White Island Tours
White Island Tours
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All tours to Whakaari / White Island have been cancelled. Moutohora / Whale Island tours have resumed. Information on this tour can be found via the separate TripAdvisor page: Moutohora Island Sanctuary (Whale Island) - Day Tour. In a country bursting with natural wonders, Whakaari/White Island is a standout. Located 49km off the coast of Whakatane, in the pristine waters of the Bay of Plenty, it is one of the world’s most accessible volcanoes. With the majority of the volcano sitting beneath the sea, visitors to the island disembark directly onto the crater, where the vivid hues of yellow and orange, resulting from the abundant sulphur on the island, make it a photographer’s dream.
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5.0
1,103 reviews
Excellent
925
Very good
133
Average
18
Poor
10
Terrible
17
Elsie T
7 contributions
Jan 2023
I would like to say a special thank you to our Captain Dave for his manaaki and aroha towards my Mum on our recent trip to Moutohora. My Mum is no longer as active as she use to be, and Mum decided she wanted to stay on the boat- she said she had a lovely time- explaining you were "old friends" thank you Captain for your kindness and care. It meant we were able to go for a walk over the island, swin and relax. Thank you to Guide Rameka and Guide Janet (Hope I got your names right) for keeping up with my nephew Sydney and answering his many questions! We loved the korero, love and respect you shared with us of this sea, land and ngahere and those within it. We were moved by the respect and aroha for Whakaari.
Outstanding and beautiful manaakitanga that went to a whole new level! We and the others on the tour all felt well cared for and had a lovely day
This has been a lovely memory.
Outstanding and beautiful manaakitanga that went to a whole new level! We and the others on the tour all felt well cared for and had a lovely day
This has been a lovely memory.
Written 30 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hannah B
2 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
We went on a fabulous trip to Moutohora (Whale Island) today. The crew were fantastic, very friendly and knowledgeable, the boat was great and well equipped and Moutohora itself is stunning. We saw New Zealand fur seals sunning themselves on the rocks and chilling in the water, Saddlebacks singing in the bush and native geckos hiding out from the sun. Our guide was very approachable and accommodating to the needs of everyone one in our group.
Stunning views, gorgeous beaches, geothermal features, hot water beach (where you can dig yourself a hot pool if the tide is right) and relaxing atmosphere... what more can you ask for from a day trip?!
Stunning views, gorgeous beaches, geothermal features, hot water beach (where you can dig yourself a hot pool if the tide is right) and relaxing atmosphere... what more can you ask for from a day trip?!
Written 18 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Graeme B
Paraparaumu, New Zealand28 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Our Pilot was Joana we had a perfect flight and views of the island with a number of circuits at different altitudes.
Great commentary and knowledge. With views of whale 🐳island and the coastline.
Smooth take off and landing. Thank you 😊
Great commentary and knowledge. With views of whale 🐳island and the coastline.
Smooth take off and landing. Thank you 😊
Written 22 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul A
2 contributions
Jun 2019
There are not many places you can visit the mouth of an active volcano so easily. As long as your aware of the risks (remote as they are) this is an experience that will stay with you forever.
Written 2 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicole B
Santa Barbara, CA9 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
The Bay of Plenty certainly meets up to its name. One of the best things to do in Whakatane is the Moutohorā Island Sanctuary (Whale Island) trip. The crew is phenomenal and the scenery is idyllic. There is a hike involved, and the views from the top blew me away. The care that is taken to preserve the natural habitat of the island is incredible. After hiking and sitting on the beach to eat lunch, with a quick dip in the ocean the boat goes around the entire island. If the front was interesting, the back side of the island looked like a movie set. Things to remember, bring your towel and bathing suit and lots of water. There are restrooms on the island. And fear not, if you forget your towel they will borrow you one for a nominal fee. Book early! This tour sells out (and it’s worth every penny!)
Written 2 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DavidFlorence
Auckland, New Zealand141 contributions
Feb 2020
We went on their tour to Whale Island. It was great, crew were fantastic & whole tour was so friendly & professional. All the knowledge given & the Sulphur Beach experience with the hot water coming out of the sand. A wonderful 4.5hours experience from Whakatane. Not to be missed.
Written 26 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kyrithys
Langholm, UK44 contributions
Jan 2020
I came here on my last day before heading back to the UK after finishing my work placement. It's not too pricey and a really nice way to spend a few hours. It was wonderful to see this beautiful island and it's amazing wildlife.
After check-in - which involves a short risk assessment form and then a brief checkover of bags and shoes for insects and seeds (very reasonable given the islands protected status) - the trip begins with a comfortable boat ride towards Moutohora.
First our group were taken to see a cute colony of New Zealand fur seals. The boat then headed round to a small beach where we were transported onto the island by rubber dinghy.
The tour guides were great - so friendly, and taught us so much about the island, the wildlife and also about the kiwi programme, as they led us on a walk up to a dip between the two hights points of the island, from which was an amazing view of the ocean and Whakaari.
