White Island

White Island or Whakaari in Maori is located 48 km offshore in the Bay Of Plenty on the North Island. This island has an active volcano and a nature reserve; one can only get there by boat or helicopter. Visitors (there are no permanent residents, except the local wildlife!) can walk inside the island’s main crater which is just above sea level with a minimum of physical effort. One can experience up-close the immense power of gas and steam being launched from far below the earth’s crust. The smell of sulphur and the noise of steam emerging from the many fumaroles both large and small give provide a unique experience for the senses which won’t be forgotten lightly. On the outer slopes of the island are large colonies of gannet, it is here where they nest and raise there chicks. The boat trip to and from the island is also quite amazing, there is plenty of birdlife and dolphins often swim alongside. For those flying by helicopter, they will see the full grandeur of White Island rising out of the South Pacific Ocean.