White Island

WHITE ISLAND ACTIVITIES AND TRAVEL | White Island Information

White Island is an active cracking volcano located in the Bay of Plenty in the North island of New Zealand, the nearest mainland towns are Whakatane and Tauranga.

White Island is one of the most fascinating and accessible volcanoes on earth, it is New Zealand's only live marine volcano and scientists and volcanologists worldwide are attracted by its unique features.

White Island is estimated to be between 100,000 and 200,000 years old. Visiting White island is an out of world experience. Virtually no vegetation survives the harsh acidic environment inside the crater walls. Instead, lush beds of yellow and white sulphur crystals grow amongst hissing, steaming, bubbling fumaroles.

Visitors cannot land on White Island without permission or remove or disturb any wildlife and must leave only their footprints. However, it is easily accessible by authorised tourist operators. Day trips, helicopter and aeroplane trips are very popular and usually available from Rotorua, Tauranga and Whakatane.

History

The full Maori name for the island is 'Te Puia o Whakaari', meaning 'The Dramatic Volcano.' It was named 'White Island' by Captain Cook on October 1, 1769 because it always appeared to be in a cloud of white steam. Although Cook went close to the island he failed to notice that it was a volcano.

Main Towns in the Bay of Plenty Region

Other Towns in the Bay of Plenty Region