White Island is one of the most fascinating and accessible volcanoes on earth, carrying with it an A grade level of scientific importance. As New Zealand’s only live marine volcano, scientists and volcanologists worldwide are attracted by its unique features.

The volcano is estimated to be between 100,000 and 200,000 years old. However, the small portion of the island that is visible above sea level has been in its present form for an estimated 16,000 years - evidence of a continually changing landscape.

Walking on White Island is like walking on the moon. Virtually no vegetation survives the harsh acidic environment inside the crater walls. Instead, lush beds of yellow and white sulphur crystals grow amongst hissing, steaming, bubbling fumaroles.

Giant mounds, remnants of the 1914 Great Landslide, dwarf visitors as they wind their way up to the Main Crater. Venturing to the edge, they are greeted by an amazing sight - an immense crater, with towering walls shielding its spectacular lake and punctuated by steamy vents from which the power of the inner earth constantly belches forth.

Down below, bright yellow chimneys of delicate sulphur crystals enhance the alien landscape and lure the visitor for a closer look.

In contrast to these natural features, stand the ruins of an old factory, the only human testament to the numerous failed sulphur mining attempts of days gone by, and now slowly being reclaimed by Mother Nature.

Scientific equipment is discreetly positioned around the volcano. Its activity is constantly being monitored by IGNS (Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences). A seismograph, survey pegs, magnetometers and a camera all provide information on just what the volcano is up to. Up-to-date images of the island can be viewed hourly at www.geonet.org.nz

White Island currently sits on an alert level rating of 1, meaning she is always active, constantly steaming. Misty, roaring, ashing, rumbling - who knows what mood she’ll be in if you are fortunate enough to visit .....