Expedia India - Adventure - New Zealand - Walking a Volcano

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, or Te Puia o Whakaari as it is traditionally known, white Island. But there is a very different side to this fascinating island nation and one which is surprisingly accessible considering its nature. Green forested hills and alongside crystal glacial lakes comes to mind, walking through lush, when most people think of New Zealand.

Getting There

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, if you are lucky, on the way over. Hard-hat and safety gear for your walk on the volcano, you will also be issued with a gas-mask. During this time you will be treated to morning tea and a running commentary on the history of the island and surrounding region. The boat trip over is the beginning of your adventure and the comfortable launch takes just over 80 minutes. Walking on the active volcano of White Island is well within everyone's reach, at less than 50km from the coast of Whakatane on the North Island of New Zealand.

Your Volcanic Adventure

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

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

It is as if you have been transported to another planet, with the swirling sulphuric steam rising ethereally from the surface of the water. The icy blue-green of the lake is unlike any colour you have ever seen before. The lake within begins to become visible and the sight is nothing short of spectacular, walking up to the rim of the crater. You will understand why this has become one of the most coveted attractions in New Zealand, once you arrive at the craters edge.

The crater itself, and part way into, with short but thrilling helicopter flights which leave from the mainland and take you right over, there is still a way to experience this spectacular location, if you don't think you're quite up to it, however. Does require a certain amount of physical exertion, although completely safe, walking on an active volcano is not for the faint-hearted and. To visit White Island is indeed to experience the very best of New Zealand. The Maori name Te Puia o Whakaari translates as "Dramatic Volcano" and the island certainly lives up to its name.