White Island - Active Volcano

An active volcano off the Bay of Plenty coast, White Island will blow you away (but not literally!).

White Island (Whakaari) is the perfect example of an active volcano. It breathes, it roars and it hisses. Situated off the coast of Whakatane, the island is roughly circular and about two kilometres in diameter. Scientists and vulcanologists from around the world find White Island fascinating. The main vent is below sea level but shielded from the ocean by high crater walls. On an eruption scale of one to five, the island is usually on an alert level of one or two. In March 2000, three small vents appeared in the main crater and began belching ash which covered the island in fine grey powder. An eruption later that year blanketed the island with mud and scoria and a new crater appeared. At most times the volcanic activity is limited to steaming fumaroles and boiling mud. In the past, attempts were made to mine sulphur on the island, but it was a hazardous task. In September 1914, part of the western crater rim collapsed killing all ten miners. They disappeared without trace; only the camp cat survived. The remains of mining buildings can still be seen, much corroded by the sulphuric gasses. Althought it’s privately owned, White Island is a scenic reserve that can be visited by launch or helicopter. Hard hats and gas masks are provided for the walking tour, which leads right into the huge main crater.