Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Motuhora (Whale Island) and Putauaki (Mt Edgecumbe), as all lie along Taupo Volcanic
Zone.
The island is dramatic, with hot water hissing and steaming from vents over most of the
crater floor. Temperatures of 600°C to 800°C have been recorded.
The island is privately owned so you can only visit it with a licensed tour operator.
Fixed-wing air operators run flyover tours only, while boat and helicopter tours will usu-
ally include a walking tour around the island including a visit to the ruins of the sulphur-
mining factory − an interesting story in itself. Most tours depart Whakatane; scenic flights
are also possible ex-Tauranga and Rotorua.
Tours
White Island Tours
MAP
BOAT TOUR
GOOGLE MAP
( 0800 733 529, 07-308 9588; www.whiteisland.co.nz ; 15 The Strand, Whakatane; 6hr tours adult/child $199/130;
departures btwn 7am & 12.30pm) The only official boat trip to Whakaari (on board the good
ship Pee Jay ), with dolphin-spotting en route and a two-hour tour of the island. Mouto-
hora (Whale Island) tours adult/child $90/60.
White Island Flights
( 0800 944 834; www.whiteislandflights.co.nz ; Whakatane Airport; flights per person $249) Fixed-wing scen-
ic flights over Whakaari, with lots of photo opportunities. A Whakaari/Mt Tarawera
combo flight costs $339.
SCENIC FLIGHTS
Dive White Island
MAP
DIVING
GOOGLE MAP
( 0800 348 394, 07-307 0714; www.divewhite.co.nz ; 186 The Strand, Whakatane; snorkelling per person $225, 2hr
dive with gear $395) Full-day snorkelling and diving trips with lunch and gear provided; under-
water volcanic terrain and lots of fish to look at.
Frontier Helicopters
( 0800 804 354, 07-308 4188; www.vulcanheli.co.nz ; Whakatane Airport; flights per person from $650) A two-
hour trip to Whakaari (departing from Whakatane) that includes a one-hour guided walk
on the volcano.
SCENIC FLIGHTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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