What is the Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland Volcanic Field?
The Volcano city field trip hīkoi begins at Lake Pupuke, a 180,000-year-old volcanic crater between the suburbs of Takapuna and Milford on the North Shore of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Here, field trip Kaiārahi Andrew talks with Thomas, a geologist and research assistant for DEVORA (DEtermining VOlcanic Risk in Auckland), about the Auckland Volcanic Field (AVF).
- How many volcanoes are there in the Auckland Volcanic Field?
- What are the three main volcanic features in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland?
- How can scientists determine the age of past volcanic eruptions?
The unique features of Rangitoto
You are on Rangitoto, an iconic landmark in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and a unique volcano amongst the many in the Auckland Volcanic Field. Volcanologist Annahlise talks more about what makes Rangitoto so special.
- When did Rangitoto first erupt?
- How many volcanic cones did Rangitoto make during its two eruptions?
- What are the two types of basaltic lava you can see on Rangitoto?
- What makes Rangitoto an “oddball” amongst others in the AVF?
Rangitoto: A kōrero with Kelvin Tapuke
Kelvin Tapuke works widely in the disaster research space, and he also has links to Ngāi Tai kī Tāmaki, an iwi whose domain includes Rangitoto. Listen as Kelvin shares a special kōrero that relates to certain features of Rangitoto.
- What is the name Ngāi Tai kī Tāmaki has for the very top of Rangitoto?
- What does this name translate to in English?
- What is the special feature left behind from the Rangitoto eruption that shows people were living on neighbouring Motutapu Island at the time?
Understanding the volcanic hazards and risks in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
Graham is a principal scientist for GNS Science. He knows a lot about volcanoes and the risks they pose to people and communities. In this video, Graham delves deeper into the eruptive nature of the Auckland Volcanic Field and the hazards people face from a future eruption.
- What might you see or smell leading up to a volcanic eruption?
- What are the main risks to people from a volcanic eruption that could lead to widespread evacuations?
- What are some of the different ways that scientists monitor volcanic eruptions?
Hazard preparedness
We’ve been given special access to the Emergency Coordination Centre at Auckland Council, where Angela, the Principal Science Advisor for Auckland Emergency Management, shares all you need to know about preparing for volcanic and other natural hazards.
- What are some of the key actions you can take to be prepared for natural hazards?
- What is the best way to deal with ash from a volcanic eruption?
- What would you include in an emergency plan for your whānau?
Lava caves and their cultural significance
Put your hardhat on, light up a torch, and head underground to venture inside a lava cave! Meet geologist Hannah and catch up again with Kelvin Tapuke to find out how lava caves are formed and what their significance is to Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki.
- Describe in your own words how a lava cave (aka tube) is formed.
- What are “lavatites”?
- As well as carrying the mauri of different atua (and therefore the life force of the tribe) associated with certain maunga in Tāmaki Makaurau, what practical uses did lava caves have?
