Core Education

Volcano city virtual field trip Travel to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland to discover more about the fiery past of Auckland’s Volcanic Field Ngā Tapuwae-o-Mataoho. There are over 50 volcanoes within the Auckland Volcanic Field (AVF). The AVF has been active for around 200,000 years. The most recent and largest volcano is Rangitoto, created around 600 years ago from at least two eruptions. As Māori became established in Aotearoa New Zealand, the maunga were valued as natural places for pā, with their rich volcanic soils and their unique form and height for easy defence. Evidence of a hot magma source deep beneath Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland suggests there could potentially be an eruption in the future. Before a new eruption starts, scientists will be using forecasting models to try to predict when and where a new volcano will appear. Objective To find out how large parts of the city would be affected by the likely next eruption, and how to be prepared for the impacts of volcanic activity. Key learning Explore scien