White Island is a volcanic island located in the Bay of Plenty, off the coast of New Zealand. It is the most active volcano in the country and is the only volcano in the country that is accessible to the public. It is also the only volcano in the world that has a permanent gas-powered geothermal field.
White Island is about 2 km in diameter and rises about 321 m above sea level. It is the emergent summit of a volcano that is mostly submerged, with the majority of its mass being under the sea. The island is composed of andesite and rhyolite lava domes and pyroclastic deposits.
White Island has a long history of volcanic activity, with the first recorded eruption occurring in 1826. Since then, there have been numerous eruptions, with the most recent in 2016. The volcano is monitored closely by the GeoNet project, which is part of the Earthquake Commission of New Zealand.
White Island has a rich cultural history as well. It has been inhabited by the Maori people for centuries, and is considered a tapu (sacred) site by them. In addition, the island has been a whaling station, a source of pumice, and a sulfur mining site. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including numerous species of birds, reptiles, and marine life.
Today, White Island is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can take a boat tour to the island and experience the unique landscape and wildlife. There are guided tours available as well, which provide information about the island’s history and geology. The island is also home to a research station and a sulfur mining operation.
Experience White Island with unforgettable activities by our partner GetYourGuide. The offer is also ideal as a special gift idea for family and friends who are planning to visit White Island. Cancellations are possible up to 24h before the start of the activity (unless otherwise stated in the activity description), with a full refund of the booking price.
White Island in New Zealand has a mild subtropical climate with warm humid summers, mild winters and plenty of sunshine. In summer (December to February) temperatures range from 15-25°C, with high humidity and occasional rain showers. In autumn (March to May) temperatures gradually cool down, with average temperatures of 13-20°C. Winter (June to August) is the wettest season, with temperatures ranging from 10-15°C and frequent rain and wind. Spring (September to November) is mild and sunny, with temperatures of 12-20°C and some rain.
Our weather forecast for White Island helps plan your stay according to the weather. For sunny days, pack light and breathable clothes, swimwear, and sunscreen. For winter weather, it's recommended to bring warm clothes, gloves, a hat, sturdy footwear, and a raincoat.
| Date | Icon | Temperature | Wind speed/gusts | Cloudiness/Visibility | Air humidity/pressure | Sunrise/Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May. 11th 2026 May. 11th 2026 | max: 16.7 °C min: 14 °C |
46.1 m/s 44.3 m/s |
75.3 % 24.1 m |
69.0 % 1,016 hPa |
07:00:14 17:14:54 |
|
| May. 12th 2026 May. 12th 2026 | max: 16.1 °C min: 14.3 °C |
24.5 m/s 23.4 m/s |
81.3 % 24.1 m |
68.2 % 1,022 hPa |
07:01:06 17:14:00 |
|
| May. 13th 2026 May. 13th 2026 | max: 16.9 °C min: 14.7 °C |
44.3 m/s 38.5 m/s |
19.7 % 24.1 m |
65.8 % 1,025 hPa |
07:01:57 17:13:07 |
|
| May. 14th 2026 May. 14th 2026 | max: 16.1 °C min: 14.6 °C |
33.5 m/s 30.6 m/s |
13.8 % 24.1 m |
64.8 % 1,031 hPa |
07:02:48 17:12:16 |
|
| May. 15th 2026 May. 15th 2026 | max: 15.4 °C min: 13.9 °C |
17.3 m/s 16.2 m/s |
0.9 % 24.1 m |
62.9 % 1,035 hPa |
07:03:39 17:11:26 |
|
| May. 16th 2026 May. 16th 2026 | max: 14.9 °C min: 13.4 °C |
12.6 m/s 9.7 m/s |
0.4 % 24.1 m |
64.3 % 1,035 hPa |
07:04:30 17:10:37 |
|
| May. 17th 2026 May. 17th 2026 | max: 15.4 °C min: 13.9 °C |
17.0 m/s 16.1 m/s |
3.8 % 24.1 m |
58.5 % 1,034 hPa |
07:05:20 17:09:51 |
|
| May. 18th 2026 May. 18th 2026 | max: 15.6 °C min: 14.6 °C |
19.4 m/s 18.0 m/s |
8.5 % 24.1 m |
62.9 % 1,033 hPa |
07:06:09 17:09:05 |
|
| May. 19th 2026 May. 19th 2026 | max: 16.6 °C min: 14.3 °C |
20.9 m/s 22.3 m/s |
24.4 % 23.7 m |
68.1 % 1,031 hPa |
07:06:58 17:08:22 |
|
| May. 20th 2026 May. 20th 2026 | max: 17.2 °C min: 16.1 °C |
33.1 m/s 34.2 m/s |
80.3 % 22.7 m |
71.4 % 1,027 hPa |
07:07:47 17:07:39 |
|
| May. 21st 2026 May. 21st 2026 | max: 17.5 °C min: 17 °C |
40.0 m/s 47.3 m/s |
100.0 % 19.9 m |
76.9 % 1,024 hPa |
07:08:35 17:06:59 |
|
| May. 22nd 2026 May. 22nd 2026 | max: 17.8 °C min: 16.8 °C |
52.9 m/s 61.9 m/s |
99.7 % 11.7 m |
92.0 % 1,016 hPa |
07:09:23 17:06:20 |
|
| May. 23rd 2026 May. 23rd 2026 | max: 17.6 °C min: 16.2 °C |
22.7 m/s 25.2 m/s |
10.9 % 24.1 m |
82.2 % 1,011 hPa |
07:10:10 17:05:43 |
|
| May. 24th 2026 May. 24th 2026 | max: 17.1 °C min: 13.6 °C |
34.9 m/s 34.6 m/s |
43.8 % 23.9 m |
63.1 % 1,019 hPa |
07:10:57 17:05:07 |
Would you like to travel to White Island on a cruise ship or would you just like to know when a certain ship will dock there? Here you will find an overview of the cruise ships that will be calling at the port of White Island.
| Date | Ship | Passaengers (min - max) | Arrival | Departure | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar. 3rd 2027 Wednesday, 3rd of Mar. 2027 | MS Europa 2 | 516 | 12:00 am | 12:00 am | |
| Mar. 6th 2028 Monday, 6th of Mar. 2028 | HANSEATIC spirit | 199 - 230 | 12:00 am | 12:00 am |
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There are a few basic rules to follow
.| Port | Distance |
|---|---|
| Bay of Plenty in New Zealand | 18,83 km |
| Mount Maunganui in New Zealand | 88,74 km |
| Tauranga in New Zealand | 91,24 km |
| Rotorua in New Zealand | 106,47 km |
| Gisborne in New Zealand | 146,42 km |
| Coromandel in New Zealand | 171,41 km |
| Waiheke Island in New Zealand | 205,37 km |
| Napier in New Zealand | 220,32 km |
| Auckland in New Zealand | 226,79 km |
