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White Island |
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| White Island, Tauranga |
White Island, Tauranga is located 48 kilometers from the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand, in the Bay of Plenty. White Island, Tauranga is one of the four islands in the Olive island chain and has the most accessible volcano in the world.
Its name not withstanding White Island actually from a distance appears brownish grey. The Island appeared white to Captain James Cook as he saw steam emanating from it. He did not sail close enough to see what was causing the whiteness. White Island is an active volcano which is biding its time to erupt. Over the years it has behaved strangely by pouring steam out at one time, doing almost nothing the next.
Visitors cannot land in the Island without permission. However, it is easily accessible by authorized tourist operators. A luxury motor launch leaves Whakatane daily for a 6-hour day trip to the Island, provided the weather is favorable.
Before stepping on the island, tourists are issued hardhats and gas masks. It is necessary to wear mask because fumes on White Island can affect some people - with headaches or nausea. At the ancient dock of the Island one has to climb along steel ladders and then walk along a concrete wharf, over a rusting steel bridges and then clamber over rocks before you find yourself before a live volcano.
Guides who take tourists to the island always issue safety instructions on what to do if an eruption occurs. One such precaution is to crouch down behind a big object like a mound and wait for materials to pass. The guides have loads of information about the volcano, its history and the tragedies that have occurred among miners there.
Once in the island one can have leisurely walk around New Zealand’s only live maritime volcano. The crater of White Island is actually 3 separate ones that have joined together.
The Crater Lake formed recently is of turquoise color and steams like many similar ones in the geothermal area of Rotorua. On a sunny day the deep blue sea and sky make a wonderful contrasting background. The waters surrounding White Island abound in fishes. Yellowtail kingfish can be found all year round along with many other varieties.
Detailed online information on White Island, Tauranga can be obtained in travel.mapsofworld.
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