| Rotorua Volcanoes New Zealand - Information about the Taupo Volcanic Zone, Volcanoes in Rotorua NZ. |
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Volcanoes Near Rotorua
Rotorua, Taupo and much of the central North Island lie in an area geologists
call the Taupo Volcanic Zone. It is a very distinctive area of
mountains, lakes and a landscape that everywhere bears the trace of
volcanic activity. Gerald Cubitt and Les Molloy, the authors of
"Wild New Zealand", have the following to say about the area:
"The Taupo Volcanic Zone can be thought of as a southern terminus of
the great Pacific Ring of Fire which extends down the western Pacific
from the Tongan Islands through the Kermadec Islands to the Bay of
Plenty. The Zone contains, in White Island and Tongariro National
Park, some of the most continuously active volcanoes in the world."
Within the Taupo Volcanic Zone there are three volcanoes still active: Ruapehu,
Tongariro, and Ngarahoe (all are located in
Tongariro National Park). All
three have erupted fairly often in the last few hundred years.
Ruapehu and Ngarahoe are two of the most continuously active composite
volcanoes in the world.
Volcanic eruptions have been the cause of two very well known disasters in the
last 150 years. The Mount Tarawera Eruption in 1886 that famously destroyed the
Pink and White Terraces also killed over 150 people near Rotorua. On Christmas
Eve, 1953, an eruption of Ruapehu created a lahar (mud-lava flow) that destroyed
a railway bridge and caused New Zealand's worst ever rail disaster.
Today early warning systems are in place; the monitoring of seismic activity,
and the temperatures and chemical activity of crater lakes provide information
in order for action to be taken before volcanic events.
Featured Rotorua Volcanic Tours and Activities |
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Day Tour - Waimangu Volcanic Valley - Starting from NZ $37.00 per adult
Prime Rotorua tourist attraction, Waimangu Volcanic Valley offers self guided tours through spectacular geothermal activity in the world's youngest geothermal system. Waimangu Volcanic Valley is home to wonderful plant and bird life, thermal hot springs, steaming cliffs, volcanic craters and many more geothermal features.We are just 20 minutes South of Rotorua and 40 minutes North of Taupo. More... |
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All-day Coach Tour - Rotorua - Starting from $295.00 per person
Tour Rotorua's most popular geothermal parks and colorful lakes on a day trip led by a local naturalist guide. You'll see the Lady Knox Geyser erupt, visit the Lake Tarawera lookout and see boiling mud pools and hot springs at Wai-O-Tapu. Along the way, you'll learn all about volcanology, New Zealand's stunning flora and fauna, and Maori history from your naturalist guide. More... |
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Thermal Spa & Hot Springs - Rotorua - Starting from $82.00 per person
Experience a half or full-day tour from Rotorua to the Geothermal wonders that the region is famous for. Your options include half or full-day tours to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. You may also like to add on a Hobbiton Movie Set, Huka Falls, Waimangu or Whakarewarewa Living Maori Village Tour in the afternoon.
All Tours also include a stop to see the Lady Knox Geyser Erupt before heading inot Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland to enjoy a self guided walk around, exploring all the... More... |
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Nature Walk - Waimangu Volcanic Valley - Starting from $40.00 per person
Explore New Zealand’s geothermal landscapes at your own pace on this independent Waimangu hiking tour. Follow rugged hiking trails through the Waimangu region, and take in top natural attractions like Frying Pan Lake, Inferno Crater Lake, and Lake Rotomahana. Trek past the unique craters and steaming geysers, and capture the spectacular scenery on camera. At the end of your hike, return to your starting point via the shuttle bus. More... |
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Helicopter Tour - Rotorua - Starting from $695.00 per person
By Helicopter , combine the thrill of landing on Mount Tarawera (for an approximate 20 minute guided walk with your pilot) with a flight that includes spectacular aerial views of our stunning crater lakes, the renowned Tarawera Falls and the vibrant Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu geothermal reserves. This tour highlights these amazing features unique to this region because of their location on our Faultline relative to the Pacific Rim of Fire. More... |
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Tour Rotorua
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Tour Rotorua Area
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 Base Rotorua - Hostel. BASE Rotorua is located in the town centre and overlooks Kuirau Geothermal Park. It is a 2-minute walk from the lake....
 Cycle with Maori - City Tour - Rotorua. Starting from $95.00 per person. You will enjoy a fun and easy, fully guided cycle tour through Rotorua in a small group (maximum of 6). Cruise by...
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