White Island (Whakaari)
North Island, Bay of Plenty
White Island (Whakaari) is an active volcanic island in northern New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty. It’s New Zealand’s most active volcano—believed to have been continuously erupting for 150,000 years—and can only be visited on a guided tour. Prior to the 2019 eruption, walking tours were conducted on White Island where travelers could explore the active volcano by foot. Today, White Island is best accessed by helicopter where you can circle the steaming vent.
The basics
Due to increased volcanic risk, land access is closed to the public, and no tour operators are permitted to land on the island. Scenic flights around the island are still offered, providing dramatic views of the volcano’s crater and steaming vents from a safe distance. Most helicopter tours depart from Taupo as well as Rotorua, though they are weather dependent and may be amended depending on volcanic activity. Fishing and diving tours near the island are also popular, and if you take a boat tour, there’s a strong chance you’ll see dolphins on the way.
Things to know before you go
Tours can be canceled or the itineraries altered with little or no warning, depending on the levels of volcanic activity and wind on the day of your tour.
The surrounding waters can be choppy—if you’re prone to seasickness, plan accordingly.
There are no facilities on or near the island; plan as if visiting a remote natural site.
Flyover tours may not be suitable for very young children due to noise and safety gear requirements.
How to get there
White Island is 29 miles (48 kilometers) from Whakatāne and 56 miles (91 kilometers) from Tauranga. Guided tours by boat and airplane or helicopter run from both places, but boat tours only run from Whakatāne, as it’s closer. Whakatāne is a 4–5 hour drive from Auckland and has a small regional airport with flights from Auckland and Wellington.
When to get there
Conditions around White Island are unpredictable. For the most pleasant weather and views, take a tour any time of year except winter. New Zealand’s North Island is very wet in the winter, and boat tours out to White Island won’t be as enjoyable if the weather’s bad.
Visit Rotorua
New Zealand is a very volcanically active country, and there are many places to check out steaming vents and bubbling pools on the mainland, too. Rotorua is one of the most famous places to do so, and is about an hour’s drive from Tauranga and Whakatane. If you’re on a smaller budget and can’t make it to White Island, you can enjoy a similar experience at one of Rotorua’s many geothermal parks.
What is White Island (Whakaari)?
White Island (Whakaari) is known for being New Zealand’s most active volcano over the last 40 years. Its Maori name is Te Puia o Whakaari, meaning “the dramatic volcano”. It’s a submerged stratovolcano (or composite cone) with 70 percent of the cone underwater, located on an uninhabited island that is privately owned.
Is White Island active or dormant?
White Island is one of the most active cone volcanoes in New Zealand, with continuous volcanic activity over at least 150,000 years. The last major eruption was December 9, 2019, which caused the death of 22 people, mostly tourists. As a result, you can no longer visit the island.
Where is White Island located?
White Island is located off the northeastern coast of the North Island of New Zealand. It is found in the Bay of Plenty, around 30 miles (48 kilometers) northeast from the town of Whakatane.
Is it safe to visit White Island?
No, it is currently not safe to visit White Island as it’s a very active volcano. The last major eruption occurred in December 2019 and resulted in 22 deaths, as well as numerous injuries to the visitors and guides who were on the island at the time.
Are there any restrictions for visiting White Island?
Yes, there are restrictions in place on White Island for the safety of all: Boat tours and helicopter flights are prohibited from landing and visitors cannot set foot on the island. White Island can still be seen from viewpoints on the North Island, you can take a scenic flight over it, or you can visit the Whakaari Experience Room.
How can visitors experience White Island?
Visitors can enjoy views of White Island from different lookout points along the Bay of Plenty, including The Whakatane Heads and Kohi Point. You can also book a flight tour for an aerial view of the island below. Alternatively, the White Island/Whakaari Experience Room at the Whakatane Isite Visitor Information Center has videos, interpretation panels, and a scale model that emits steam.
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