Whakaari/White Island volcanic activity 2025

The story so far

Whakaari/White Island's volcanic alert level was raised to level three after a possible small, low-energy eruption, and the aviation colour code went to orange.^{30 Oct 2025} Two short, low-energy eruptions occurred that Thursday afternoon, at 12.30pm and 6.40pm, and the second deposited ash near the island.^{31 Oct 2025} Two minor eruptions sent an ash plume 400 to 500 metres into the air, and satellite imagery detected volcanic ash and sulphur dioxide, though scientists said ashfall was unlikely to reach the mainland.^{4 Nov 2025} A steam and gas plume later rose about 3km above sea level and was visible from the mainland, and Bay of Plenty residents may smell sulphur, while the volcano stayed at level three.^{14 Nov 2025} Volcanic ash drifting over the region led to more than a dozen flights to and from Tauranga being cancelled, with sixteen Air New Zealand flights affected.^{25 Nov 2025}

Key moments

1. 30 Oct 2025Alert level raised to three after possible small eruption
2. 31 Oct 2025Two short eruptions recorded at 12.30pm and 6.40pm Thursday
3. 4 Nov 2025Ash plume rises 400-500 metres; ashfall unlikely to reach mainland
4. 14 Nov 2025Steam and gas plume rises about 3km, visible from mainland
5. 25 Nov 2025Tauranga flights cancelled due to volcanic ash

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.