One of New Zealand’s most active volcanos, Whakaari / White Island, situated 48km off the coast of Whakatane.
The privately-owned White Island is uninhabited, the land is undeveloped. In 1953 it was declared as a private scenic reserve and has been the focus of tourism activities along with geological and ecological science.
You may choose to have a scenic flight or take a cruise & guided tour of the volcano crater to experience the unforgettable sight of White Island.
However, the estimated to be between 150,000 and 200,000 years old volcano, erupted on 9 December 2020 and caused about 20 deaths and many injuries.
To ensure the safety of locals and visitors there are currently no tours or flights to the island. According to GeoNet, the eruption removed the crater lake, formed new vents, and generated landslides into the active crater area.
There was a sulphur mining venture began on the island in 1885, but this stopped abruptly in 1914 when part of the crater wall collapsed, and a landslide destroyed the sulphur mine and miners’ village.
Do you know?
The name Whakaari means “to make visible” or “exposed to view”. The full Māori name for the island is te puia whakaari, meaning “The Dramatic Volcano”. It was later on named by Caption Cook as “White Island” in 1769. The island’s official name was changed from “White Island (Whakaari)” to “Whakaari / White Island” in 1997. This makes it one of many places in New Zealand with dual Māori and English names.
Rating
Experience ★★★★★
Cost $$$$
Service ★★★★★
