Ngā Hūnga Puia Volcanoes

Tāmaki Makaurau could be affected by volcanic activity from both inside and outside of the Auckland region.

The Auckland Volcanic Field contains over 50 known volcanic centres. While scientists consider the probability of an eruption from the Volcanic Field occurring within our lifetimes to be low, the field is active and the consequences of an eruption in Tāmaki Makaurau would be highly impactful.

Some of the hazards associated with volcanic activity include hot, fast-moving ashfall, falling rocks and lava flows, while large amounts of volcanic activity can also trigger earthquakes or tsunami.

Knowing the risks and being prepared can help keep you and your whānau safe.

Ōwairaka/Mount Albert in the foreground, and Rangitoto Island in the background, are just 2 of the 53 volcanoes that make up Auckland's volcanic field.

• Volcanic ash

  • Volcanic ash is the most widespread hazard of volcanic eruptions, and the most likely to affect households in Auckland. It is caused by fragmentation as the eruption occurs, producing volcanic glass, rock and crystal particles.

  • Ash can be carried long distances, including from outside the Auckland region, and can cause health problems for people and animals, compromise water supplies, damage infrastructure, and disrupt roads.

• Pyroclastic flows

  • A pyroclastic flow is a fast-moving current of ash, rock, and gas that landslide off the volcano at speed in an expanding cloud.

  • Pyroclastic flows travel at extremely high speeds, high temperatures, and destroy all infrastructure in their path.

• Volcanic gas

  • Volcanic gases mostly consist of steam, carbon dioxide, sulphur and chlorine compounds.

  • While dangerous amounts of gases are generally found very close to the crater, they can still cause irritation and health problems to people who are downwind of a volcano.

• Lava flows

  • Lava flows are streams of hot, liquid rock that pour out of the earth and travel down the volcano. Because lava is so hot, it remains liquid and flows across the ground until it cools and hardens into rock.

  • While lava flows move slowly, they are still dangerous and can destroy all infrastructure in their path.

• Lahar

  • Lahar are mixtures of volcanic ash, rocks and water that form a “mudslide” off the volcano. The source of a lahar could be volcanic eruptions breaching crater lakes, heavy rain washing ash down steep slopes, or natural ice and debris collapses.

  • They can occur days, weeks or even years after an eruption has finished.

• Be prepared

  • Make a plan - consider if there was volcanic activity, what you would do if you had to stay home, or evacuate quickly.

  • Practice your plan and make sure everyone in your household knows what to do.

  • Consider how you’ll stay in touch if you get separated and agree on a meeting place.

• Have emergency supplies 

  • Consider what supplies you would need to stay safe and comfortable for at least three days.

  • Think about what your separate grab bag should contain if you had to evacuate.

  • Include essentials like water, food, torch/batteries, and a first aid kit.

• Prepare a grab bag

  • A grab bag is important if you need to evacuate quickly.

  • Unlike your emergency supplies, which are meant for staying in one place, a grab bag has the essentials you’ll need to take with you should you need to evacuate.

• If volcanic activity is forecasted for Auckland

  • Close all windows, doors, and turn off air conditioning to limit the entry of ash.

  • Disconnect drainpipes from gutters to stop drains clogging. If you use a rainwater collection system, disconnect the tank.

  • Bring pets inside and move livestock into closed shelters. Make sure they have access to clean food and water.

  • Cover vehicles, machinery and electronics to avoid ash causing damage.

  • Check on your dependents, neighbours, and anyone who might need your help.

• Stay informed

  • Auckland could be affected by volcanic activity from both inside and outside the region, for example the central volcanic zone near Taupō, or central plateau volcanoes like Ruapehu.

  • Tune in to official information channels for news and emergency updates.

• Evacuate if necessary

  • Follow official evacuation orders and move to a safer area if directed.

  • You may have to move very quickly as eruptions can occur with little warning.

• Stay indoors

  • Volcanic ash is a health hazard and can affect your breathing, especially if you have a condition like asthma.

  • If you're not in an evacuation zone, stay inside with all windows and doors closed.

  • Set up a single entry point for your house. Place damp towels at the entrance to prevent ash being spread indoors.

• Avoid unnecessary exposure to ash

  • If you have to go outside, wear a properly fitted mask, or cover your face with a cloth.

  • Wear goggles to protect your eyes. If you have a visual impairment, wear glasses. Ash can become trapped behind contact lenses and scratch your eyes.

  • Long sleeved clothing, pants and shoes to minimise ash contact with your skin.

  • Don't clear ash from your roof while it's still falling.

  • Avoid driving when there is ash on the road.

• Return safely

  • Listen to emergency services and Auckland Emergency Management - if you've evacuated, don’t return to your home until you're told it is safe to do so.

• Protect yourself

  • Wear protective clothing that covers your arms and legs, strong footwear, a properly fitted mask, and goggles.

  • Keep your kids and pets indoors, and prevent them from playing in ash.

  • If pets go outside, brush them before letting them back indoors.

• Check for damage

  • Inspect your property for any damage, especially essential services like water, power, gas and sewerage.

  • Keep records and take photos of what has been damaged, then report any losses to your insurance company.

• Clean up safely

  • It is important to clean up ash promptly, as it is a health hazard and can cause damage to buildings and machinery.

  • Clean up any ash indoors first to protect indoor air quality. The best cleaning methods to prevent damage are vacuuming and rinsing with small amounts of water.

  • Cleaning ash off the roof must be carefully planned as it will be dangerous.

  • Do not dispose of ash into drains as it can solidify, causing blockages and becoming difficult to remove. Follow advice and instructions from AEM to dispose of ash safely.

  • Be aware that ash clean-up is physically demanding and time-consuming. Ash is much heavier than people often expect and repeated cleaning may be necessary.