Photo: White Island Beach New Zealand

Steam clouds rise above White Island Volcano in New Zealand as the sandy beach has become home to large rocks from this active volcano.

White Island in the Bay of Plenty on the North Island of New Zealand is the highest point of two volcanoes that overlap each other and are still very active to this day. Brownish red boulders sit along the beach of Crater Bay with steam rising from the center of the crater in the background.

White Island is a private reserve and can be reached only by boat where you can pull up onto the beach or fly in by helicopter. From the beach of this volcano, you can take an easy stroll to the inside of the crater and see mother nature's powers at work and watch the steam rise up from below.

The risk is very minimal when you venture to White Island and the experience to actually walk on the boulders, beaches and formations of an active volcano is something you will remember forever. Continuous monitoring takes place of the activity of the volcano but there are no guarantees. ... continue below the picture...

This picture is part of the photo album "White Island Pictures" - there are more beautiful images waiting for you.

... Visitors that take the boat tours are provided with hard hats and masks for safety while on White Island in New Zealand.

Fascinating pieces of rock from the volcano can be found along the beach, so be sure to explore before leaving White Island. As you head back to the mainland, look for the gannet colonies that reside along the outer cliffs of the island.

There are many fascinating sights to see while on the North Island, so be sure to book a trip to see this natural wonder that the Earth has to offer.

Boulders on the Crater Bay beach on White Island, an active volcano, Bay of Plenty, East Coast North Island, New Zealand.