"White Island - walk on an active volcano!" White Island by HarShe

White Island is one of the most fascinating and accessible volcanoes on earth. As New Zealand’s only live marine volcano, scientists and volcanologists and tourists worldwide are attracted by its unique features.

The volcano is estimated to be between 100,000 and 200,000 years old. However, the small portion of the island that is visible above sea level has been in its present form for an estimated 16,000 years - evidence of a continually changing landscape.

Walking on White Island is like walking on the moon. Virtually no vegetation survives the harsh acidic environment inside the crater walls. Instead, lush beds of yellow and white sulphur crystals grow amongst hissing, steaming, bubbling fumaroles.

Giant mounds, remnants of the 1914 Great Landslide, dwarf visitors as they wind their way up to the Main Crater. Venturing to the edge, they are greeted by an amazing sight - an immense crater, with towering walls shielding its spectacular lake and punctuated by steamy vents from which the power of the inner earth constantly belches forth.

See active pictures at : Geonet

Most part has no life (blue part) as the pH of this area is less than 1 (extremely acidic).

Details at: White Island

• Pros:AMAZING!
• Cons:Sulphur fumes may get you
• In a nutshell:An experience NOT to be missed