Frequently Asked Questions
How often do you go to Whakaari/White Island?
We go everyday that the weather will let us, except for Christmas Day.
We go everyday that the weather will let us, except for Christmas Day.
Do we need to book in advance?
Yes. In summer it would pay to book at least one week in advance. In winter it should be no problem to book just a day or two in advance, as long as no large groups have booked up the boats. It is a good idea to book on your first available day so that if the trip is cancelled due to the weather conditions, you may (subject to availability) have the option of an alternate day.
Yes. In summer it would pay to book at least one week in advance. In winter it should be no problem to book just a day or two in advance, as long as no large groups have booked up the boats. It is a good idea to book on your first available day so that if the trip is cancelled due to the weather conditions, you may (subject to availability) have the option of an alternate day.
How much does the tour to Whakaari/White Island cost?
The Adult price is $229.00
Children 15 years and under are $130.00
Transfers from Rotorua or Tauranga are an additional $135 per person.
For this price, our 5-hour marine experience includes a comfortable 80 minute boat journey each way on one of our vessels, a 1 - 1.5 hour exploration of New Zealand's only live marine volcano with Whakaari/White Island's most experienced and knowledgeable guides, a packed lunch and the landing fee which we must pay to the owners of the island. Sharing our knowledge of all the bird and marine life that we see is part of the day and, as we have a permit to view dolphins and whales, we will spend time with these mammals whenever we see them.
The Adult price is $229.00
Children 15 years and under are $130.00
Transfers from Rotorua or Tauranga are an additional $135 per person.
For this price, our 5-hour marine experience includes a comfortable 80 minute boat journey each way on one of our vessels, a 1 - 1.5 hour exploration of New Zealand's only live marine volcano with Whakaari/White Island's most experienced and knowledgeable guides, a packed lunch and the landing fee which we must pay to the owners of the island. Sharing our knowledge of all the bird and marine life that we see is part of the day and, as we have a permit to view dolphins and whales, we will spend time with these mammals whenever we see them.
What time does the boat get back to Whakatāne?
From time of departure our tour normally takes between 5 and 5.5 hours. The time varies as it depends on sea conditions and we will also spend time with any dolphins or other marine life we encounter.
From time of departure our tour normally takes between 5 and 5.5 hours. The time varies as it depends on sea conditions and we will also spend time with any dolphins or other marine life we encounter.
Where does the boat leave from?
The boat departs from the Whakatāne Wharf, with check-in taking place beforehand at White Island Rendezvous, 15 The Strand East, Whakatāne (across the road from the boats).
The boat departs from the Whakatāne Wharf, with check-in taking place beforehand at White Island Rendezvous, 15 The Strand East, Whakatāne (across the road from the boats).
What do we need to bring for the tour?
You will need fully-enclosed footwear to wear on the island. We recommend walking/tramping boots or trainers with good grip and suitable for walking in up to 1.5 hours. NO JANDALS OR SANDALS ALLOWED.
We suggest that you wear some older clothing if possible as on the rare occasion steam may affect the dyes in clothing. Please dress for the weather on the day. Make sure you bring something warm to wear while on the boat. Any extra items can be left on the boat while you are on the island.
In attempt to reduce our single use plastic consumption, bottled water will no longer be supplied on our tour. All passengers are advised to bring with them a water/drink bottle that can be refilled via an on board water filtration system.
Sunscreen, hat, and camera are all recommended.
You will need fully-enclosed footwear to wear on the island. We recommend walking/tramping boots or trainers with good grip and suitable for walking in up to 1.5 hours. NO JANDALS OR SANDALS ALLOWED.
We suggest that you wear some older clothing if possible as on the rare occasion steam may affect the dyes in clothing. Please dress for the weather on the day. Make sure you bring something warm to wear while on the boat. Any extra items can be left on the boat while you are on the island.
In attempt to reduce our single use plastic consumption, bottled water will no longer be supplied on our tour. All passengers are advised to bring with them a water/drink bottle that can be refilled via an on board water filtration system.
