SCENIC HELICOPTER FLIGHTS
Join us for a scenic flight and take in some of the best views the Central North Island has to offer
Discover the remote beauty of the Kaimanawa Ranges on a scenic helicopter flight that combines spectacular alpine scenery with an exclusive mountain landing. Departing from our Kaimanawa Alpine Adventures base, follow the Waipakihi River before climbing to 4,500ft above the rugged Kaimanawa landscape. Take in sweeping views of alpine tussock and native forest as you head towards the Patutu Tops. Land at our exclusive mountain landing site, where you’ll have time to step out of the helicopter, explore the surroundings and capture some incredible photos with panoramic views across the Central Plateau, Lake Taupō and surrounding mountain ranges. Your adventure finishes with a scenic flight back to base, taking in more of the Kaimanawa wilderness along the way.
Flight time: 10 minutes (approximately)
$420pp
2 passengers
$320pp
3 or more passengers
Prices valid until June 30th 2027.
This scenic flight follows the highlights of New Zealand’s most famous day hike, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the landscapes that make the Tongariro Crossing world-renowned. Fly over the stunning Tama Lakes before climbing towards Mt Ngauruhoe (Mt Doom) and Mt Tongariro. From the air, you’ll see the full length of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, including the volcanic craters, alpine terrain, Blue Lake and surrounding landscapes that hikers spend a full day exploring. Along the way, you’ll also enjoy views of Mt Ruapehu, the Lake Taupō Basin and the remote Kaimanawa Ranges. If the Tongariro Crossing is on your bucket list, this is the ultimate way to experience it. One flight, all the highlights and views that simply aren’t possible from the ground.
Flight time: 18 minutes (approximately)
$680pp
2 passengers
$480pp
3 or more passengers
Prices valid until June 30th 2027.
Experience the volcanic landscapes of Mt Ruapehu on a scenic helicopter flight that takes you high above the Central Plateau. Departing from our Kaimanawa Alpine Adventures base, climb to 10,000ft as you make your way towards Mt Ruapehu, an active volcano and the North Island’s highest peak. Get an incredible bird’s-eye view of Crater Lake (Te Wai ā-moe) on the summit plateau and take in the rugged volcanic features and dramatic alpine terrain. On a clear day, you can enjoy sweeping views across the Central Plateau, Lake Taupō Basin and the Kaimanawa Ranges before returning to base.
Flight time: 18 minutes (approximately)
$680pp
2 passengers
$480pp
3 or more passengers
Prices valid until June 30th 2027.
Enjoy a flight over the three main volcanic peaks of the Tongariro National Park – Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe, known as Mt Doom from The Lord of the Rings films. This flight showcases the best of the Central Plateau, with views of volcanic craters, alpine landscapes and some of New Zealand’s most iconic scenery. Take a little longer to soak it all in as you fly over the famous Tama Lakes and Blue Lake on Mt Tongariro, before following sections of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing from above. Keep an eye out for hikers making their way across the Crossing while taking in panoramic views across the Central Plateau and beyond.
Flight time: 25 minutes (approximately)
$1050pp
2 passengers
$750pp
3 or more passengers
Prices valid until June 30th 2027.
See the very best of the Central Plateau on our longest scenic flight. Climb to 10,000ft and fly around the volcanic peaks of Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro. Take in views of the craters, alpine terrain and the vast Tongariro National Park from above. Continue towards Turangi, passing over Lake Rotoaira and the southern end of Lake Taupō. From here you’ll see the scale of the Lake Taupo Basin and surrounding Central North Island landscapes. The flight then heads into the Kaimanawa Ranges, following the Waipakihi River through remote backcountry country. Land at Patutu Tops, our exclusive mountain landing site, where you’ll have time to get out, take photos and enjoy the views. Return to base via the Waipakihi Valley, taking in native forest, river systems and rugged mountain terrain along the way.
Flight time: 55 minutes (approximately)
$1600pp
2 passengers
$1100pp
3 or more passengers
Prices valid until June 30th 2027.
At Kaimanawa Alpine Adventures, our AS350 helicopter is the perfect helicopter for scenic flights. It has comfortable seating and a great viewing area.
We can carry five passengers per flight. If your party is larger than five or you would like us to tailor a scenic experience to suit your needs, contact our team.
