Wednesday 4/03/2015 Whakaari – “White Island”
Bay of Plenty, NEW ZEALND
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report)
White Island (Whakaari) is an active marine (cone) volcano situated in the Bay of Plenty. To the Maori Whakaari is a treasured ancestor and features in many stories and legends of the region. It is estimated to be between 150,000 and 200,000 years old and is 49km offshore. The closest town is Whakatane, on the North Island of New Zealand. At the time of our trip it was possible to visit the island by helicopter or by boat and guided tour with White Island tours.
Tragically, on 9th December 2019 White Island erupted while tours were being conducted resulting in numerous deaths and horrific injuries. All tours were immediately suspended.
