The Rich History of Whakaari Tours and White Island
Whakaari, known internationally as White Island, stands as New Zealand's most active cone volcano, located 48 kilometers off the Bay of Plenty coast. The island earned its English name from Captain James Cook in 1769, who observed a perpetual white cloud hovering above it.
The Maori name "Whakaari" translates to "that which can be made visible," reflecting the island's dramatic appearance on the horizon. For centuries, this volcanic wonder has captivated explorers, scientists, and adventurers alike.
From 1885 to the early 1900s, sulfur mining operations existed on the island, though they proved commercially unviable. In 1914, a tragic landslide claimed the lives of eleven miners, ending industrial activity permanently. The island was subsequently declared a private scenic reserve.
Today, Whakaari Tours honors this remarkable heritage by offering safe, respectful aerial tours that showcase the island's ongoing volcanic activity. The company provides visitors with an exclusive vantage point to observe steaming vents, colorful mineral deposits, and the ever-changing landscape of this living geological wonder.
