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.


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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 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).


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.


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. 


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).


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.


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.


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 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).


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.