new zealand volcano tours

Choose your journey

By helicopter or floatplane.

Based on the shores of Lake Rotorua, Volcanic Air offers the most comprehensive range of scenic flights and air tours in the region. Established in 1992, we carry over 10,000 satisfied customers per year to experience our local volcanoes, geothermal reserves and lakes district from both the air and the ground. Volcanic Air operate a mixed fleet of both helicopters and Rotorua’s only floatplanes. The versatility of these aircraft allows us to visit remote destinations that are hard to reach by other means. Our region is unique, and the diversity of its landscape is quite remarkable. We combine spectacular scenery with informative and interesting commentaries about an area that is considered as the cultural heart of New Zealand. Look no further than Volcanic Air for the best scenic flights Rotorua has to offer.

Helicopter Tours

Visit iconic volcanoes.

Floatplane Tours

Explore active faultlines, popular tours, something for everyone.

Our key scenic flights in Rotorua include Mount Tarawera, the site of the largest eruption in New Zealand’s living memory. Standing on Mount Tarawera offers a privileged view of spectacular craters and domes formed by the eruption. Further south, we also land at the hidden valley of Orakei Korako, to experience stunning scenery and fascinating geothermal activity. Other key highlights of our Rotorua scenic flights include aerial views of vibrant geothermal reserves like Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu, as well as the area’s lakes district.

Mount Tarawera & Orakei Korako Dual Landing

Mount Tarawera Orakei Korako Landing and Walk

Mt Tarawera/Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Mount Tarawera Landing and Guided Walk

Mount Tarawera ,Wai-o-tapu &  Tarawera falls

Testimonials, what our customers have to say.

Exclusive helicopter charters

Exclusive floatplane charters

Quality assured, our certifications.

Our aircraft are maintained to the highest standard and are flown by experienced pilots. All of our pilots also have an intimate knowledge of the local area. Volcanic Air is approved by the New Zealand Civil Aviation authority and independently accessed via a stringent Quality Assurance Program. We are also Qualmark Gold accredited.

Auckland Volcano Tours

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Half-Day Volcano Tour from Auckland

