Did you ever imagine about venturing out to see a steamy, hot active volcano? A tour to New Zealand will give you this rare opportunity of witnessing this natural phenomenon. - Whakaari - or the White Island as it is meant in local Maori language is famous for its volcanic explosions lies at a distance of 48 kilometers from the coastline of Bay of Plenty in New Zealand. White Island was created by a submarine volcano bursting up lava and magma in great quantity. With the course of time piled up ash layers and sediments emanated by a series of explosions rose above the sea level and formed this island. This is the only privately owned volcano of New Zealand and can be reached easily through boat and helicopter.
Trekking up to the central crater of White Island Covered by crystallized Sulphure , boiling, fine ash layers can be a unique experience. The island is abounded with traces of volcanic activity like billowing fume coming out of cracks, hot pools of muddy water.
You can also opt for a flight to Mt. Tarawera , an active volcano created by rhyolite, a kind of slow moving lava.Tour Operators for Volcanic Tours
There is no record of big irruptions since 1976, but it is not possible to determine the
exact timing of irruption in near future. You should the island under the guidance of licensed tour operators to avoid any undue risk. Names and contact addresses of Tour operators are given below.
- 1)Vulcan Helicopters Ltd
Telephone: +64 7 308 4188,
- 2)Volcanic Air Safaris Ltd
Rotorua City Lakefront and Airport
Telephone: +64 7 348-9984,
Freephone NZ wide 0800 800848 - 3)Helipro
Leisure Park, Western Road, Rotorua.
Telephone:+64 7 357 2512
Fax +64 7 357 250
Safety Tips for volcanic tourists in New Zealand Many people visit White Island but its conditions are subject to quick change. Tourists must ensure that they take necessary safety arrangements to avoid any undue risk. - Carry gas masks and stay at a safe distance from fumaroles as the corrosive gase can choke you.
- Do not go close to the water pools . The water is highly acidic and the rims are made of fine ash. Stay at a safe distance.
- Do not carry electronic equipments as they may be damaged by gase.
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