Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
related to 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
BOAT TOUR
( 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. Moutohora (Whale Island) tours adult/child $90/60.
White Island Flights
SCENIC FLIGHTS
( 0800 944 834;
www.whiteislandflights.co.nz
;
Whakatane Airport; flights per person $249)
Fixed-wing scenic flights over Whakaari, with lots of photo opportunities. A Whakaari/
Mt Tarawera combo flight costs $339.
Dive White Island
DIVING
( 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; underwater volcanic terrain and lots of fish to look at.
Frontier Helicopters
SCENIC FLIGHTS
( 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.
