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 Armitage and Conference Centre

Hotel Armitage and Conference Centre

3.5 out of 5
9 Willow St, Tauranga
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified hotel in Tauranga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Good staff clean rooms"

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Hotel Armitage and Conference Centre
Hotel on Devonport

Hotel on Devonport

4 out of 5
72 Devonport Road, Tauranga
The price is ₹8,508 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
₹8,508
₹9,898 total
26 Jul - 27 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Tauranga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Great place to stay, centrally located. Room size very generous and has a nice view of harbour."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Hotel on Devonport
Trinity Wharf Tauranga

Trinity Wharf Tauranga

4.5 out of 5
51 Dive Crescent, Tauranga
The price is ₹9,917 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹9,917
₹11,404 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Tauranga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Great stay. Only downside was that you could hear everything and everyone in the hallways and sometimes through the walls. Not great on a Saturday night. Otherwise the bed size was great, bathroom nice and clean and easy to find a car park"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 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.
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,266 reviews)
"We had a great check in by Jass who has a lovely caring and welcoming personality. She really made our stay worthwhile with her friendly nature. Thank you so much"

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (551 reviews)
"Loved the little (big) ducks that came to visit us on our deck"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Ramada Resort By Wyndham Rotorua Marama
City Suites Tauranga

City Suites Tauranga

4.5 out of 5
32 Cameron Road, Tauranga
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Tauranga. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (971 reviews)
"Great location for walking to The Strand for dinner and shopping in city centre. Stayed in winter and room was lovely and warm without needing the heat pump on. It was also great to have undercover parking on site."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

City Suites 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.

Cities near White Island