PORTS OF CALL - Australia / New Zealand
Volcanic White Island, New Zealand
Located 30 miles off the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand, White Island is the country's only active marine volcano, and may be the most accessible marine volcano in the world. Named by Captain Cook in 1769 for the white clouds hovering around its peak, White Island's Maori name is "Te Puia o Whakaari," which means "The Dramatic Volcano." Declared a private scenic reserve in 1953, White Island offers some of New Zealand's most spectacular views.
Don't Miss
How often do you get to spend time on a live volcano? Just approaching the island is a spectacular experience, and there are fascinating things to explore once ashore. As sulfur comes out of the ground, it forms striking yellow towers, many of which are still active and billow with sulfuric fumes. The crater lake, with its brilliant green colors, is a must see and the ruins of the sulfur mining communities make for thrilling exploration.
Sporting Adventures
Sport fishing is popular around White Island - in the winter, there is deep water fishing for hapuka and bluenose and in the summer there are blue, black and striped marlin and yellowfin tuna. Yellowtail kingfish are abundant year round. You couldn't ask for a more exciting backdrop for your fishing than White Island's volcanic peaks. To get a bird's eye view of those peaks, an exciting helicopter tour is easy to arrange.
Local Flavours
You don't have to be a fisherman to enjoy the fresh catches made in the waters surrounding White Island. Just take your pick from whatever's in season, and if you want to experience a New Zealand favorite, try some fish and chips.
Currency
The local currency used is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are everywhere. Moneychangers are widely available so don't expect any real trouble converting currency or travelers checks, but do shop around for the best rates.