Ash plume from Whakaari/White Island observed at 1 200 m (4 000 feet) a.s.l., New Zealand

Volcanic ash from Whakaari/White Island in New Zealand was observed at 1 200 m (4 000 feet) above sea level at 15:44 UTC on October 30, 2025. The advisory was issued by the Wellington VAAC at 15:44 UTC.

According to the advisory, ash was seen on earlier daytime webcams, although meteorological clouds were obscuring the volcano at the time of the report. The volcanic ash cloud altitude was identified from the surface to flight level 040, equivalent to approximately 1 200 m (4 000 feet) above sea level. The reported ash was moving east at 19 km/h (12 mph). The current Aviation Color Code is Orange.

The Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report does not list Whakaari/White Island for the most recent reporting period. Therefore, no recent additional summary is available from that source for this event.

Whakaari/White Island is an active stratovolcano located in the Bay of Plenty, off the North Island of New Zealand. The volcano is known for frequent hydrothermal and strombolian eruptions, which can produce ashfall, pyroclastic flows, surges, and volcanic gas hazards. The closest nearby settlements include Whakatāne, about 48 km (30 miles) to the southwest. The island is uninhabited but is sometimes visited by tourists — entry is restricted due to persistent hazards.