White Island, New Zealand: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for White Island, New Zealand? If you're planning to go to White Island, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to White Island, New Zealand

Based on the climate and weather in White Island, New Zealand, the best time to go is January. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for White Island, New Zealand

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in White Island, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for White Island, New Zealand by month

January

If you vacation in White Island during January, you may notice that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (mid 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in White Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Ensure that you choose the right type. Most adapters available online are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

February

If you visit White Island during February, you might notice that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in White Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to pick the right kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

March

March in this region is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in White Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to find the right type. Many adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

April

If you vacation in White Island during April, you may find that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in White Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to find the correct type. The majority of adapters available are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

May

If you go to White Island in May, you will notice that it can be chilly. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in White Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to find the necessary type. Many adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

June

June in White Island is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in White Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

July

July in White Island is chilly and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in White Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Ensure that you pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

August

If you are traveling to White Island in August, you will notice that it is cool and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in White Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to find the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

September

If you go to White Island in September, you will notice that it is crisp and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in White Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to pick the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

October

October in White Island is cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in White Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to get the right type. Most adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

If you visit White Island during November, you may find that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in White Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to choose the correct kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

December

If you are traveling to White Island in December, you will notice that it is balmy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, New Zealand has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in White Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you find the correct kind. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

What to do in White Island, New Zealand

White Island, also known as Whakaari, is a small and active volcanic island located off the coast of New Zealand's North Island. It is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations due to its unique landscape and fascinating geothermal activity. For adventure seekers and nature lovers, here are some top tourist attractions to experience:

1. The White Island Volcano Tour: One of the most popular tourist activities on White Island is a guided tour with a local operator. The tour includes a scenic boat ride to the island and a guided walk around the volcano's crater. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the geothermal terrain and observe hot steam vents, boiling mud pits and volcanic ash.

2. The Hot Water Beach: Also known as the Hot Springs Beach, the Hot Water Beach is a popular attraction located on the northern side of White Island. The mineral-rich hot water emerges from the ground at a temperature of up to 64 degrees Celsius, creating an ideal spot for some relaxation and a good soak in natural hot pools.

3. The Te Puia Hot Springs: Te Puia Hot Springs are another geothermal attraction where visitors can witness the bubbling mud pools, hot springs and geysers that are caused by the volcanic activity on the island. The mineral-rich water is known for its therapeutic properties and is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to relieve some tension.

4. The White Island Hike: For the more adventurous visitors, the White Island Hike offers a thrilling experience that takes you on a challenging trek up to the island’s summit. The hike provides a first-hand experience of the stunning views of the surrounding ocean, with puffing groups of steam, and the distant view of the Coromandel Peninsula, an experience that leaves an indelible mark for adrenaline junkies.

5. The Scenic Helicopter Ride: For a unique perspective of the island and a bird’s eye view of the stunning surrounding areas, a Scenic Helicopter Ride is the ultimate choice. The ride offers the opportunity to admire the island's volcanic landscapes, its dramatic coastline and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.

White Island is a destination that offers a range of adventure and natural beauty. Whether visitors are looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure or a peaceful retreat, White Island promises exciting activities, unforgettable moments and stunning landscapes that are sure to etch into memories for years to come.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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