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

Waimangu Volcanic Valley Self Guided Tours

Waimangu Volcanic Valley Self Guided Tours

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...

Rotorua Eco Thermal Small Group Full-Day Tour

Rotorua Eco Thermal Small Group Full-Day Tour

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...

Mount Tarawera Volcanic Adventure by Helicopter

Mount Tarawera Volcanic Adventure by Helicopter

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...

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland Option to add Waimangu, Hobbiton or Whakarewarea

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland Option to add Waimangu, Hobbiton or Whakarewarea

Thermal Spa & Hot Springs - Rotorua - Starting from $85.00 per person

Design your own ideal day with a full-day or half-day tour to Rotorua attractions and Hobbiton.  Experience the must-see half day geothermal wonders of Rotorua at the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. This convenient tour is fully customisable. 

All Tours also include a stop to see the Lady Knox Geyser Erupt before heading into Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland to enjoy a self guided walk around, exploring all the unique lakes, pools, craters and walkways that the park has to... More...

Volcanic Valley Self Guided Walking and Hiking at Waimangu

Volcanic Valley Self Guided Walking and Hiking at Waimangu

Nature Walk - Waimangu Volcanic Valley - Starting from $38.50 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...


Geyser LookoutGeyser Lookout - Bed and Breakfast.

With garden views, Geyser Lookout is set in Rotorua and has a restaurant, a shared kitchen, bar, garden, barbecue and...

10-Day North Island Adventure Tour - Auckland to Wellington Return10-Day North Island Adventure Tour - Auckland to Wellington Return - Adventure Tour - Auckland. Starting from $1085.00 per person.

This 10-day small-group adventure tour is guaranteed to take you further off the beaten track around the wonders of New...

 

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