Plizio Visual Lab
Lateiki
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Mountain
Weather…
Water temperature…
Lateiki, formerly known as Metis Shoal, is a volcanic elevation in the central part of the Tonga archipelago, located between the islands of Kao and Late. It is an extremely active submarine volcano that periodically forms islands, which often quickly sink back into the sea due to erosion. A significant eruption in 1995 created an island about 280 meters wide that persisted for several years. In 2019, another eruptive phase occurred, during which a new island was formed while the previous formation sank below sea level. Geologically, the material consists mainly of basaltic andesite, indicating the complex magmatic processes in the Tonga island arc. The constant change in topography makes Lateiki a fascinating research object for volcanologists worldwide. The volcano's location is an important indicator of seismic activity in this region of the Pacific.
- Location: Tonga
- Nearby: Fangaleʻounga (83 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 220 | 196 | 189 | 178 | 109 | 113 | 58 | 65 | 77 | 109 | 120 | 151 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Reaching this active submarine volcano is only possible by boat; visitors should maintain a safe distance unless a stable island has recently formed during an eruption.
Best season
Expeditions are best planned during the calmer months between May and October, though volcanic activity can occur at any time and may dictate the safety of a visit.
Terrain & paths
If a temporary island is present, the ground consists of fresh, unstable volcanic ash and tephra, which can be extremely hot and prone to rapid erosion by waves.
What to bring
Maritime safety equipment is a priority; those intending to land on a new island should bring heat-resistant footwear and protective clothing against abrasive volcanic dust.
Parking
Boat departures are usually arranged from the Ha'apai or Vava'u groups; local harbors provide the nearest land-based parking and logistics support for such specialized journeys.
Safety
Extreme caution is necessary due to the unpredictable nature of submarine eruptions, potential hydrothermal activity, and the inherent instability of newly formed volcanic land.
Time needed
A boat trip to view the area typically lasts between four to six hours, depending on the departure point and the specific activity level of the volcano at the time.
Geography
Facts
- Lateiki was formerly known as Metis Shoal and is an active submarine volcano.
- In 1995, an eruption created a short-lived island.
- A subsequent eruption in October 2019 created a new landmass.
- The volcano is geographically located between the islands of Kao and Late.
- The eruptive material consists primarily of basaltic andesite.
- Island formations at this site were documented as early as the 19th century.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Lateiki (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is Lateiki a stable island?
No, it is extremely unstable and constantly changing due to volcanic activity.
Can you visit Lateiki?
No, the island is an active volcanic risk and not suitable for visits.
Why is the island so unstable?
It lies on an active submarine volcanic system.
Is there permanent vegetation there?
Hardly, as the island is often completely covered by the sea during eruptions.
Is it marked on current maps?
Due to its unstable nature, its existence is often only temporary.
Lateiki: where is it located?
Lateiki is located in Tonga.
Lateiki: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Lateiki: why is it worth visiting?
Lateiki, formerly known as Metis Shoal, is a volcanic elevation in the central part of the Tonga archipelago, located between the islands of Kao and Late.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Oceania
More places in Tonga →
Nearby cities
Nuku'alofa Waterfront Commercial Zone
The redeveloped waterfront area of Nuku'alofa is a hub for retail, tourism, and dining.
Nukuʻalofa
Nukuʻalofa is the capital and economic hub of Tonga, located on the northern coast of Tongatapu island.
Digicel Square
This commercial area in central Nuku'alofa houses the main office of the private mobile operator.
Neiafu
Neiafu is the second largest town in Tonga and the administrative center of the Vavaʻu island group.
Fangaleʻounga
Fangaleʻounga is a small coastal village situated on the island of Haʻano.
Faleloa
Faleloa is the largest village on Foa island within the Haʻapai group.
Pangai
Pangai is the administrative center of the Haʻapai island group, located on Lifuka island.
Kolonga
Kolonga is a historical village located in the northeastern part of Tongatapu island.
Talafoʻou
Talafoʻou is a village in northeastern Tongatapu, recognized for its coastal fishing community.
Leimatuʻa
Leimatuʻa is one of the largest villages on Vavaʻu island in northern Tonga.
Hihifo
Hihifo is a major settlement on Lifuka island within the Haʻapai archipelago.
🗺️
Navutoka
Navutoka is a coastal village in northeastern Tongatapu, immediately west of Talafoʻou.
Haʻalaufuli
Haʻalaufuli is the most populous village in the eastern part of Vavaʻu island.
🗺️
Longomapu
Longomapu is a scenic village in western Vavaʻu, located near Lake Ano.
Kolovai
Kolovai is a village in western Tongatapu, famous for its colony of fruit bats (flying foxes).
History & landmarks
Nature
Late Island
Late is an uninhabited volcanic island west of Vava'u.
Late Island Wilderness
This uninhabited volcanic island is one of Tonga's best-preserved natural areas with original forests.
Kao Island
Kao is the highest point in Tonga and is an extinct volcanic cone.
Tofua Volcano
Tofua is an active volcanic island featuring a large central caldera.
🗺️
Tofua Island Nature Reserve
An active volcanic island with a caldera lake, under protection due to its undisturbed ecosystems.
🗺️
Ha'apai Marine Protected Area
Encompasses numerous reefs and uninhabited islands to preserve the biodiversity of the central island group.
🗺️
Ha'ano Island
Ha'ano is the northernmost inhabited island in the Ha'apai group.
More places
🗺️
Home Reef
Home Reef is a submarine volcano that occasionally forms pumice islands.
🗺️
Late
Late Island is a high volcanic cone that rises steeply from the Pacific Ocean.
Kao Island Forest
The island hosts Tonga's highest peak and is almost entirely covered by dense, pristine tropical rainforest.
Kao
Kao is the highest mountain in Tonga, featuring a symmetrical volcanic cone.
Tofua
Tofua is a circular volcanic island featuring a broad central caldera.