Full-Day Grand Auckland Volcanoes Tour

6 Hours Sightseeing Tour in Auckland

Shore Excursion: Half-Day Auckland Volcanoes Tour

Devonport Volcanoes Afternoon Tour from Auckland

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Planned itinerary Day 1 (February 17th ) AUCKLAND Arrive Auckland International Airport . Dinner is included at the hotel tonight. Your New Zealand based tour guide / manager will meet you at the hotel today and will accompany you throughout your time in the North Island. Alan Clewlow will also meet the whole group at the hotel (though he may have travelled with some of the party from the UK). Day 2 - AUCKLAND / MURIWAI BEACH / BAY OF ISLANDS This morning drive to Muriwai on the West Coast and discover the exposed cliffs and unique Pillow Lava Bay and lava feeder tubes at Muriwai, the result of the Waitakere Volcano which erupted off the coast of Muriwai some 17-50 million years ago. Afterwards drive north to Whangarei for a stop at the picturesque Whangarei Falls. Continue to Paihia in the lovely Bay of Islands. Dinner is at your own leisure tonight. Day 3 - PAIHIA (BAY OF ISLANDS) Free day at leisure. Admission included today for a visit to the Waitangi Treaty House. It was here on 6 February 1840 that Maori and British settlers signed an historic agreement which gave birth to the nation of New Zealand. The Maori Meeting House in the grounds is a superb example of the skills of Maori wood carvers and flax weavers. You may wish to take the ferry to Russell (optional). Russell was a base for the sealing and whaling industry of the 1800's. Today it is a tranquil, picturesque resort town servicing the needs of national and international yachts, and game fishing folk. Dinner again at your own leisure tonight. Day 4 - PAIHIA / TAIRUA Today travel south through Auckland City and across the Hauraki Plains to Thames. From here the road climbs over the Coromandel Ranges then skirts Tairua Harbour to the coastal settlement of Tairua. The magnificent golden sand beaches and native forests of the Coromandel Peninsula make the region particularly popular for visitors. Time permitting, visit Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. This beach is popular at low tide when holiday makers dig holes in the sand allowing hot thermal water to bubble up forming a hot water pool. Dinner is included at the hotel tonight. Day 5 - TAIRUA / ROTORUA Today return to Thames and drive south to Rotorua in the heart of New Zealand's famous geothermal region.Visit the Buried Village to see remains of the Maori village of Te Wairoa that was devastated by the volcanic eruption of Mt Tarawera during the night of June 10, 1886. The excavated village offers a first hand insight into the chaos and destruction that ensued following the eruption. A guided tour of Te Puia provides the visitor with an introduction to the magnificent geothermal activity in the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. Whilst in the valley see the boiling mud pools, steaming silica terraces, hot springs and geysers including the famous Pohutu Geyser which can erupt up to 30 metres high, depending on its mood. Visit the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute where young Maori are learning the traditional carving and weaving skills of their ancestors. Also visit the specially lit nocturnal Kiwi House to see New Zealand's endangered emblem bird, the Kiwi. Dinner at your leisure tonight. Day 6 - ROTORUA / WHAKATANE / WHITE ISLAND / ROTORUA This morning drive across the Bay of Plenty to the east coast town of Whakatane. Depart by boat travelling across the water to White Island, New Zealand's only active marine volcano located 49-kms off-shore. Transfer from the boat to the island by tender craft for an in-depth guided tour of White Island with its crater lake and old sulphur mining factory. See the bright yellow sulphur crystals and venture right up to the main crater's edge. On the return trip the boat will look out for the pods of dolphins that inhabit these waters. Lunch is included in the excursion. Dinner at your own leisure tonight. Afterwards return to Rotorua. Day 7 - ROTORUA / TAUPO This morning drive south to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the site of the famous Pink and White Terraces, which were destroyed in the volcanic eruption of Mt Tarawera in 1886. The resulting 15-km rift contains the Emerald Pool, a 5 hectare boiling lake, a seemingly bottomless blue steaming lake, and colourful silica terraces. Take a walk through the valley and boat cruise across Lake Rotomahana to see the Steaming Cliffs where once the pink and white terraces stood. Travel south to Taupo stopping en-route at Huka Falls where the mighty Waikato River thunders through the narrow canyon. Continue to the resort town of Taupo set on the shores of Lake Taupo, lying in a caldera created by a supervolcanic eruption which occurred approximately 26,500 years ago. Dinner is at your leisure tonight. Day 8 (24th) TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK From Taupo travel to the Tongariro Volcanic Plateau in the Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO cultural and natural World Heritage Site, where the three volcanoes of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro dominate the landscape. Join mountain guides for a Tongariro Alpine Experience guided walk on part of one of the most popular one-day walks in New Zealand. The alpine scenery is varied – you will pass two active volcanoes, see lava flows, the active Red Crater as well as the brilliantly coloured Emerald and Blue Lakes. Lunch is included. The trek begins at 1100-metres in the Mangetepopo Valley with its eroded volcanic terrain, evidence of the glacier that once carved it out, and more recently, lava flows from Mount Ngauruhoe. Walk through the flat South Crater before climbing up to the Summit Ridge. At 1886-metres reach Red Crater where the volcanic activity is so real that you can see, feel and smell it. The Central Crater sprawls below, adorned with three stunning Emerald Lakes. Lunch is included in the excursion. Good fitness and agility are required for this walk. For those who do not wish to make the 16-km trek, easier low-level walks may be offered. Dinner included at the hotel tonight. Day 9 (25th) TAUPO / TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK Meet mountain guides then ride the chairlift over stunning volcanic terrain to the top of the Mt Ruapehu Waterfall Express Chairlift, 2,020 metres above sea level. From here climb to Dome Shelter for views of the Summit Plateau and the Mt Ruapehu crater lake. On a clear day, the views of Tongariro National Park are stunning. Lunch is included in the excursion. Those not wishing to climb from the chairlift summit will have other options available. The hotel is nestled at the foot of Mount Ruapehu, was completed in 1929 and still retains many of its original features. It is one of New Zealand's few hotels located in a World Heritage Park. Dinner is included at the hotel tonight. Day 10 (26th) TONGARIRO / WAITOMO CAVES / NEW PLYMOUTH This morning, leave Tongariro National Park and travel west through fertile farmlands and small farming towns before arriving at Mount Taranaki. The majestic cone-shaped 2518m Mt. Taranaki (also called Mount Egmont in the past), sits in the middle of the Taranaki ring plain. Take part in a circular walk starting from the North Egmont Visitor Centre, before proceeding to accommodation in New Plymouth. Dinner is included at the hotel tonight. Day 11 (27th) NEW PLYMOUTH / WANGANUI / WELLINGTON Some time spent in Puke Ariki Museum in New Plymouth, then travel south around the coast through Hawera, Wanganui, Levin to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. Check into hotel for last night of the tour. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure in central Wellington. Dinner at your own leisure. Day 12 (February 28th) DEPART WELLINGTON Breakfast at hotel before departure. On this day, there are a variety of options available: 1) Join group taking the extension coach tour of the South Island (details available on request). 2) Take train back to Auckland with one night there and then flight back to the UK. 3) Take internal flight to Auckland and connect with flight back to UK. 4) Take ferry to south island, hiring a car at Picton for self-programmed drive around the south island. (Own arrangements for departure transfer) Flight arrangements Flights are not included in the basic tour price. This allows individuals to plan for possible stopovers on the way out or return from New Zealand, or to have more time in the country before or after the North Island tour. We will give advice on the various options and suggest flights on which many of the group could travel, but the tour will officially commence on 17th February 2014 in Auckland. Participants should aim to arrive or already be in Auckland on this date. We can book flights through a UK-based travel agent who will advise individuals, make bookings and co-ordinate with Volcanic Experiences, but people have the option of booking directly with an airline via the internet. We strongly advise that no-one buys an air ticket before the tour is certain to go ahead. Once we have collected enough deposits to ensure this is the case, then people can safely book their air tickets. Cost The estimated cost of the North Island tour is £1995*. This includes 11 nights' accommodation in 3½ - 4 star hotels, luxury coach transport throughout the tour, and admission to sites as described in the itinerary. It includes boat transport where specified and chairlifts. Breakfasts are provided throughout the tour, lunches on 5 days and dinners on 5 evenings. Accommodation is based on two people sharing a room. It should be possible to arrange single accommodation for those who require it, but this will involve a supplement (estimated at £475) All those taking part in the tour are expected to arrange their own holiday insurance, which can be obtained from any travel agent or insurance broker.