Sunscreen, hat, and camera are all recommended.
Are there any rest areas on the island?
No, there are no rest areas or handrails or facilities at all on Whakaari/White Island. You will be on your feet for up to 1.5 hours.
No, there are no rest areas or handrails or facilities at all on Whakaari/White Island. You will be on your feet for up to 1.5 hours.
Is it OK to take our camera gear onto the island?
In most instances it is fine however please keep in mind that it is an acidic environment. We recommend keeping it covered when near any ash or steam as this could potentially result in corrosion. Please be aware that landing on the island involves transfer in a inflatable craft and in some conditions there is the chance of becoming wet. White Island Tours™ accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to any belongings that you choose to bring on the tour.
In most instances it is fine however please keep in mind that it is an acidic environment. We recommend keeping it covered when near any ash or steam as this could potentially result in corrosion. Please be aware that landing on the island involves transfer in a inflatable craft and in some conditions there is the chance of becoming wet. White Island Tours™ accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to any belongings that you choose to bring on the tour.
Can I film with a drone while on the tour?
No. For the comfort and safety of other passengers and crew, the use of a drone is forbidden at all times. This includes on the boat and on the island (Whakaari/White Island or Moutohorā). Whakaari/White Island has a large amount of helicopter traffic and drone usage is very hazardous. Use of a drone on Moutohorā is expressly forbidden by the Department of Conservation. The only exception to this rule is for pre-approved media organisations that have been granted a filming permit by either the owners of Whakaari/White Island or for Moutohorā, the Department of Conservation. Media organsiations please contact us to enquire.
No. For the comfort and safety of other passengers and crew, the use of a drone is forbidden at all times. This includes on the boat and on the island (Whakaari/White Island or Moutohorā). Whakaari/White Island has a large amount of helicopter traffic and drone usage is very hazardous. Use of a drone on Moutohorā is expressly forbidden by the Department of Conservation. The only exception to this rule is for pre-approved media organisations that have been granted a filming permit by either the owners of Whakaari/White Island or for Moutohorā, the Department of Conservation. Media organsiations please contact us to enquire.
Will the volcanic steam or gases damage our clothing or jewellery?
In most instances no, however on occasions jewellery (in particular silver) may become tarnished. We suggest that you do not wear jewellery onto the island if this is of concern. Clothing infrequently becomes discoloured due to the acidity of the steam so it is advisable to wear older clothing if possible.
In most instances no, however on occasions jewellery (in particular silver) may become tarnished. We suggest that you do not wear jewellery onto the island if this is of concern. Clothing infrequently becomes discoloured due to the acidity of the steam so it is advisable to wear older clothing if possible.
How big is the boat?
We have four vessels in our fleet:
PeeJay IV is a 60 foot launch. She was purpose-built for White Island Tours™ and launched in 1997. There are two fully-flushing household toilets on board.
Predator is a 64 foot catamaran that has been part of our fleet since 2016. There are two fully-flushing household toilets on board.
Phoenix is 60 foot catamaran that, like Predator, has been part of our fleet since 2016. There are two fully-flushing toilets on board.
Moutohorā Cat is a 41 foot catamaran that has been part of our fleet since 2011. It has one toilet aboard.
We have four vessels in our fleet:
PeeJay IV is a 60 foot launch. She was purpose-built for White Island Tours™ and launched in 1997. There are two fully-flushing household toilets on board.
Predator is a 64 foot catamaran that has been part of our fleet since 2016. There are two fully-flushing household toilets on board.
Phoenix is 60 foot catamaran that, like Predator, has been part of our fleet since 2016. There are two fully-flushing toilets on board.
Moutohorā Cat is a 41 foot catamaran that has been part of our fleet since 2011. It has one toilet aboard.
Can groups go on the tour?
Yes, a tour of Whakaari/White Island is great for tramping groups, photographic groups, social groups etc. It is an ideal destination for a whole day outing. We offer a 10% group discount for groups of 10 or more when booked directly with us. To qualify for the group discount bookings must be paid in one lump sum at least seven days prior to the tour date. Special Educational rates for are also available during low season for educational groups from schools and tertiary education providers, please contact us for more information if required.
