🏙️ Auckland

New Zealand · Population 1,440,300 · Elevation 196 m · Airport AKL

Volcanic Risk Profile

Auckland itself is built on the Auckland Volcanic Field — 53 small basaltic volcanic centres, the youngest of which (Rangitoto) erupted just 600 years ago. The closest currently-active stratovolcano is Mount Ruapehu (270 km south). GNS Science maintains continuous geophysical monitoring of both the local field and Ruapehu.

Nearby Active Volcanoes

🌋 Mount Ruapehu270 km away

View live Volcash score and eruption history →

Distance from city center to Mount Ruapehu crater: 279 km (great-circle).

Notable Eruptions Affecting Auckland

1995

Ruapehu

Major eruption; lahars; 50 km plume reached Wellington; AKL flights diverted.

2007

Ruapehu

Crater Lake breach; lahars destroyed bridges; ash north to Hawke's Bay.

2022

Ruapehu

Volcanic Alert Level raised to 2; elevated unrest; no eruption.

Evacuation & Civil Protection

Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) operates the local civil defence. GNS Science Volcanic Alert Bulletins are the primary trigger. Auckland Volcanic Field eruption would activate the DEVORA contingency plan.

Health & Air Quality

Auckland City Hospital is the major respiratory referral. Ministry of Health operates a national PM₁₀ monitoring grid; alerts piped to Civil Defence app.

Current Conditions

View real-time volcanic ash levels for Auckland on the interactive 3D map.

Check Live Volcash Score →

Activity Safety Thresholds

Volcash score limits beyond which each activity is no longer recommended for Auckland residents:

Running≤ 50

3–5× breathing volume

Cycling≤ 50

High respiratory load

Hiking≤ 50

Mountain ash accumulation

Children outdoors≤ 30

Higher intake per body weight

Driving≤ 150

Visibility-limited

General outdoors≤ 100

Walking, shopping, commuting