Volcanic Loop Highway

Explore New Zealand's geothermal wonders

• Cosmopolitan Auckland
• Tongariro Alpine Crossing
• Geothermal wonders

Explore the route

From beautiful vineyards and exhilarating adventures, to glittering glowworm caves , and geothermal wonders - this itinerary introduces you to some of New Zealand's most spectacular attractions.  

Walk the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing , skydive from 15,000 feet and visit the famous Hobbiton™ Movie Set  when you journey through the North Island via the Volcanic Loop.

Day 1: Spend the day in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland)

Auckland Jet Boat Tours, Auckland

By INFLITE Experiences

Auckland City, Auckland

By Chris McLennan

Lively city vibe and stunning natural landscapes

• Climb the volcanic Island of Rangitoto
• Board a thrilling harbour jet boat ride
• Inner-city culture

MUST-DO EXPERIENCES IN TĀMAKI MAKAURAU

Spend the day getting to know the vibrant ‘City of Sails’. With outstanding food, natural attractions, and plenty of adventure, Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) is the perfect place to start your holiday.

Climb the Auckland Harbour Bridge and take in the vistas of New Zealand’s biggest city, from the city centre to the Hauraki Gulf. While you’re there, bungy jump off the bridge to touch the water below.

Kayak across the harbour to hike the iconic Rangitoto volcanic cone. Take the track t hrough rugged lava fields and forest, and stop off to explore the lava tunnels and caves on the way. 

If luxury and relaxation is what you're after, take the ferry to Motu-Wai-Heke  ( Waiheke) and explore the island's many secluded beaches, wineries and walking trails.

Day 2: Hamilton and Waitomo Caves

Glow Worms, Waikato

By Shaun Jeffers

Italian Renaissance Garden, Waikato

By Hamilton Gardens

Black Water Rafting, Waikato

By Discover Waitomo

Magical caves, surf beaches and Hobbits

• Explore caves lit by glowworms
• Blackwater rafting
• Hamilton Gardens

Top 10 things to do in Waikato

Make your way south to Hamilton . Spend the morning with a visit to  Hamilton Zoo , home to New Zealand's largest free-flight aviary. Discover unique native birds around every corner, including the endangered Blue Duck (opens in new window) .

Beyond Hamilton,  Waitomo  is an underground world of stalactites (an icicle-shaped formation that hangs from the ceiling of a cave), stalagmites (an upward-growing mound of mineral deposits) and glittering glowworms. Explore this extensive network of caves, from a relaxing boat ride through the glowworm grotto or for the more adventurous take a 4-hour abseil journey deep into a lost world.

If you have time after your caving adventure, stop in at the  Otorohanga Kiwi house and meet our national bird. 

Stay in Waitomo for the night or return to Hamilton.

