Land on the smouldering crater rim of Mount Tarawera — the volcano that famously erupted in 1886 — by private helicopter, with a geologist-guided walk along the fissure. An utterly untouchable New Zealand bucket-list moment.
What to expect
A helicopter lifts you from the shores of Lake Rotorua and sweeps over steaming geothermal fields before touching down on the dramatic, rust-red crater rim of Tarawera. Your pilot-guide narrates the catastrophic 1886 eruption that buried three Māori villages. You walk the jagged fissure edge with views stretching to the Bay of Plenty. The flight back skims over turquoise crater lakes and buried Māori terraces.
Good to know
Rotorua city centre is roughly 90 min from the Port of Tauranga by road — factor in transfer time. Flights run year-round; morning slots offer the clearest skies. Book well in advance as groups are strictly limited to 4–6 passengers. Wear warm, wind-proof layers; the crater rim is exposed and can be gusty even in summer.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Rotorua — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.