We saw lots of amazing wildlife including a kingfisher, kakariki, grey petrel, saddlebacks, pied shags, fantails, tui, black backed gulls, and even some geckos. I also learned some interesting facts about the plantlife, for example the medicinal properties kawakawa leaves (and got to try one).
After this, we headed down to Sulfur Bay, an area of lots of mild geothermal activity just off the beach. We were given the chance to have a swim in the sea here where apparently there is a warm current from the geothermal activity, but sadly I'm not a very confident swimmer and it was a bit too choppy for me. Would be brilliant for a more confident swimmer as the guides and other tourists were enjoying it. It's apparently usually calmer than that though, so possibly a nice place for non-confident swimmers on a calm day?
Finally we headed back to the starting point where we were brought back to the boat by dinghy and then given a ride around the island before heading back to Whakatane.
Back on shore, what I can only describe to be an intense tropical monsoon had arrived, so I decided to check out the cafe. The staff here were lovely too. It was a bit too late for hot food, but the ginger slice I got was delicious and I also tried some kawakawa and ginger tea which was lovely. There are also some lovely gifts in the souvenir shop - my daughters love the kiwi and tuatara cuddly toys I brought back for them.
Would definitely recommend this trip although it's perhaps not that suitable for people with mobility difficulties as it does involve being able to get on and off a dinghy, some walking through woodland, and climbing some steep steps. For these reasons, and also due to nesting birds in the dunes and the geothermal spots, it's probably not best suited to young children.
After check-in - which involves a short risk assessment form and then a brief checkover of bags and shoes for insects and seeds (very reasonable given the islands protected status) - the trip begins with a comfortable boat ride towards Moutohora.
First our group were taken to see a cute colony of New Zealand fur seals. The boat then headed round to a small beach where we were transported onto the island by rubber dinghy.
The tour guides were great - so friendly, and taught us so much about the island, the wildlife and also about the kiwi programme, as they led us on a walk up to a dip between the two hights points of the island, from which was an amazing view of the ocean and Whakaari.
We saw lots of amazing wildlife including a kingfisher, kakariki, grey petrel, saddlebacks, pied shags, fantails, tui, black backed gulls, and even some geckos. I also learned some interesting facts about the plantlife, for example the medicinal properties kawakawa leaves (and got to try one).
After this, we headed down to Sulfur Bay, an area of lots of mild geothermal activity just off the beach. We were given the chance to have a swim in the sea here where apparently there is a warm current from the geothermal activity, but sadly I'm not a very confident swimmer and it was a bit too choppy for me. Would be brilliant for a more confident swimmer as the guides and other tourists were enjoying it. It's apparently usually calmer than that though, so possibly a nice place for non-confident swimmers on a calm day?
Finally we headed back to the starting point where we were brought back to the boat by dinghy and then given a ride around the island before heading back to Whakatane.
Back on shore, what I can only describe to be an intense tropical monsoon had arrived, so I decided to check out the cafe. The staff here were lovely too. It was a bit too late for hot food, but the ginger slice I got was delicious and I also tried some kawakawa and ginger tea which was lovely. There are also some lovely gifts in the souvenir shop - my daughters love the kiwi and tuatara cuddly toys I brought back for them.
Would definitely recommend this trip although it's perhaps not that suitable for people with mobility difficulties as it does involve being able to get on and off a dinghy, some walking through woodland, and climbing some steep steps. For these reasons, and also due to nesting birds in the dunes and the geothermal spots, it's probably not best suited to young children.
Written 31 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GaryJudy G
Papamoa, New Zealand124 contributions
Jan 2020
Today we had the most amazing boat trip to Moutuhora (Whale Island) from Whakatane .All the staff were so welcoming and so knowledgable about the Island and it's flora and furna. We would recommend this trip to all, whether local or overseas visitor. This organisation is a true advertisement for all of New Zealand and it's people.
Written 24 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Forest-Hills-Cynic
Forest Hills, NY298 contributions
Nov 2019
We Went. It was a once in a lifetime time adventure - standing on the crater floor of an active volcano - spewing forth sulfa, steam and other toxic gases - truly the inspiration for the fire and brimstone concept of Hell. Three days later, it erupted killing and burning many. That really shook us up. I doubt they'll ever let tourists visit again.
Written 22 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
slonichek
Los Angeles, CA982 contributions
Nov 2019
I would leave questions about island access to Health and Safety Department. It is an active volcano that is almost impossible to predict. It was surprised that we could walk that close to the main vent, but scenery is so unreal that I was simply fascinated by the landscape and activity of fumaroles. This place is one hell of a beauty, deadly, but magnificent. Two weeks ago it was quiet and let us out safely. The team was great, everyone from the tour company did their job quite well and chatting with them was such a pleasure. My heart is aching for those whom I've met and they are lost, and for those who are injured. I am praying you all be well, and thanks for a good memories.
Written 17 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Munro Stuart
Pinjarra, Australia
How about doing a cruise around white island is that possible ?
TheCruisingCowgirl
Gold Coast, Australia
Hi, we would still love to see the volcano..even if it is just from the safety of a boat.. could this be a possibility in the near future?
trienus
Joure, The Netherlands3 contributions
When starts the tour to white island again?
