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...

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 ...