Live Marine Volcano Tour Of White Island

Ever wondered what Mount Vesuvius was like before it erupted? You can walk on New Zealand’s only live marine volcano, close to the hissing, sulphuric bubbling inner crater of this unique and volatile landscape. In warmer weather, you can enjoy a swim or snorkel in the surrounding Bay of Plenty!

Your experience begins with a 90-minute cruise aboard one of our vessels. During the trip, we serve morning tea, issue you with your safety equipment – a hard hat and gas mask – and share our knowledge of the surrounding marine environment. Upon reaching the island we anchor, launch an inflatable boat and run through a brief history of the island. Then we take everyone in small groups, via the inflatable boat, over to the old jetty.

You’ll have a couple of obstacles to negotiate first – a short ladder on the side of the jetty, a 1.5 metre steel platform spanning gap in the jetty and some boulders on the foreshore – before we reach the island. You’ll then be led by the guides around the inner crater area, viewing the awesome main crater complex, hissing fumeroles and old sulphur-mining factory and hearing the island’s history, geology and flora and fauna.

After the tour, we re-board and serve lunch. There is also a chance for a swim or some snorkelling if conditions permit. Then we begin our relaxing journey home. Our permit to view marine mammals means that we make mammal-viewing part of the day – if they’re out there!

This experience voucher is valid for six months from date of purchase.

Venue:

Whakatane, Bay of Plenty, four hours drive south east of Auckland.

Session Length

This experience runs daily, weather permitting, except Christmas Day. Please allow 6 hours with time on the volcano about 2 hours. Check-in approx 9.15am but may change depending on the season. The time will be confirmed the evening beforehand. In summer, tours depart at 9.15am and 10am.

Guidelines:

You must be of average fitness however no hill climbing is involved. All guides carry VHF radios, first aid kits, including Ventolin, however the island is isolated from intensive medical care. Minimum age of participant is 8 years.

Numbers:

Maximum group of 65. We work on a ratio of 1 staff member to 10 passengers. We will require a contact phone number that you are available on the night prior to departure, otherwise, please contact our office the night before to confirm you trip (between 7pm and 8pm).

Weather:

The tour depends entirely on the weather. Passengers must call the night prior to their experience between 7.00-8.00pm to confirm the tour will proceed. Bookings must be made in advance.

Other Info:

All passengers must sign a waiver form. The lunch is served in a lunch box with both hot and cold food. We cater for vegetarians however vegans and dairy/gluten-free passengers should bring their own food for lunch.

Map

The map below gives you the location of this experience to allow you to plan.

Exact location, directions and meeting place will be available to you once you have purchased your voucher(s).