Island volcano, NZ

White Island, in the Bay of Plenty 30 miles off the coast of Whakatane on New Zealand’s North Island, is an active volcanic site. On a December ’07-January ’08 tour, my wife, Eva, and I arranged for a helicopter tour to the island with White Island Volcano Adventure (Box 10, Waimana, Whakatane, North Island, NZ; phone/fax +64 7 308 4188 or, toll free in NZ, phone 0800 804 354, www.vulcanheli.co.nz).

This is a “must see”! You walk about, and the scenery and colors are fantastic.

Note: the airport is small and quaint and easy to miss; there is a sign just before you get into town. A friendly New Zealander had us follow him there when we asked for directions while gassing up.

The trip took about 2½ hours total — flight, landing, trekking and return — and cost US$345 per person. We were supplied with life jackets for the flight and hard hats in case of an eruption. There are no formed walkways, so consider your footwear.

ROBERT A. RINGGENBERG

West Chester, OH