Yes, a tour of Whakaari/White Island is great for tramping groups, photographic groups, social groups etc. It is an ideal destination for a whole day outing. We offer a 10% group discount for groups of 10 or more when booked directly with us. To qualify for the group discount bookings must be paid in one lump sum at least seven days prior to the tour date. Special Educational rates for are also available during low season for educational groups from schools and tertiary education providers, please contact us for more information if required.
Can anyone go on a tour to Whakaari/White Island?
We have a recommended minimum age of 8 years and will not allow children under the age of 6 onto Whakaari/White Island. The decision to bring younger children is up to the parents. The safety gear we provide (hard hat and gas mask) is of adult sizing and therefore doesn’t always fit to a child’s head. Children need to be able to cope with the landing or be accompanied by an adult who can assist or carry them.
Pregnant women wishing to take the trip are advised to consult their health care professional before taking our trip.
There is no maximum age limit. However, the trip does call for a certain amount of physical ability. The landing involves transferring from the boat to the island via an inflatable craft. Landings vary, depending on conditions. Our preferred method involves stepping from the inflatable onto the wharf or climbing up a ladder (depending on tide), crossing a narrow platform and finally climbing over some boulders. You must be able to walk on an uneven surface for up to two hours and there are no toilet facilities on Whakaari/White Island.
We have a recommended minimum age of 8 years and will not allow children under the age of 6 onto Whakaari/White Island. The decision to bring younger children is up to the parents. The safety gear we provide (hard hat and gas mask) is of adult sizing and therefore doesn’t always fit to a child’s head. Children need to be able to cope with the landing or be accompanied by an adult who can assist or carry them.
Pregnant women wishing to take the trip are advised to consult their health care professional before taking our trip.
There is no maximum age limit. However, the trip does call for a certain amount of physical ability. The landing involves transferring from the boat to the island via an inflatable craft. Landings vary, depending on conditions. Our preferred method involves stepping from the inflatable onto the wharf or climbing up a ladder (depending on tide), crossing a narrow platform and finally climbing over some boulders. You must be able to walk on an uneven surface for up to two hours and there are no toilet facilities on Whakaari/White Island.
What happens if we can’t land on the island?
If we are unable to land due to sea or weather conditions it means we didn't forecast conditions accurately so a full refund is given.
If we are unable to land due to sea or weather conditions it means we didn't forecast conditions accurately so a full refund is given.
What is your cancellation policy?
You may cancel without penalty up until 6pm on the day before your booked tour. Cancellations recevied prior to this time will receive a 100% refund. Cancellations after this time and No Shows will be charged a 100% cancellation fee. We recommend that you hold a comprehensive travel insurance policy in case of any unexpected changes to your travel plans. Please note that this policy only applies to bookings made directly with us as third parties such as agents and online booking sites may have their own cancellation policies and fees that we have no control over.
You may cancel without penalty up until 6pm on the day before your booked tour. Cancellations recevied prior to this time will receive a 100% refund. Cancellations after this time and No Shows will be charged a 100% cancellation fee. We recommend that you hold a comprehensive travel insurance policy in case of any unexpected changes to your travel plans. Please note that this policy only applies to bookings made directly with us as third parties such as agents and online booking sites may have their own cancellation policies and fees that we have no control over.
How long will it take to receive the refund to my credit or debit card?
We use a payment gateway called Stripe for processing payments and refunds. Stripe advise that refunds can take between up to 10 days to appear on your statement. We charge in New Zealand dollars and due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates the amount that you receive via refund may vary slightly from the amount originally charged if you use a card that is not in New Zealand currency.
We use a payment gateway called Stripe for processing payments and refunds. Stripe advise that refunds can take between up to 10 days to appear on your statement. We charge in New Zealand dollars and due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates the amount that you receive via refund may vary slightly from the amount originally charged if you use a card that is not in New Zealand currency.