Take the Vulcan Helicopter Tour

Fly • Land • Explore

Come with us on an unforgettable breathtaking journey to New Zealand's only active marine volcano.

Upon your arrival at our office located at the Whakatane Airport, you will be greeted by our friendly team of staff and pilots who will provide you with the information needed to ensure your flight and experience with Vulcan Helicopters is unforgettable and a highlight of your visit to New Zealand.

Your flight departs on an R44 helicopter, for a 15-20 minute informative flight to White Island situated across the sea directly north of the town of Whakatane located in the Bay of Plenty. Shortly after departing from the airport you will pass overhead the dormant volcano called Whale Island. Often during the summer months you will also get the opportunity to view whales, sharks, pods of dolphins and even sunfish, which frequent the sparse ocean area between Whale Island and White Island.

As you fly towards White island, the volcano grows in stature until you are high above it circling in full awe of its spectacular presence. The view from the helicopter is absolutely unmatched, providing a supherb platform for strategic aerial photographing of White Island's unique geological formations, colours and raw power.

Your experienced pilot/guide will then gently set you down on the floor of the crater for you're one hour exploratory tour of the volcano. The guided walk takes you on a visual spectacle surrounded by the constant noise of active fumoroles scattered throughout the confines of the crater. The pilot/guide will point out places of interest and provide interesting information pertaining to the volcano's being.

You will then venture across the crater floor, crossing over small stream's, stand on the edge of the crater-lake, pass around crater bay and through the remains of the sulpur factory before returning to the helicopter. Once airborne again, you will have yet another opportunity to view the volcano from above and take more amazing aerial photographs before your journey back to Whakatane.

Upon landing at Whakatane Airport you will once again be met by our friendly team who will show you the photos your pilot / guide has taken during your white island volcanic adventure and assist you with any help you may need for the next part of your holiday here in New Zealand.