Things to do in Rotorua, North Island: The Best Helicopter Tours

July 11, 2021 Jeremy Dunfee

Bubbling mineral springs and pools promise maximum relaxation in Rotorua, on New Zealand's North Island. Therapeutic hot mud pools, dramatic geysers and a buried village are within easy reach of the city. What happens in the bubbling mud geysers of "Rotovegas"—the area at the top of Fenton Street—stays in Rotovegas. Once you've made the most of the mud, soar nearly 2,000 feet on the Skyline Gondola for views of Lake Rotorua, then zip back down to explore the lake by paddle steamer, fishing charter or WWII amphibious vehicle.
Restaurants in Rotorua

1. Mt Tarawera Helicopter Tour with Volcano Landing

Lakefront Drive, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand Volcanic Air
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5.0 based on 16 reviews

Follow the eruption trail of Mt. Tarawera on a helicopter tour that includes a landing on the volcano. Best viewed from the air, the rugged landscape of this geothermal wonder is set amid a series of crater lakes. You'll take off from Rotorua and soar above the Northern Lakes district, listening to commentary about the region’s history and geology from the pilot-guide. Then take a 20-minute walking tour for up-close photo ops of the volcanic scenery.

Inclusions: Pilot-guide, Commentary on board

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By davidm24686

My wife and I took the Floatplane ride to the hotpools. The whole plane ride experience was amazing. The staff were awesome and the pilot was fantastic. All highly experienced and would recommend any day

2. Mount Tarawera Volcanic Adventure by Helicopter

Lakefront Drive, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand Volcanic Air
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

By Helicopter , combine the thrill of landing on Mount Tarawera (for an approximate 20 minute guided walk with your pilot) with a flight that includes spectacular aerial views of our stunning crater lakes, the renowned Tarawera Falls and the vibrant Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu geothermal reserves. This tour highlights these amazing features unique to this region because of their location on our Faultline relative to the Pacific Rim of Fire.

Inclusions: Professional pilot-guide, Headsets to hear the guide clearly

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By samanthapmac

Really exceeded my expectations! So cool to see Rotorua from above and really surreal being able to land and walk around on Mt Tarawera. Sam was really knowledgeable and has some fun facts about Rotorua and its surrounding areas.

3. Mt Tarawera Fly-Drive Volcanic Experience

Volcanic Air, City Lakefront Lakefront Drive, Ohinemutu, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand Kaitiaki Adventures
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Mt Tarawera – Fly / Drive Combo This unique experience allows visitors to travel to Mt Tarawera with Volcanic Air, taking in the scenic wonders of the area from the air, before landing on Mt Tarawera for your guided crater walk experience. This flight includes the stunning scenery of Lakes Okareka, Tarawera and Rotomahana, as well as being able to see on clear days to White Island and Mt Ruapehu landing you on Mt Tarawera, Infamous for its eruption on June 10th, 1886, Mt Tarawera created the world’s youngest geothermal valley of Waimangu, at the same destroying the legendary Pink and White Terraces. You will be fully guided on a walking experience which encompasses the unique landscape and history of the area. With unmatched scenic vistas and 360 panoramic views this experience is ideal for all ages and includes an optional run in to the heart of the volcanic crater. This activity includes transportation to and from accommodation.

Inclusions: Heli Flight to The Summit of Mount Tarawera!, Hike around Majestic Mount Tarawera!, Professional Kiwi Driver/guide, Free Drop off to Vehicle or Hotel

Exclusions: Snacks

Reviewed By Cclovestt

The 7 metre waterfall drop was awesome Absolutely priceless We had dan the man as our travel guide He was really funny and we felt very safe

4. Mount Tarawera/Orakei Korako "Thermal Explorer" Dual Landing

Lakefront Drive, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand Volcanic Air
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Combine the thrill of landing on Mount Tarawera with a flight that includes spectacular aerial views of our stunning crater lakes, the renowned Tarawera Falls and the vibrant Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu geothermal reserves. Leaving Wai-O-Tapu we descend to follow the Waikato River to the hidden valley of Orakei Korako. Once landed, you will ferry across the river and begin your land-based tour. Experience hot springs, gushing geysers and the natural beauty of this geothermal wonderland. Your return flight takes in views of farmland and the Paeroa mountain range before flying over Rotorua City and returning to our lakefront pier.

Inclusions: Driver and Guide

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Reviewed By samanthapmac

Really exceeded my expectations! So cool to see Rotorua from above and really surreal being able to land and walk around on Mt Tarawera. Sam was really knowledgeable and has some fun facts about Rotorua and its surrounding areas.

5. 15-Minute Crater Lakes Flight by Helicopter from Rotorua

Lakefront Drive, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand Volcanic Air
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4.5 based on 4 reviews

Join us to view Rotorua beyond the crater rim. Enjoy spectacular views of our hidden lakes district, distant volcanoes and local geothermal activity in this captivating overview of this stunning area.

Inclusions: Professional pilot-guide, Headsets to hear the guide clearly

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By samanthapmac

Really exceeded my expectations! So cool to see Rotorua from above and really surreal being able to land and walk around on Mt Tarawera. Sam was really knowledgeable and has some fun facts about Rotorua and its surrounding areas.

6. New Zealand: See & Do it ALL in 10 Days, 1st Class Traveling

CharlieTheTraveler

You absolutely will not find another tour out there as packed with activities and attractions as this one, provided by CharlieTheTraveler. You will also not find another tour out there that offers it all "FIRST CLASS," yet for a relatively low price. We have thousands of travelers taking this specific tour every year-and that's because no competitor can beat us on quality, price & substance: ► 2 Flight-Seeing Tours, 1 Over Milford Sound & 1 Over Mount Cook ► Jet-Boating Top-Speed Along a Turquoise-Colored River ► A World-Famous Suspension Bridge Jump (optional) ► Running Off a 60-Meter Cliff (optional) ► Zip-Lining ► Cable Car Ride Over Stunning Landscape ► 4-Wheel Driving in a Scenic Valley (seasonal) ► Boat Rides Around Icebergs (seasonal), Fjords & a National Park & Inside a Cave ► A Cruise on a Historic Steamship ► Visits to Boiling Geothermal Sites ► Bathing in a Mud Spa ► Glacier-Hiking ► A Tour of Lord of the Rings’ Movie Set ► A Show Demonstrating Centuries-Old Native Rituals

Inclusions: Dinner, Lodging x 1 Night, Air-Conditioned Vehicle, All Entry Fees, Private Transportation, English-Speaking Tour Guides

Exclusions: Alcohol, Travel Visa (only applicable to citizens of certain countries), Jumping Off a Cliff Near Queenstown (a.k.a. Fox Jump), Bungee Jumping at Kawarau

Reviewed By DonnaAlverez

CharlieTheTraveler offered a great value for the trip to Turkey. There were so many amenities included, such as all of the activities and tours and the wonderful tour guide that was provided to help us navigate it all. Overall, this was a well-organized trip.

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