White Island Update

12 December 2019

At this time of great sadness, the team at Volcanic Air extend their condolences to all affected by this horrific tragedy.

We appreciate your patience while we provide support to our pilot and passengers who were caught in the eruption, and to our pilots who assisted in the rescue of people from the island immediately after the eruption. We wish to extend our gratitude for the overwhelming support we have received from industry, local operators and the wider community. Volcanic Air has resumed normal flight operations, with the exception of Whakaari/White island, as the New Zealand Police have imposed a ‘No Fly’ zone over this area. Flights to Whakaari/White Island have been suspended. For those who have tours booked to the island, we can accommodate with alternative itineraries. As an alternative to the White Island tours, we have reintroduced our popular Thermal Explorer by Helicopter, which is our most popular Floatplane tour.

 

For more information, please contact us at info@volcanicair.co.nz or call +64 7 348 9984.

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 have carried over 100,000 satisfied customers to experience our local volcanoes, geothermal reserves and lakes district and 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.

Helicopter Tours - Volcanic Air

Helicopter Tours

Visit Iconic Volcanoes

Floatplane Tours - Volcanic Air

Floatplane Tours

Explore active faultlines

Popular tours

something for everyone

Our key destinations include New Zealand’s only permanently active volcano, White Island, where we hold one of the few concessions to explore this marvel of nature. Closer to home, Mount Tarawera is 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 land at the hidden valley of Orakei Korako, to experience stunning scenery and fascinating geothermal activity. Key highlights also include aerial views of Rotorua’s vibrant geothermal reserves like Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu, as well as the area’s lakes district.

White Island - Volcanic Air Rotorua

Dual Volcanic Landing

White island mount tarawera walking tour

Orakei Korako - Volcanic Air

Thermal Explorer

Mount Tarawera Orakei Korako

Mount Tarawera Floatplane - Volcanic Air

Eruption Trail Tour

Mount Tarawera Waimangu thermal valley

Mount Tarawera Helicopter Rides - Volcanic Air

Volcanic Landing

Mount Tarawera landing crater lakes

Geothermal Tours - Volcanic Air

Volcanic Adventures

Mount Tarawera Wai-o-tapu  Tarawera falls

Testimonials

What our customers have to say

  •   We did the White Island Helicopter trip with guided island tour and it was amazing. The pilot was very knowledgeable (and personable which makes it all the more enjoyable); he... read more

    thumb Susan R
    11/17/2018

      We had a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience on Saturday 7 December. The crew of Ryan and Sam provided us with a day we will never forget. The entire experience... read more

    malcarey
    12/10/2019

      Me and my partner went on the float plane named otter, it was our first time ever in a plane we've never been in any kind of aircraft! I am... read more

    thumb Drew S
    12/23/2018
  •   We had a fantastic time stepping into an active volcano this Easter, what an awesome experience! The smell of sulphur can be uncomfortable, we were given masks and helmets to... read more

    thumb lcho2015
    4/04/2018

      For my husband's birthday, I booked a helicopter ride to White Island on Volcanic Air. They made booking super easy, setting expectations up front regarding what to bring. When we... read more

    thumb ChanLite
    11/07/2016

      A very unique experience! Sarah and the team were extremely helpful and accomodating in helping us to reschedule our trip due to bad weather. Well worth the wait and the... read more

    thumb hmwilliams82
    4/07/2019
Helicopter Charters - Volcanic Air

Exclusive helicopter charters

Floatplane Charters - Volcanic Air

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.