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Active volcanoes in New Zealand

New Zealand presents a high density of active volcanoes, and a high frequency of volcanic eruptions.

Document created 08 June 2003, last updated 06 August 2003

White Island   White Island is at present the most active volcano in New Zealand.
It includes three regularly active volcanic cones (White Island, Ruapehu and Ngaruhoe), and the most productive caldera in the world (Taupo/Okataina). All of them are part of the Taupo Volcanic Zone.

White Island
White Island is located in the Bay of Plenty, 50 km (30 miles) north of Whakatane and Opotiki. It stands 321m (1053') above sea level and approximately 70 % of the volcano is underwater, making it the largest volcanic structure in New Zealand.

White Island is at present the most active volcano in New Zealand, with a history of continuous hydrothermal activity punctuated by small to medium eruptions. The period from 1976 to 1993 has been the island's most active in the last several hundred years (photo courtesy of Tourism Rotorua).

Map of active volcanoes in New Zealand  
Ruapehu
Ruapehu is the highest of all New Zealand's volcanoes, and at 2797m (9176') the highest mountain in the North Island.

It is the largest of the three great Central North Island volcanoes (the other two being Tongariro and Ngaruhoe). It is also the most continuously active of the three. The last eruptive period took place in 1995 and 1996, producing clouds of ashes and lava bombs, and triggering lahars.

Ngaruhoe
Located between Ruapehu and Tongariro, Ngaruhoe's activity has subdued in recent years, and the smoke plume that used to float above its crater is no longer visible. However its last major eruption goes back only to 1977, following a regular series of events during the 20th century, and 61 eruptions in all since 1839.

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White Island White Island is at present the most active volcano in New Zealand.

Map of active volcanoes in New Zealand

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