After Waihi I went to Whakatane where I booked a White Island Tour but first a nice walk was waiting for me: The Kohi Pt Track

From there you get a nice view on the Whale Island.

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Down on Otarawairere Beach I found a nice hidden waterfall:

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Next day the boat to White Island was waiting for me. White Island is the only active marine volcano in New Zealand, it has a constant background activity but is considered rather safe to visit. Landing on the old wharf we got right into some ruins.

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Mining Sulphur was stopped for the last time in 1933 due to a bankrupt. The first mining operation had a rather nasty ending as a lahar wiped out all buildings and workers in 1914.

The Sulphur is quite impressive and also very unconvenient, a gas mask is highly recommended.

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The main crater:

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A mud pool:

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On the way back some dolphins played along the boat:

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