In Māori tradition volcanoes and earthquakes are the work of Ruaumoko. Ruaumoko is the restless unborn child of Papatuanuku, the Earth Mother.

In the twenty-first century we're still fascinated by the violence and beauty of volcanoes. They remind us of the power of our planet, a power that can create and destroy. And in New Zealand, for better or worse, we've chosen to build our largest city amongst them

Helping to stay safe

Living safely with volcanoes involves a number of approaches. Utilizing the latest monitoring techniques, conducting research, developing thorough and well-rehearsed emergency procedures and putting systems in place to help recover after an eruption are all essential components of helping to stay safe. The Volcanoes website aims to provide details related to all of these crucial issues.

`Assistance from GNS Science, (a New Zealand government-owned scientific research organisation) and the University of Auckland has made it possible to provide up-to-date information concerning research being conducted into New Zealand's volcanoes, advice about how best to protect your homes and families during an eruption and a wide variety of information about our fantastic volcanic landscape.

As well as providing information about our volcanic heritage the Volcanoes website also provides visitors with up-to-date information concerning the latest advice from some of the key organisations that are constantly involved in working to help us live safely with our volcanoes. Live data feeds from webcams and other monitoring processes are available within the site courtesy of GeoNet, the national hazard surveillance system. GeoNet is a collaboration between the Earthquake Commission and GNS Science.

• City of volcanoes

  Living on an active volcanic field may not sound like a very bright thing to do, but volcanoes are actually a big part of Auckland's success as a city.

  Read more
• Volcanic forces

  Many of New Zealand's striking landscape features have been shaped over several million years by volcanic activity, such as Lake Taupō, Rangitoto Island and Mt Ruapehu.

  Read more
• The Volcanoes Gallery

  This rare look at our turbulent geological home is an up close and personal examination of the scientific and human stories of volcanoes.

  Read more