There is exactly one 'things to do' tip: just visit White Island.
Although some companies offer helicopter-flights over the island, I highly recommend to do the guided boat tour from Whakatane with White Island Tours. It is more than worth the money. Total duration of the tour is about 6 hours, including 2 hours visit of the volcano itself. The cost of the tour is NZD 175,- (April 2008). In the summer season it is possible (weather depending) to swim or snorkel in the surrounding waters of White Island.
White Island Tours offers also a shuttle bus between Rotorua and Whakatane.
White Island is New Zealand's most active marine volcano and steam and gas are rising continuously from its craters. The plume of smoke and gas can be seen from the mainland.
It is an extremely fascinating scenery. So remote, so pure, so different from many other spots. It is almost if you are witness of the birth of the earth or walking on the moon. The bright yellow sulphurous vents, the smell of the gases and rumbling of the inner earth under our feet provide an unique experience.
Always steam, gas and sulphur; everywhere lava and ash. As soon as we arrived on the island we got a safety briefing and were supplied with gas masks in case something should happen with one of the craters.
Fondest memory
The highlight of our visit was standing on the edge of the main crater overlooking the fluorescent green lake and the steaming (little) craters with amazing colours. OVERWHELMING !!! For more pictures: see my travelogues about White Island.
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Address: 50 km off the coast of Whakatane (Bay of Plenty)
Website: www.whiteisland.co.nz
Other Contact: www.wi.co.nz
White Island
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on Apr 2, 2008
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