Volcanic Activity Bulletins
Volcano Activity Bulletins (VABs) are New Zealand's official source of volcano status information including the current Volcanic Alert Level (VAL).
They are issued on an as needed basis summarising the volcano status and recent events.
They can indicate if activity is increasing, decreasing, or in a steady state. They may contain forecasts, highlight developing, or expected problems.
If you’d like to be notified as soon as we issue a new bulletin, our social media channels and the GeoNet app will keep you up-to-date.
Whakaari/White Island continues to emit significant amounts of gas and steam. Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2.
Recent observation and gas flights confirm that active vents are continuing to emit a significant steam and gas plume. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 2.
Minor unrest continues at Taupō Volcano including a recent M4.4 earthquake. Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 1.
Minor volcanic unrest continues at Taupō Volcano after an M4.4 earthquake beneath the lake on 5 March. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 1 (minor volcanic unrest).
No change in activity at Whakaari/White Island as gas emissions continue. Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2.
A recent gas and observation flight confirms that active vents are continuing to emit a weak-moderate steam and gas plume. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 2.
Crater Lake temperature rise, volcanic unrest remains low for Mt Ruapehu. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 1.
Ruapehu Crater lake temperature has increased to over 30 °C and the level of volcanic unrest activity remains low. A minor heating episode has occurred in the last 2 months with monitoring indicators remaining within normal range for this type of activity. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 1 and the Aviation Colour Code remains Green.
Minor unrest continues at Taupō Volcano. Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 1.
The minor volcanic unrest that began in May 2022 continues at Taupō Volcano. Small earthquakes and ground deformation are still being recorded at above background levels. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 1 (minor volcanic unrest).
Whakaari/White Island: Minor-moderate steam and gas emissions continue. Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2.
An observation-gas flight confirms the active vents are continuing to emit a minor-moderate steam and gas plume. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 2.
No further unusual activity since the M5.6 earthquake beneath Lake Taupō. Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 1.
More than 600 aftershocks have been recorded following the 30 November 2022 M5.6 earthquake that occurred beneath Lake Taupō. Land movements were detected from our GNSS network of up to 250 mm as a consequence of the earthquake. Field teams have been measuring lakeside slumping and inundation distances of the small tsunami, along the lake shore. No further unusual activity has been observed and the minor volcanic unrest at Taupō volcano continues. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 1.
Strong M5.6 earthquake consistent with continued minor volcanic unrest at Taupō. Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 1.
A strong M5.6 earthquake occurred beneath Lake Taupō on 30 November. The earthquake was widely felt, causing minor damage and a small tsunami in the lake. Numerous aftershocks have been recorded, with many felt locally. The activity is consistent with ongoing minor volcanic unrest at Taupō volcano. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 1.
Minor unrest ongoing at Taupō Volcano. Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 1.
Minor volcanic unrest continues at Taupō Volcano, as shown by continued small earthquakes and ground deformation. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 1 (minor volcanic unrest).
Whakaari/White Island: Minor ash emission continues. Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2.
An observation flight confirms the active vents are continuing to emit a moderate steam and gas plume. Rare periods of ash emission were noted during clear weather over the last 2 weeks. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 2.