White Island Tours
Join the White Island Tours crew aboard the luxury cruiser 'PeeJay' for a 6 hour adventure to explore New Zealand's only active marine volcano – White Island.
Sitting 49km off the coast of New Zealand's North Island, this is one of the most accessible live volcanoes in the world. With the majority of the volcano sitting beneath the sea we are able to disembark directly into the crater complex – no mountain climbing required.
Being a live volcano there is little doubt that White Island is home to New Zealand's most impressive geothermal activity. Visitors are able to get up close to roaring steam vents, bubbling pits of mud, hot volcanic streams and the amazing lake of steaming acid. The vivid hues of yellow and orange resulting from the abundant sulphur on the island make it a photographer's dream.
Experienced guides will lead visitors on a two hour exploration of the inner crater, providing a fascinating commentary on the geology of the island as well as stories of attempts to mine sulphur. Along with volcanic and geothermal features, you will see the remains of the sulphur factory which have survived multiple eruptions since being abandoned in the 1930s.
Once back aboard PeeJay there is time to eat your lunch and during the summer months you may like to have a swim. If sea conditions are suitable the boat will do a circumnavigation of the island to provide viewing of the outer walls of the island where Pohutukawa forests grow and large Australasian Gannet colonies are established.
Our journey home often provides the opportunity to spend time viewing dolphins, other marine life and if we are very lucky, even whales. We hold the necessary government permits to provide up close viewing of these animals and it's a great way to end an already amazing day.
White Island is an easy day trip from Rotorua, with the add-on shuttle bus service able to pick up from most accommodation providers. Alternatively, those with their own transport can make their own way to Whakatane and join the boat tour only. For those wishing to stay in Whakatane we recommend the White Island Rendezvous motel which is also the check-in location for our tours and discounted tour and accommodation packages are available.
Contact details
- Free Phone:
- 0800 733 529 within NZ
- Phone:
- +64 (07) 308 9588
- Fax:
- +64 (07) 308 0303
- Address:
- 15 The Strand East
Whakatane - Distance:
- 68.75km from Rotorua
This is the shortest distance from the Tourism Rotorua Information and Travel Office to this operator, but does not necessarily represent the exact route travelled by road. - Email:
- info@whiteisland.co.nz
- Web:
- www.whiteisland.co.nz
- Social:
- Bookings:
- Direct to operator via email OR
Online inquiry via i-SITE - Affiliations:
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Raftabout 37.24km
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Pure Cruise 37.31km
NZONE Skydive 39.00km