Day 3: Pureora Forest and National Park

The Timber Trail entrance, Taupō

By Sven Martin

Timber Trail, Taupō

By Timber Trail Shuttles

Timber Trail Bridge, Taupō

By Hamilton & Waikato Tourism

Volcanic cones, desert road and wild rivers

• Explore Taupo's Timber Trail
• Ancient trees
• Timber industry relics

Explore towns in Ruapehu

Journey on to the beautiful Pureora Forest Park , taking time to explore some of the small towns you pass on the way.

At Pureora, hire a bike and spend the day cycling though ancient forests and across graceful suspension bridges, as you follow old logging roads to Piropiro. The full Timber Trail route from Pureora to Ongarue crosses 35 bridges and includes a fascinating array of timber industry relics along the way.

For non-cyclists, an abundance of walking tracks, swimming spots and native wildlife, make this park a must-do for nature lovers.

Spend the night in National Park  village, or the nearby town of Turangi .

Day 4: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Ruapehu

By Legend Photography

Taranaki Falls, Ruapehu

White water rafting on Tongariro River, Ruapehu

By Tongariro River Rafting

Emerald lakes and day walks

• Traverse the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
• Stand beneath the Taranaki Falls
• Whitewater rafting

Discover more of Tongariro

Just a trip from National Park is Tongariro Alpine Crossing , widely considered New Zealand's best day walk.

The walk between Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe offers unforgettable scenery and volcanic terrain. Taking in lava flows, steam vents, emerald-coloured lakes and an active crater, this walk is a memorable experience.

If the Crossing isn't for you, try whitewater rafting on the Whanganui River, or take an easy stroll to the stunning Taranaki Falls.

End the day with a relaxing spa at DeBretts Hot Springs in Taupō .

Please note:  The Department of Conservation recommends that visitors access the Crossing via a shuttle, a full list of local operators can be found here. (opens in new window)

Day 5: Explore Taupō

Mine Bay, Taupō

Skydive over Taupō, Taupō

By Destination Great Lake Taupo

Huka Jet, Taupō

By Contiki Holidays/STA Travel

Plenty of outdoor activities and water sports

• Skydive from 15,000ft
• Kayak to the Mine Bay Māori carvings
• Take a thrilling Hukafalls jet boat ride

Top 10 things to do in Taupō

The volcanic eruption that created Lake Taupō  nearly two thousand years ago, is said to be so big the effects were seen in Europe and China. Today, it is New Zealand's largest lake and a haven for water based activities.

Spend the morning exploring the lake by kayak or  doughboat . Float through secluded inlets and paddle to Mine Bay - where you will discover stunning Māori designs carved into the cliff-face.

Change pace in the afternoon with a thrilling jet boat ride in the raging waters of Huka Falls , or jump out of a plane at 15,000ft and experience the adrenaline pumping sensation of freefall.

Continue your journey on to  Rotorua , where you will spend the night.

Day 6: Spend the day in Rotorua

Rotorua Geyser, Rotorua

By GreatSights

Polynesian Spa, Rotorua

By Graeme Murray

Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua

By Destination Rotorua

Mud pools, adventure and unique Māori culture

• Mud pools, geysers and hot springs
• Māori cultural experiences
• Whakarewarewa redwood forest trails

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN Rotorua

Rotorua sits squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire, so volcanic activity is part of the city’s past and present. 

Explore Rotorua's fascinating  geothermal areas and discover the unique Māori  culture .

Rotorua is increasingly becoming a hub for adventure, with a huge range of water sports, some of the world's top mountain biking trails , and a growing range of quirky adventure activities such as the  OGO , shweeb or  luge . 

End the day at one of Rotorua's many hot pools, and enjoy a peaceful soak at the  Secret spot hot tubs  - a local favorite.

Day 7: Return to Auckland via Hobbiton™

Hobbiton™ Movie Set, Waikato

By Hobbiton™ Movie Set

Hobbiton Movie Set, Waikato

Blue Springs, Waikato

By Nature & Nosh Tours

Famous Hobbiton movie set, and clear spring water 

• Hobbiton Movie Set
• Visit the quirky town of Tirau
• Explore the stunning Blue Springs

Explore HOBBITION IN 360

Your journey back to Auckland takes you though rolling countryside and unique geological features. It's easy to see why Peter Jackson chose this area to play The Shire in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.

Visit Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata to see how Middle‑earth™ was brought to life. 

As you travel, take time to explore the variety of quintessential kiwi towns on the way and get to know a piece of rural New Zealand. 

Near Putaruru , you can  walk  to the famous Blue Springs. Or stop into check out Tirau's many fascinating corrugated iron constructions. 

 View the route below

Driving in New Zealand

Important things you need to know about driving in New Zealand.

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