Frequently Asked Questions

The two aircraft offer different experiences. Helicopters can land on the summit of Mount Tarawera, while floatplanes take off and land on the water from Rotorua’s lakefront. Read our helicopter or floatplane guide to compare the options.

You can book online through our helicopter tours, floatplane tours, or use Find Your Flight.

For bookings within the next 24 hours, please call our office directly on +64 7 348 9984 or 0800 800 848 so our team can confirm availability. You can also contact our office with any questions.

Mornings often provide the calmest weather and smoothest flying conditions, with beautiful soft light for photography. Afternoon flights can offer warmer temperatures and stunning late-day colours, especially in winter. Any time of day showcases Rotorua’s scenery beautifully — it simply depends on your preference.

Rotorua City Lakefront, 1 Lakefront Drive, Rotorua 3010

Yes! There is plenty of free parking around our office!

When you drive in from the Lake Road round-about; if you turn to the right into the parking lot there is a 3 hour limit, but if you turn to the left there is no time limit and plenty of space for larger vehicles.

Our regular scenic experiences include unique and exclusive landing spots such as the summit of Mount Tarawera, the hidden geothermal valley of Orakei Korako, and the Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools. Depending on the experience, we can also land for remote walks and adventures such as Tarawera Falls.

Our Volcanoes, Natural Wonders & Further Afield page covers these places in order: Mount Tarawera; Whakaari / White Island; Orakei Korako; Waimangu Geothermal Valley; Wai-O-Tapu; Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools; Tarawera Falls; a lakeside beach picnic; Tongariro World Heritage Park; Wilderness Fly Fishing; and Accommodation landings.

Some locations are flyover-only or are accessed by water rather than by landing at the site. Bespoke landing requests are subject to a site assessment, landowner permission, weather, aircraft performance and operational approval by Volcanic Air. Explore bespoke charters or contact our team to discuss a possible landing location.

Yes, direct pick-ups and drop-offs can be arranged for bespoke charters. We have landed at and can arrange transfers to selected lodges including Huka Lodge and Solitaire Lodge, as well as suitable private accommodation and other locations by request.

All accommodation or nearby landing sites must be reviewed and approved by our team before the flight. Learn more about our helicopter charters or contact our office to discuss your location.

Pregnancy is not automatically a barrier to flying, but whether you can fly depends on how many weeks pregnant you are, whether your pregnancy is uncomplicated, and the specific flight and landing experience. We recommend discussing your plans with your lead maternity carer, obstetrician or midwife before booking, especially from 28 weeks or if there are any complications.

Because our flights are operated by helicopter or floatplane and may include remote landings, our team must also consider the aircraft, seating and harness, landing conditions, and access to medical care. Please contact us before booking with your due date and any advice from your maternity carer.

Not automatically. Many people with disabilities, medical conditions or regular medications can fly, but we assess each situation individually. Please tell us when booking if you have reduced mobility, sensory or cognitive access needs, a heart or lung condition, a recent injury or surgery, require oxygen or medical equipment, or take medication that may cause drowsiness or affect your alertness.

For safety, passengers must be able to follow the safety briefing, remain safely seated and secured, and board and leave the aircraft with the assistance agreed before departure. Some conditions or equipment may require medical clearance, a support person or additional arrangements, and we may be unable to operate if the flight cannot be completed safely. Do not stop or change prescribed medication for a flight without speaking to your clinician; carry medication in its original packaging.

Please contact our team before booking so we can discuss your needs. The New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority guidance on medical items and Air New Zealand's medical-condition guidance provide useful general travel information.

Start with sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses and a baseball cap or snapback-style cap to help prevent glare from the sun.

Even in the warmer months, it can be cold on top of the mountain during a landing, so bring a warm layer or jacket. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended for all landings.

For a swim landing at Lake Rotoiti or Hot Water Beach, bring swimwear and warm, dry clothes to change into afterwards. Don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture the experience.

• Helicopters: 30 minutes prior
• Floatplanes: 20 minutes prior

Volcanic Air is a Civil Aviation Authority certified operator. Before every departure, guests receive a full safety briefing, safety equipment is issued and fitted, and passengers are weighed so the aircraft remains within its balance limits. Our aircraft are independently maintained by Rotorcraft and Argus Aviation to New Zealand Civil Aviation standards and tracked in real time from take-off to landing using V2track.

Read more about our safety standards and procedures.

For cancellation and refund information, please refer to our full Terms & Conditions.

For date changes and booking amendments, please refer to our full Terms & Conditions.

Read the full Volcanic Air Terms & Conditions and Passenger Declaration.