In December 2019, a volcano 30 miles off the coast of New Zealand erupted, claiming the lives of dozens of tourists and tour guides. The eruption sent thick plumes of toxic smoke and ash thousands of feet into the air, while rocks and boulders were blasted around the island.
White Island – also known by its Māori name Whakaari – is New Zealand’s most active cone volcano, and had previously erupted in 2012, 2013, and 2016. The roughly 800-acre island was a popular tourist destination before the tragedy, with access granted to several designated tour operators.
The day of the eruption has now been recalled in a new Netflix documentary. From director Rory Kennedy and executive producer Leonardo DiCaprio, The Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari hears from survivors and those involved in the rescue operation, many of whom were tour operators or commercial pilots.
