White Island - North Island, New Zealand

The amazing attraction of White Island, named by Captain Cook for its covering of mist and steam, is a rough ride of 50 kms by boat from Whakatane. Visitors are attracted by the spectacular natural volcanic activity that is unique to White Island with steam, ash and gas thrown up from its crater sixty metres below sea level. The crystal clear waters around White Island make it one of New Zealand's top spots for scuba diving.

White Island is the scene of intense seething activity due to the clash of the tectonic plates namely the Pacific Plate and the Indo-Australian plate. This activity has been going on for the past 2 million years.

White Island Accommodation

All White Island accommodation is based in Whakatane.

Though attempts have been made to mine sulphur in the past, the unpredictability of deadly eruptions and landslides have discouraged human enterprise of any kind. The island is home to birdlife such as petrels and gannets.

White Island Activities

There is an excellent guided boat trip from Whakatane to White Island. It is a 6 hour ride including lunch. You are advised to book well in advance. There is a two hour tour of the island.

It is necessary to wear a gas mask due to the high sulphur content in the air while you observe the sulphur deposits in the pools of bubbling mud and smoke and steam. For the bigger budget tourists there is a helicopter ride to White Island.

Dive White Island on The Strand in Whakatane offers dive trips in the waters off White Island. Costs can vary depending on whether you bring your own diving gear or hire it. Accommodation for trips to White Island is based in Whakatane.

LooknbookNZ can organise your White Island accommodation and White Island activities bookings and let you and your family/friends enjoy the volcanic spectacle of White Island.