A pilot and three passengers had to be plucked off Mt Tarawera after their helicopter's tail rotor struck a rock and broke off, resulting in a "heavy landing".
Emergency services were called about 2pm today when a Volcanic Air Safaris helicopter landed heavily on the summit of Mt Tarawera.
The company's managing director, Phil Barclay, told the Rotorua Daily Post it appeared the tail rotor struck a rock and broke off when it was close to landing.
He said no one was hurt and the helicopter only suffered minor damage.
"It's certainly not going to be an expensive fix from what we gather at the moment."