White Island

 

White Island is a 321m high stratovolcano located in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. It is known for its spectacular crater with sulphur deposits and strong hydrothermal activity. At exactly 2.11pm on Dec 9, an unforeseen phreatic eruption occurred on White Island. Tragically, a number of tourists were in the direct impact zone at the time of the eruption. 22 people were killed in the eruption.

Location: Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Coordinates: -37.521952, 177.179582
Volcano Type: Stratovolcano

 

White Island’s Location

 

White Island’s Latest Status

2024: Alert Level 2 – Moderate to heightened volcanic unrest.

 

White Island’s Eruptive History

1990 Small ash/block eruption.
1993 Phreatic eruption.
1998 Minor eruptions. Alert Level raised.
2000 Ash eruptions resume from multiple vents. Increased tremor.
2001 Eruption with ash plume to 2km.
2012 After decreased activity, White Island erupts, producing a small ash cloud.
2019 At exactly 2.11pm on Dec 9, an unforeseen phreatic eruption occurred on White Island. Tragically, 22 tourists who were on the island at the time were killed.
2020 Red glow seen on cameras, suggesting magma is close to the surface. Ongoing steam eruptions.
2023 White Island continues to emit significant amounts of gas and steam. Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2.
2024 Alert Level raised to Level 3. Steam, gas and ash emissions. Shallow magma present.

 

White Island Monitoring

For monitoring of this volcano, please refer to Geonet New Zealand.

 

White Island Images