New Zealand's most active cone volcano sits 48 kilometres offshore and has been erupting continuously for over 150,000 years. The island is privately owned but was for many years accessible to guided tours — the dramatic crater, steaming fumaroles, and acid lake made it one of the most spectacular volcanic experiences in the Pacific.
Following the 2019 eruption that killed 22 people, access to the island has been restricted and legal proceedings concerning tour operator responsibilities were ongoing as of 2025. Check current access conditions before planning a visit. The island remains visually dramatic from shore — on clear days the steam plume is visible from both Whakatane and from the summit of Mauao.