Story: Tsunamis

Whakaari (White Island)

Whakaari (White Island)

White Island is an active andesite volcano, about 47 kilometres offshore from Whakatāne. A large, explosive eruption could generate a tsunami, and there would be little warning before this reached the Bay of Plenty coastline.

Using this item

Private collection
Photograph by Simon Nathan

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Eileen McSaveney, 'Tsunamis - Tsunamis – New Zealand’s underrated hazard', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/6212/whakaari-white-island (accessed 25 April 2024)

Story by Eileen McSaveney, published 12 Jun 2006, reviewed & revised 17 Feb 2017