Your Basket
White Island Volcano Tour
Read Customer Reviews Tour Details Buy This Experience
Enjoy a boat cruise on the Bay of Plenty out to New Zealand's only active marine volcano where you will explore the natural wonders of this isolated and fascinating environment.- Travel to White Island on PeeJay, a luxury launch specifically designed for tours to White Island.
- 1.5 - 2 hour guided tour of White Island.
- Your crew will provide an informative and fun commentary on both the island and launch.
- Safety gear for the Island tour is provided before you reach White Island – hard hat and gas mask.
- Lunch and refreshments.
- Hotel pick up within Whakatane.
Enjoy a boat cruise on the Bay of Plenty out to New Zealand’s only active marine volcano where you will explore the natural wonders of this isolated and fascinating environment. White Island, estimated to be between 150,000 to 200,000 years old was named by Captain Cook, the first European to sight the island. Known to Maori as Te Puia o Whakaari, meaning ‘The Dramatic Volcano’, White Island lies just 50 kilometres off shore in the Bay of Plenty.
Your 80 minute journey by luxury launch gives you ample time to admire the many marine mammals as you cruise by and enjoy the informative onboard commentary before you arrive at your destination. After anchoring you will be transported ashore by inflatable boats and so begin your tour of this intriguing place. Your tour sees you travel past the remains of a sulphur mining factory, the corroded remnants evidence of man’s failed attempt to harness nature amongst the hissing, steaming and bubbling fumaroles. This harsh acidic environment means that no vegetation grows on the island but you will notice the numerous yellow and white sulphur crystals which dot the ground of this eerie lunar-like landscape.
Your friendly guide conveys historic and scientific information about the island in a way that is easily understood as you continue your tour of the island and venture to the edge of the crater. The view from the rim of the crater will amaze you as you look out over the spectacular lake and its steaming vents before heading back through the barren landscape to the boat to relax over a delicious lunch. On your trip back to Whakatane you could encounter pods of whales or dolphins which are commonly seen in the area, and go swimming or snorkelling if conditions allow.
You can add your own review for this experience
- Optional gratuities
Dress for an activity filled day on a boat and then exploring White Island.
Please bring warm clothes for the boat as it is usually cooler on the open sea.
Wear fully enclosed comfortable footwear suitable for the 2 hour walk around the island. Walking boots or trainers with good grip are recommended. NO heels, sandals or jandals.
You may get dirty on the island so we recommend you wear older clothing for the island tour where possible.
Please bring your swimming costume and towel if you wish to swim or snorkel should the opportunity arise. Please bring your camera but please note that it is your responsibility to keep it safe and dry at all times.
We do not recommend this tour for children under 8 years of age and a certain level of physical ability is necessary. To get onto the island you will need to climb a ladder, cross a steel planking system and then negotiate boulders before reaching the shore and beginning your 2 hour walk. The fully guided tour of the island is over uneven ground and has no rest areas, seats or hand rails along the way.
Your exact pick up details will be advised when you confirm your tour locally.
Departure times may vary slightly with tide times and sea conditions.
Buy This Experience - Add to Basket
Do Something Different © 2006-2007