National Advisory: Tsunami activity – expect strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore following the M8.8 earthquake, Kamchatka Russia. For all information please visit NEMA (The National Emergency Management Agency) Only messages issued by NEMA represent the official warning status for New Zealand.
Volcanoes
The Tongariro complex contains multiple volcanic cones; Te Māri crater erupted in twice in 2012.
Emerald Lakes and Red Crater.
Tongariro from the north-east (Te Māri Crater in foreground).
Tongariro is a complex of multiple volcanic cones constructed over a period of 275,000 years. The active vents include Te Māri, Emerald Lakes, North Crater and Red Crater. There have been five reported eruptions from the Te Māri craters between 1855 and 1897 but they have been dormant until 2012.
Most Recent Eruption
Tongariro erupted twice in 2012 (6 August and 21 November) at Te Māri.
Previous Eruption
- When
- 1869, 1892, 1896 and 1897
- Where
- Te Māri
- Effects
- In 1869 a large eruption (accompanied by an earthquake) formed the upper Te Māri Crater during an explosive eruption. Māori descriptions talk of "bright red flame through the smoke that would burst and fall like snow". In November 1892 Te Māri again belched forth an immense quantity of steam, mud and boulders; the ejected material rose 2,000 - 3,000 feet (600 - 900 m) before rushing down the mountain side. The last eruption began in November 1896 and activity lasted until October 1897.
