White Island

Active Volcano in the Sea
White Island is an active volcano in the middle of the ocean – a living, breathing giant estimated to be between 100,000 and 200,000 years old. Only a small portion of the volcano (effectively its summit) is visible above sea level. White Island sits on an ‘alert level’ of 1 – guests who tread on her moon-like surface must wear gas masks and hard hats.

Travel to the volcano by boat from Whakatane with Peejay Tours or you can soar over the seas in a helicopter from Te Kaha Beach Resort.

Make land on White Island, then hike across to the main active crater. White Island has an other-worldly landscape of boiling water pools, craggy rock faces, hissing and steaming vents, luminescent yellow sulphur deposits and more. See the ruins of an old Sulphur mining village and factory.

Your guide knows the in-depth history of this marine volcano and will provide a fascinating commentary as your journey unfolds. On the return trip watch for pods of playful Dolphins!

This is an experience not to be missed.