THE MOST POPULAR WHITE ISLAND HELICOPTER FLIGHT!

Scenic take off and landing from Lake Rotorua
Amazing views of Mokoia Island, Sulphur Bay, and Rotorua City
Stunning views of 12 distinct Crater Lakes
Fly north over Putauaki/ Mt. Edgecumbe, Whakatane, and the Bay of Plenty
Circle Whakaari/ White Island, NZ’s most active marine volcano, for 10 minutes
Fly over the Tarawera Falls and River, then Mount Tarawera’s volcanic rift line and craters
Land on the summit of Mount Tarawera for a 15 minute guided walk
Expert commentary on the geography and cultural heritage

Experience “Volcanic Extremes” flying around the active crater of Whakaari/ White Island before landing on the now dormant, but extremely spectacular, summit of Mount Tarawera.

Both of these volcanoes are significant, with Whakaari remembered for the devastating 2019 eruption and Mount Tarawera for the much larger 1886 eruption, considered to be the largest in New Zealand’s living memory. Different in nature, Whakaari is New Zealand’s most active marine volcano and subsequently changes daily, while far inland, Mount Tarawera rises above its central North Island landscape of lakes and native bush. The mountain’s impressive craters and domes bear witness to the massive eruption that shaped this area.

Your White Island helicopter flight begins at the Rotorua Lakefront, where you’ll take off over the picturesque Crater Lakes, their waters shimmering in various hues of blue and green. Take in Mokoia Island and Sulphur Bay with it’s swirling colors as your pilot heads North; past orchards, farmlands, and landmarks like Putauaki/ Mt. Edgecumbe and Whakatane. Once you reach the Bay of Plenty, keep an eye out for marine life, frequent sightings of whales and dolphins only make this trip more memorable.

For about 10 minutes, your pilot will circle Whakaari/White Island, allowing passengers on both sides of the helicopter to fully appreciate the island’s vibrant sulfur deposits, the volcanic crater lake, and the resident gannet colony. As you return south, your pilot will share stories and insights about the land and volcanic activity, making this tour a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural history.

When Mount Tarawera can again be seen, the helicopter will start following the Tarawera River back to it’s source, the beautiful Lake Tarawera. Along the way, the stunning Tarawera Falls erupt from the middle of a cliff face to create an impressive cascade. From there, you’ll ascend Mount Tarawera itself, flying along its 8km rift line and over its craters, offering an up-close view of the mountain’s volcanic features. Volcanic Air holds exclusive landing rights on the summit, giving you the rare opportunity to explore this remarkable maunga (mountain) in solitude. Appreciate the breathtaking summit views during a 15-minute guided walk with your pilot acting as guide, historian, and personal photographer. On clear days, you can see from Whakaari all the way to the usually snow-covered peaks of the Central North Island Volcanos (Tongariro National Park).

As you reboard the helicopter to return to the Lakefront, you’ll fly back over Rotorua’s Crater Lakes, the renowned Whakarewarewa Forest (Redwoods), and even the Pohutu Geyser, the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere.

This tour offers not only spectacular views of a diverse landscape but also rich commentary on the fascinating history and cultural heritage that makes Rotorua a truly special destination.

Duration: Allow 1 Hours 45 Minutes

Location: All tours depart from Lakefront Drive, Rotorua City Lakefront

Requirements: This flight operates with a minimum of 2 adult fares

Comfortable closed in walking shoes and clothes appropriate to the conditions on the day. It is always a good idea to bring a jacket, sunscreen and of course a camera !

Children: Under 2 free of charge.
Children 2-11 years pay a child fare (75% of the adult fare).

Safety: A full safety briefing will be provided at the Volcanic Air Base. All passengers will be required to be weighted in order to ensure proper weight distribution in the aircraft.

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