Whakaari / White Island
Whakaari / White Island is New Zealand's most active volcano, a mostly submerged cone with only its crater rim visible above the sea, historically a major tourist destination for its accessible, otherworldly volcanic landscape. A catastrophic eruption in December 2019 killed 22 people who were on the island at the time, and landing tours have been suspended since, with operators now generally offering boat or helicopter viewing from offshore/the air instead.
Given the tragedy and the ongoing volcanic risk assessment, visitors should check the current status and offerings of any tour operator carefully before booking, and understand this is an active, genuinely hazardous volcano rather than a routine sightseeing stop.
Whakaari / White Island FAQs
Landing tours have been suspended since the fatal December 2019 eruption — check current operator offerings, as most now provide only offshore boat or aerial helicopter viewing.
A sudden eruption while tour groups were on the island killed 22 people and injured many others, a major tragedy that fundamentally changed how the island is visited.
By boat or helicopter tour from Whakatāne, about an hour's drive from Tauranga.
Yes, it remains New Zealand's most active volcano, and any visit (even offshore viewing) should be booked through a reputable, currently operating tour company that monitors volcanic alert levels.
It's a personal decision — some visitors choose offshore viewing tours respectfully, while others prefer to skip it; either way, be aware of the site's recent tragic history.
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