Rotorua Volcanoes New Zealand - Information about the Taupo Volcanic Zone, Volcanoes in Rotorua NZ.

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

Buried Village

Buried Village

Attraction - Rotorua

Welcome to the Buried Village. Violent and unexpected, the volcanic eruption of Mount Tarawera was New Zealand's greatest natural disaster. It destroyed the eighth wonder of the world - the magnificent Pink and White Terraces. For more than four hours, rocks, ash and mud bombarded the peaceful village of Te Wairoa . Now nearly 120 years on, the excavated village offers a first hand insight into the devastation, chaos and mayhem that transpired on the night Mount Tarawera erupted. More...

Waimangu Volcanic Valley Self Guided Tours

Waimangu Volcanic Valley Self Guided Tours

Day Tour - Waimangu Volcanic Valley - Starting from NZ $34.50 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...

Rotorua Eco Thermal Small Group Full-Day Tour

Rotorua Eco Thermal Small Group Full-Day Tour

All-day Coach Tour - Rotorua - Starting from $230.00 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.

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Mt. Tarawera Volcano Scenic Floatplane Tour from Rotorua

Mt. Tarawera Volcano Scenic Floatplane Tour from Rotorua

Air Tour - Rotorua - Starting from $215.00 per person

Fly high over breathtaking volcanic landscapes on an unforgettable 30-minute seaplane flight from Rotorua. See New Zealand's world-famous volcanic scenery as you fly over spectacular Mt. Tarawera, the Blue and Green Lakes, and the gurgling geysers of Whakarewareewa Thermal Reserve. Flying at a time to suit you, this scenic air tour will fit into even the busiest of itineraries. More...

Rotorua Eco Thermal Small Group Morning Tour

Rotorua Eco Thermal Small Group Morning Tour

Half-day Coach Tour - Rotorua - Starting from $140.00 per person

Take a unique half-day journey through Rotorua's geothermal parks on a morning trip led by a local naturalist guide. You'll watch the Lady Knox Geyser erupt and see boiling mud pools and hot springs at Wai-O-Tapu.

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Tour Rotorua

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Quality Resort Heritage Rotorua
Quality Resort Heritage Rotorua - Resort - City. The Quality Resort Heritage is an ideal venue for both business and leisure travellers.

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White Water Rafting - Kaituna River
White Water Rafting - Kaituna River - Rafting - Starting from NZ $85.00 per person - Rotorua. Raft the Kaituna River. Pass through steep, bush clad canyons, over 14 awesome drops- including the 7m Tutea Falls....
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