Adventure - New Zealand - Walking a Volcano

When most people think of New Zealand, walking through lush, green forested hills and alongside crystal glacial lakes comes to mind. But there is a very different side to this fascinating island nation and one which is surprisingly accessible considering its nature.

White Island, or Te Puia o Whakaari as it is traditionally known, is New Zealand's only active marine volcano and a visit to the incredible lunar-like landscape of the island is most definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Getting There

At less than 50km from the coast of Whakatane on the North Island of New Zealand, walking on the active volcano of White Island is well within everyone's reach. The boat trip over is the beginning of your adventure and the comfortable launch takes just over 80 minutes.

During this time you will be treated to morning tea and a running commentary on the history of the island and surrounding region.

You will also be issued with a gas-mask, hard-hat and safety gear for your walk on the volcano. On the way over, if you are lucky, you will be treated to an entourage of dolphins and at times hundreds surround the boat and escort you on your journey to White Island.

Your Volcanic Adventure

Once you reach the island, the launch moors and you are ferried by an inflatable boat the rest of the way to the jetty. There is an iron ladder and some boulders to navigate, so you do need to have a reasonable level of fitness. Once you land on the beach, you are ready to begin what will surely be your most memorable expedition in New Zealand.

Walking along the beach you will immediately be hit by the smell of sulphur and you will be required to don your gas-mask and hard-hat before setting off up the path which leads to the main crater's edge.

Your guide will lead you on a fascinating walk through the old disused sulphur mine and then up the rocky, screed path lined along the way with steaming, yellow plumes of sulphur which emanates from deep beneath the volcanic surface. It can get very hot as you get closer to the crater and the steam at times surrounds you - hissing an eerie sound.

Once you arrive at the craters edge, you will understand why this has become one of the most coveted attractions in New Zealand. Walking up to the rim of the crater, the lake within begins to become visible and the sight is nothing short of spectacular.

The icy blue-green of the lake is unlike any colour you have ever seen before. With the swirling sulphuric steam rising ethereally from the surface of the water, it is as if you have been transported to another planet.

The Maori name Te Puia o Whakaari translates as "Dramatic Volcano" and the island certainly lives up to its name. To visit White Island is indeed to experience the very best of New Zealand. Walking on an active volcano is not for the faint-hearted and, although completely safe, does require a certain amount of physical exertion.

However, if you don't think you're quite up to it, there is still a way to experience this spectacular location, with short but thrilling helicopter flights which leave from the mainland and take you right over, and part way into, the crater itself.

By : Tony_Maniscalco