White Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo by Komadhi  Mardemootoo
Photo by Anna B
Photo by Komadhi  Mardemootoo
Photo by  April F.
Photo by  April F.

Travel by boat or plane to reach one of the most accessible marine volcanoes in the world, not far from the Bay of Plenty coastline.

Don a hard hat and gas mask as you embark on the most exciting adventure in the Bay of Plenty, a trip to White Island. Located off the coast of New Zealand, White Island is an active volcano and considered one of the most accessible of its kind in the world. Visit the marine volcano by boat to watch as it rises 321 metres (1,053 feet) above you or soar above it on a scenic flight. For the most adventurous, walk across the island to feel the heat of its geothermic activity and to see the birds that have made the smoking island their home.

With rocky crags and deep trenches surrounding the land, White Island has become a popular dive site in New Zealand. Combine your visit to the island with a chartered dive trip to experience the volcano from all angles. Swim through volcanic rocks and discover diverse marine life residing in its shadow. Fish for trout or marlin in the water around White Island as you cruise across the Bay of Plenty.

Disembark from your boat at the island to explore the bubbling pools of water and a lake of steaming acid. A 2-hour walk will take you through the island’s unique features, many of which are inaccessible elsewhere in the world. A guide will give you the history of the island. Learn about the tragic fate of the 10 sulphur miners who lost their lives on the island in 1914.

Those seeking a different view will find a number of chartered flight operators in the Bay of Plenty area offering flights over White Island. Fly by helicopter or plane for unparalleled views of the island from above. Watch as the steam from the boiling lake rises towards you. Capture images of the volcano with the beautiful Bay of Plenty as the backdrop.

White Island is located just 50 kilometres (30 miles) from shore in the Bay of Plenty. Find boat and flight operators in all major towns in the bay however, TaurangaOpens in a new window and Whakatāne have the largest number.

Hotel on Devonport

Hotel on Devonport

4 out of 5
72 Devonport Road, Tauranga
The price is AU$182 per night from 31 Oct to 1 Nov
AU$182
31 Oct - 1 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Tauranga. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"No mini bar, very noisy and poor sound proofing, local bar sounded like it was in the same room, stayed before was ok, this time my family barely slept"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Hotel on Devonport
Hotel Armitage and Conference Centre

Hotel Armitage and Conference Centre

3.5 out of 5
9 Willow St, Tauranga
The price is AU$149 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$149
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified hotel in Tauranga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Clean and comfortable room. Friendly staff and lots of parking available."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Hotel Armitage and Conference Centre
Trinity Wharf Tauranga

Trinity Wharf Tauranga

4.5 out of 5
51 Dive Crescent, Tauranga
The price is AU$176 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$176
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Tauranga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Very clean and great location"

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Trinity Wharf Tauranga
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ramada Resort By Wyndham Rotorua Marama

Ramada Resort By Wyndham Rotorua Marama

4 out of 5
1420 Hamurana Road, RD4, Rotorua, Mourea
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Mourea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (560 reviews)
"The lake view was very beautiful and peaceful. The unit was very clean, spacious and fully equipped. It was great for a family. The restaurant onsite was very good. The spa pool needed a good clean as it wasn't very inviting."

Reviewed on 27 Sept 2025

Ramada Resort By Wyndham Rotorua Marama
Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers

Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers

4 out of 5
1 Maunganui Road, Tauranga
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Tauranga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,290 reviews)
"Excellent location facilities and service"

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers
6 on Adams

6 on Adams

3 out of 5
6 Adams Avenue, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, Tauranga
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Tauranga. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Mount Maunganui and Mount Hot Pools are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (105 reviews)
Best location
"clean, best location"

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2025

6 on Adams
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Cities near White Island

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