Volcanoes exert a majestic, mesmerising aura. You can’t take your eyes off them. Treated with the respect they deserve, they can become an unforgettable highlight of your holiday with Discover the World. We specialise in several destinations where volcanoes rise, high and mighty, above spectacular landscapes, offering a focal point for our self-drive and escorted holidays, plus a range of exciting excursions.
Straddling the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Iceland is a hotspot for volcanic activity. In fact, volcanoes are such a big part of Iceland’s unique appeal that we operate a Volcano Hotline, notifying you of potential trips to visit live eruptions at short notice such as the ‘tourist-friendly’ eruption in July 2023 on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Sign up by visiting the page linked above. As long as the authorities have declared that an eruption site is safe to visit, it is often possible to arrange trips to view the action up-close, sometimes via helicopter flights and Superjeep expeditions depending on the location.
Visit the country at anytime and you’ll discover that Iceland’s volcanic scenery is surprisingly subtle and beautiful. The juxtaposition of ice and fire adds a surreal touch – whether you’re walking on a lava-sand beach littered with icebergs or hiking across a glacier striated with thin bands of ash from past eruptions.
A spectacular eruption occurred on the Reykjanes Peninsula in late December 2023, following weeks of expectation. This has been followed by recurring short-lived eruptions in the same area in 2024. This pattern of eruptions looks likely to continue over the coming months in this specific area of south west Iceland.
New Zealand is another of our favourite destinations for volcanoes. We offer a wide range of self-drive and escorted holidays in the country, many of which visit Tongariro National Park.
Dominated by three active volcanoes – Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro – this is New Zealand’s main volcanic area. With just a day to spare, you can hike the 19km Tongariro Alpine Crossing, famed for its crater lakes, ancient lava flows and stunning views.
Another North Island hotspot, Whakaari – or White Island – lies 48km offshore in the Bay of Plenty. New Zealand’s most active volcano, the 2km-wide island is just the tip of a giant submarine cone rising from a depth of 1,600m.
Iceland is known as the ‘Land of Ice and Fire’, defined by its many glaciers and multitude of volcanoes. Erupting from the ocean over 18 million years ago, the island's terrain has changed little since, scattered with moss-covered lava fields, black sand beaches, and jagged mountainous peaks.
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This North Atlantic island is a geological hot spot. Read on to take a look at some of the country's impressive geological and volcanic experiences.
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