Mount Tarawera/Orakei Korako "Thermal Explorer" Dual Landing
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum of 2 adult fares is required for the tour to operate
What To Expect
Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Waimangu Valley is the home of the 'Frying pan lake', which is one of the worlds largest hot spring. You will also fly over the 'Inferno Crater' which is a beautiful Teal blue lake, rising and falling up to 12 meters. Waimangu is the youngest geothermal system in the world.
Wai-O-Tapu
Wai O Tapu is known to be one of New Zealand most colorful Geothermal park. You will see the most magnificent colors while you fly directly over this park.
Options
Mount Tarawera/Orakei Korako "Thermal Explorer" Dual Landing
What‘s Included
Driver and Guide
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
10 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Awe-inspiring trip of a lifetime!
montfelard,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a truly fantastic experience. We landed on Mount Tarawera and the pilot, Tim, told us a little about the cultural significance of the area, in addition to some botanic and geological factors. We then flew to Orakei Korako, which is an out-of-this-world trek through live geysers. The flights themselves are so exciting - you feel safe, but exhilarated at the same time. I can’t recommend Tim, the team, or the experience highly enough.
Amazing helicopter ride to thermal walk and to the top of a volcano. Truly a once in a lifetime experience!
Resort483037,Mar 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of the best experiences of my life! Our pilot Ian was simply amazing and professional. It was truly a VIP and a spiritual experience. I simply don’t know how you could skip out on this amazing journey. Than you Ian! I’ll never forget you! When we come back I’ll be looking for you!
Awesome experience
Norman L,Feb 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This has been an amazing helicopter flight with Volcanic Air and our very experienced pilot Tracy who flew us safely to one of the most stunning landscapes in New Zealand’s North Island. Landing at Mt Tarawera was incredible and it’s difficult to find the right words for this once in a lifetime experience. The entire trip was perfectly organised and we highly recommend to book this unique adventure.
Amazing experience
andrea m,Jan 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the dual landing, got to walk through the thermal park then helicopter flight over the mountain range to land on the volcano amazing. Tracy our pilot was brilliant, the kids loved it. Such a treat definitely recommend. Experience from start to finish was flawless…
Well-crafted multi-faceted experience!
w h,Apr 25, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Informative, interesting, comfortable tour with top-notch pilot, Tim, who garnered much respect in our group. Walking in thermal “park” was awe-inspiring, good exercise, and nicely board-walked. Could do as little or as much (up to 1 hour) as desired in park. Well-designed tour as we accomplished a lot in a short time. Bravo, Tim!
Outstanding experience - staff, tour, flight - all first class!
Douglas C,Apr 7, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00The entire tour was great from the communication with Alice in the office to our pilot Brian, Volcanic Air is a first-class organization. The landing and tour at Orakei Korako Thermal Area was stunning and of course the landing at MT Tarawera was one of the highlights of our 3.5 week tour of New Zealand. Brian was professional, informative and a great pilot. He made sure we had great views and perfect camera angles. Even with winds above the mountain, his landing was smooth. This tour was well worth the price - great value!
Adventure in the Sky
Jennifer K,Feb 5, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My boys had an amazing adventure! The pilot was very knowledgeable about the area and shared fun facts. They got to land at two different spots and do some hiking. It was fantastic! We were only in New Zealand for one week, so it was a great way to see lots of different areas in a short amount of time.
Over the top at Tarawera and Orakei Korako
NormanT521,Dec 29, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Scott was an amazing pilot and very informative as well about what we were viewing below .. the views were killer and we had a complete blast .. thoroughly enjoyed the day out.
Only Way To Fly - Helicopter!
Xanerin,Oct 30, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was one of the most enjoyable tours we have done on a helicopter. We landed on Mt Tarawera on the most beautiful day and you could literally see for miles. Our pilot was professional, caring, informative and fun. We then went over the beautiful countryside and saw waterfalls, thermal activity until landing at Orakei Korako. Such a beautiful area to enjoy. We never felt rushed on this tour and felt it was such good value for money. We shared seats so we all had an opportunity to enjoy the helicopter views. This is the only way to go and such a professional company.
BEAUTIFUL...
Xavier-Zoe,Mar 20, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.003 hours of excursion where we took full eyes... Between flying over and landing on Mount Tarawera, flying over geothermal reserves, visiting Orakei Korako Thermal Park, flying over Waikato River and Rotorua... We discovered breathtaking landscapes seen from the sky and the earth.
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Operated by Volcanic Air