The first object visitors see, in the centre of the space, is a 3.5 metre-high recreated vent from a typical Auckland volcano glowing with rough 'a'ā lava. To one side of it, under a cloud of ash, is a typical Auckland house. These two objects represent two major themes of the exhibition - the science of volcanoes themselves and their effects on human life.
The highly interactive exhibition will give visitors a walk through deep sea black smokers and also a grandstand as-live view of a volcanic eruption in Auckland.
The gallery is installed with a series of modules telling various stories, containing artefacts, film and video. Exhibits will tell the story of human interaction with volcanoes from Māori myths and the witnessing of Rangitoto's emergence, including footprints preserved in ash, to their use as pa sites and quarries. Historic disasters such as Tarawera and Tangiwai are encountered as are the catastrophic effects for life in New Zealand that another major Taupō or Taranaki eruption would create.