WITManagement
Whakatāne, New Zealand3 contributions
Kia ora Trienus s,
All tours to Whakaari/White Island have been cancelled, with no resumption date in place. The 'nice experience' that Grijzedakduif refers to is our Moutohorā tour.
Moutohora is a pest-free wildlife sanctuary located a short 10 minutes off the coast of Whakatane. Home to a number of New Zealand's rare and endangered plants, birds and wildlife, the tour includes time at Onepu Bay where visitors can go for a swim.
We have been running this for a number of years now and it is not related to our Whakaari/White Island product.
Please visit our website should you require any further information on that tour.
Fatema D
3 contributions
Hi Fatema here from Mumbai... We're a group of 8 adults... We would like to book your white island crater tour for the 31st of January... What would the cost be please let me know
Thanks
WITManagement
Whakatāne, New Zealand3 contributions
Kia ora Fatema,
Thank you for your question.
Following the eruption that took place last month, all of our tours to Whakaari/White Island have been cancelled.
Ngā mihi
Lee B
Whakatāne, New Zealand10 contributions
We need to start tours around the Islands . We now have an even richer history . Many tourists ( and locals ) will still enjoy a sea trip. Especially a view of the seals at Motohora .
slonichek
Los Angeles, CA982 contributions
I think attention should be payed for safety features from similar attractions around the world. Stationary or personal binoculars can be used to observe a crater from safe distance, from above, behind the wall, at least some kind of a protection.
CharuLatha1971
Bengaluru, India4 contributions
Hi I am very much interested in this tour from Rotorua . I have only one day available for this. What happens if you cancel the trip due to unavoidable circumstances. Do we get a refund?
WITManagement
Whakatāne, New Zealand3 contributions
Kia ora CharuLatha1971,
Thank you for your query. We would be delighted to have you join our tour of Whakaari/White Island.
We offer a shuttle service from Rotorua to Whakatane where you will connect with our comfortable boat for the journey to the island. Tours depart Whakatane at approx. 8am, with pick-up via Shuttle at approx. 6.15am.
In the event that we have to cancel our tour, you will receive a full refund.
Please do not hesitate to contact a member of our team via our website, should you have any further questions or would like assistance with booking your tour.
We hope to see you soon!
davidn59
Sydney, Australia56 contributions
What are the advantages/disadvantages if any of visiting at different times of the year?
WITManagement
Whakatāne, New Zealand3 contributions
Kia ora,
Thank you for your question. We operate tours daily, weather permitting. Whilst Summer traditionally has the most reliable weather conditions, we do have some magical winter days too. In the event that the tour is cancelled, you are welcome to transfer to the next available date or alternatively, we can process a full refund.
Hope that helps and that we’ll see you on our tour soon!
Perthmum65
Perth22 contributions
Hello I’ve been reading about the gases and the need for gas masks. Will the gasses affect people with mild-moderate asthma? Thanks
Hi there,
We do occasionally have passengers that have their asthma triggered by the gases. We ask all passengers to alert us at the time of check-in should they have asthma, this just ensures our guides can keep a closer eye on you while on the island. We also need you carry any medication you may require onto the island. Our guides carry Ventolin but preference is for you to use your own prescribed medication. We take many asthmatic people to the island every year and it is usually not a problem. Gas masks are provided for comfort and you a free to choose when and where you wish to use these.
We hope to see you sometime in the future!
Daniel
Bucharest, Romania11 contributions
Hi
Do you orgsnize transfer from Rotorua
Thx
Dsniel
Hi Daniel,
Yes we do. This can be booked either on our website or by calling us on 0800 733 529. On its website it is called "Tour of White Island ex Rotorua".
Kind regards,
Patrick
sweify54
255 contributions
Is this tour available for cruise ship traveller as, we will dock Tauranga on December/28 at 915 and disembark at 6PM ?!
gsrgtr
west auckland4 contributions
Has to be 'Seen to be Beieved'
If you are looking for a 'Once in a lifetime opportunity' and have the cash,
NZ road trip to experience 'White Island
as an Andesite Stratovolcano is truly amazing and has to be 'Seen to be Believed'
Stay at White Island Rendezvous Motel.
And insure you book an ECO CABIN for the night. It is a big day and an exiciting day.
If you require.
It is 2hrs 30 minutes to Gisbourne as the Boat arrives back approxiamately 3.30pm.
Daylight Savings for NZ is happening in December. Sunset is 9pm
Stay the night in Whakatane otherwise organize transport to Gisborne and
stay the night at Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel, it overlooks
Poverty Bay,make sure you book accommodation in their Top Floor. Then head to Gisborne Airport
Just remember, the worst case scenario, 'you can always fly to catch your boat'
Welcome to Gisborne Airport
An easy hour’s flight from Auckland or Wellington, Gisborne welcomes you with a truly spectacular sweeping vista.
An intricate tapestry of vineyards and fertile flats unfolds below as the sun beams off the electric blue of Poverty Bay.
Enjoy your trip :)