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Whakaari (White Island) is NZ’s most active volcano, 50km off the coast from Whakatane. It is 324ha in size and was formed by three separate volcanic cones. The volcano is estimated to be between 100,000 and 200,000 years old. The small portion of the island that is visible above sea level has been in its present form for an estimated 16,000 years.
Vulcanologist in training: I've got my hard hat on and gas mask ready for action...
Above and below: Giant mounds, remnants of the 1914 Great Landslide, dwarf visitors as they wind their way up to the Main Crater. Venturing to the edge, they are greeted by an amazing sight - an immense crater, with towering walls shielding its spectacular lake and punctuated by steamy vents from which the power of the inner earth constantly belches forth.
Virtually no vegetation survives the harsh acidic environment inside the crater walls. Instead, lush beds of yellow and white sulphur crystals grow among hissing, steaming, bubbling fumaroles.
Whakaari (White Island) is NZ’s most active volcano, 50km off the coast from Whakatane. It is 324ha in size and was formed by three separate volcanic cones. The volcano is estimated to be between 100,000 and 200,000 years old. The small portion of the island that is visible above sea level has been in its present form for an estimated 16,000 years.
Vulcanologist in training: I've got my hard hat on and gas mask ready for action...
Above and below: Giant mounds, remnants of the 1914 Great Landslide, dwarf visitors as they wind their way up to the Main Crater. Venturing to the edge, they are greeted by an amazing sight - an immense crater, with towering walls shielding its spectacular lake and punctuated by steamy vents from which the power of the inner earth constantly belches forth.
Virtually no vegetation survives the harsh acidic environment inside the crater walls. Instead, lush beds of yellow and white sulphur crystals grow among hissing, steaming, bubbling fumaroles.
