience with White Island is best suited for serious volcanologists or anyone wanting a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Booking early is recommended, especially for the more popular tours, to ensure availability—Rotorua’s volcanic scenery is too good to miss, and these helicopter flights are the best way to see it.

In summary, Rotorua offers a range of helicopter tours that truly highlight its volcanic character. Whether you opt for a quick scenic overflight, an active volcano walk, or a comprehensive day of geothermal exploration, you’ll return home with incredible memories—and perhaps a new appreciation for the power of the Earth’s geological forces.