The 4 Best Scenic Helicopter Flights in Rotorua

1.Mt. Tarawera Volcano Scenic Floatplane Tour from Rotorua

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews · from $242Our pick

Take off and land on Lake Rotorua aboard a small floatplane, then fly over Mokoia Island, Mt. Tarawera, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the Blue and Green Lakes, and Whakarewarewa. Your pilot provides commentary throughout. Choose a morning or afternoon flight, with space for up to 10 people.

“The flight and the scenery were incredible. Our pilot Katie gave a great commentary and looked after us so well, especially my husband who had a back injury. It was an unforgettable experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Mt Tarawera Helicopter Tour with Volcano Landing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 40 reviews · from $417

Leave Rotorua’s lakefront helipad for a 40-minute helicopter flight over the Northern Lakes district. Circle Lake Tarawera and the 1886 eruption zone, then land on Mt. Tarawera for a short guided walk among craters and volcanic domes. Your pilot provides commentary, and groups are limited to six people.

“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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Scenic Flight over Mt Tarawera & Waimangu Valley

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 25 reviews · 40 min · from $236

Take off and land on Lake Rotorua in a small floatplane, then fly over Mokoia Island, 13 lakes, Mount Tarawera’s 8-kilometer crater rift, Waimangu Valley, Inferno Crater, Frying Pan Lake, and Pohutu Geyser. An English-speaking pilot provides commentary. Flights carry no more than 10 people, and every passenger gets a window seat.

“Brilliant scenic flight Great scenic flight with pilot Ben. Very smooth takeoff and landing. Window seats for all passengers. Scenery was absolutely magnificent. Ben assisted me into and out of the plane as I have Parkinson’s disease. Very thoughtful and patient. Would highly recommend this experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.15-Minute Crater Lakes Flight by Floatplane from Rotorua

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 11 reviews · from $155Best value

Take off from Rotorua’s Lakefront with a pilot-guide and headset, then fly over Mokoia Island, Lake Okataina, Lake Okaraka, Blue Lake, Green Lake, Whakarewarewa Forest, and Sulphur Bay. The flight lasts about 15 minutes, carries up to 10 people, and runs in suitable weather.

“The only problem is that I would've liked the flight to be longer. My flight time was rescheduled but after I informed the tour operator that I might not be able to make it to check in time, they were flexible and did a quick check in after I arrived. The plane is amazing, the views, too.”

Check availability →Read our full review