White Island Volcano Tour

White Island, New Zealand

Recent earthquakes have shown how active geological processes are in New Zealand.  As part of the "Pacific Ring of Fire," earthquakes and volcanic activity are a part of life on both the North and South Island.  While Rotorua is the most well-known spot in New Zealand to see geothermic activity, you should also consider White Island.  White Island is New Zealand's only active island volcano.  A little off the beaten path, White Island is located 49 km from Whakatane, on the North Island's Bay of Plenty.   

White Island Volcano

What to Expect
White Island Tours of Whakatane operate the tours of the island.   You must call ahead for reservations.  I would also recommend taking motion-sickness medication before boarding the ship, as the seas out to White Island can be quite rough (several passengers on my tour became sea-sick).  The entire trip takes about six hours to complete.

After surviving the 80 minute boat ride over rough seas, you will get about an hour to actually walk the island.  With only a hard hat and gas mask for protection, you'll get a chance to get up close and personal to the main crater of the island as well as outlying sulfur pools (which explain the stench of the island).  Walking on the island feels a bit like stepping on a Martian landscape.  In my experience, touring White Island was more adventurous, up-close-and-personal, and enjoyable than tours in Rotorua (also famous for volcanic activity). 

Touring White Island, New Zealand

Just the Basics
Location: Whakatane, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Company: White Island Tours
Cost: $185NZ, advance bookings required
Website: http://www.whiteisland.co.nz/  
Advice: Take motion sickness medication before boarding.