White Island is a volcanic island in New Zealand. It is also known by its Māori name, Whakaari. White Island is in the Bay of Plenty, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) off the coast of New Zealand’s North Island. White Island is small, about 1 1/4 miles (2 kilometers) across. The island is the peak of an underwater volcano that rises approximately 5,200 feet (1,600 meters) from the sea floor.
White Island is an extremely active volcano. It has vented gas almost continuously throughout its recorded history. The volcano also undergoes violent eruptions, spewing lava, ash, and pyroclastic flows (clouds of hot ash and gas that travel mostly along the ground).
The British explorer James Cook became the first European to spot the island, in 1769. The name he gave it may refer to white clouds of volcanic steam rising from the island, or it may refer to a thick, white coating of sea bird guano (waste) on the island. White Island is an important nesting site for several bird species, including the Australasian gannet.
White Island has been privately owned since the mid-1800’s. It was the site of sulfur mining operations for much of the period from the 1880’s to the 1930’s. In 1914, volcanic activity caused a landslide that killed 10 miners. In 1953, the island was established as a scenic reserve. It became a popular destination for scientists and tourists due to its frequent volcanic activity and its accessibility.
From 1975 to 2000, the White Island volcano experienced a period of continuous eruption, its longest such period in recorded history. The last eruption from this period occurred in July 2000. The volcano experienced smaller eruptions in 2012, 2013, and 2016. On Dec. 9, 2019, the volcano erupted violently, killing 22 people and severely injuring a number of others. After the 2019 eruption, White Island was closed to visitors.
