The Volcano Tourist

Rangitoto is an Auckland natural icon. Located in the Hauraki Gulf, this dormant island-volcano provides a distinctive scenery of an almost symmetrical volcanic cone. Rangitoto Island Rangitoto is the youngest and the largest of all the volcanoes in the Auckland Volcanic Field. Geologists believe that Rangitoto's most recent eruption only happened 600 years ago. Also, they indicate that it had produced the most amount of lava compared to the other volcanoes in the volcanic field. A tour of Rangitoto is one of the most popular day-trips in Auckland. With an area of about 5.5 kilometres, a range of leisure and recreational activities can be undertaken on the island, which include tramping, a guided tour, sightseeing, lava cave spelunking, and swimming. Getting there The volcanic island is easily accessible from the Auckland City Centre. Fullers Ferry sails from the Ferry Terminal to the island, three times a day during weekdays, and five times a day on weekends and publi...

I decided to start this year with a trip to New Zealand's volcanic playground - Rotorua. It is a compact city, full of volcanic and geothermal wonders. Its landscape and history has been continuously shaped by tourism and a nearby volcano named, Mount Tarawera. Part of this trip, I and my mom went on a morning tour of the Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. We organised this activity through the Thermal Land Shuttle . They picked us from our accommodation and went on a 30-minute drive to the geothermal park Before entering the 'paid' geothermal complex, our shuttle brought us to view the Waiotapu 'Mud Pool'. This is one of the free attractions that can be enjoyed in Rotorua. The Waiotapu Mud Pool, Rotorua This mud pool is the site of the 'Te Huinga' Mud Volcano. Unfortunately, this mud volcano disappeared due to erosion and weathering in 1920's. The photo below shows the original mud volcano which is about 3 metres in height. Te Huinga Mud V...

Aerial view of Mount Eden (Source: GNS Science) With over 48 volcanoes to choose from, deciding which one to visit first might be a difficult task - at least not for me. Given its geological, social and cultural significance as a volcanic attraction, Mount Eden deserves to be my Auckland Volcano #1. Also, did I say that it is the city's highest peak? Quick Volcanic Facts Official Name: Mount Eden Maori (indigenous) Name: Maungawhau Location: 250 Mt Eden Road, Mount Eden, Auckland, New Zealand Type: Cinder cone (or scoria cone) Classification: Extinct volcano Elevation: 196 metres Prominent Geological Feature: 50 metre-deep crater Last known eruption: Some 15,000 years ago Historical Significance: Used as a Maori 'Pa' or early settlement; previous archaeological site Current use: Recreational domain for the local community; tourist attraction Conservation Status: Protected by the New Zealand Historical Places Act 1980 Information Sources: Smith, Lowe &...

A map illustration showing the volcanoes within the Auckland Volcanic Field. Photo by Les Kermode & GNS Science (2010) Many refer to Auckland as the 'City of Sails' but other might not know that it is also a city of 48 volcanoes! Covering around 360 sq.km., the Auckland Volcanic Field is centered on the city of Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. The volcanoes within the 20 km radius of the city centre have shaped Auckland's landscape in the span of 250,000 years (McClure, 2012). Today, most of these volcanoes are extinct and are unlikely to erupt again. These were converted to public facilities and are now popular tourist attractions. However, according to GNS Science and Earthquake Commission NZ (2014), the volcanic field itself is young and still active. Auckland volcanoes are in different size, shape, volcanic activity and volcanic history.  Each offer its own character and will surely provide unique volcanic experiences in an urban context. Follow ...

Volcanoes have been always part of the Earth's natural history and have continued to shape human history. In some instances, volcanoes may generate fear. Consequently, these may stimulate feelings of awe, excitement and wonder. In the Philippines, Mount Pinatubo's eruption in 1991 has been dubbed as the second largest of the 20th century. This event has directly affected the Aeta (the indigenous group of people living on the slopes of the volcano) and non-indigenous communities in the nearby provinces of Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales. Less than 800 people died due to direct and indirect causes of the eruption. Apart from these, the country suffered from US$1 billion worth of economic losses. Its after effects from ash clouds have affected the world by lowering global temperature and lahar flows have consistently threatened the local communities. Ten years after, this active volcano that was once feared slowly blossomed as one of the region's prime tourist attractions...