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: Loss of near real-time monitoring. Minor volcanic unrest continues. Volcanic Alert Level remains Level 1
Near real-time monitoring of Whakaari has been lost with the failure of the last surviving seismometer and pressure sensor on the island. We continue to monitor via other, less-frequent methods. The Volcanic Alert Level for Whakaari/White Island remains at Level 1. The Aviation Colour Code also remains at Green.
Earthquake activity under Lake Taupō picks up. Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 0
Since early May 2022, our earthquake monitoring network has recorded an increase in earthquake activity under Lake Taupō. While Lake Taupō sits above the Taupō volcano, the recent earthquakes are not considered to be an indicator that an eruption is on the way. This activity is similar to recent periods of elevated earthquakes activity and ground deformation measured in 2008-2009 and 2019. The Volcanic Alert Level for Taupō Volcanic Centre remains at Level 0.
Level of unrest continues to decrease at Mt Ruapehu. The Volcanic Alert Level is lowered to 1.
New Crater Lake chemistry data, low volcanic tremor levels and a stable warm lake temperature indicate a decline in the level of volcanic unrest at Mt Ruapehu. In consequence of these, the Volcanic Alert Level is lowered to Level 1 and the Aviation Colour Code changes to Green.
Ruapehu Crater Lake sampled, variable gas emissions and low volcanic tremor levels continue. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2.
Despite intermittent gas pulses, volcanic gas emissions have declined. Volcanic tremor remains low, while the Crater Lake temperature has recovered slightly to 25 °C. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2.
Whakaari/White Island: Update on recent observations. Minor volcanic unrest continues. Volcanic Alert Level remains Level 1
Recent monitoring data, including flights to make visual observations and measure gas emissions, confirm volcanic unrest remains at low level at Whakaari/White Island. The Volcanic Alert Level for Whakaari/White Island remains at Level 1. The Aviation Colour Code also remains at Green.
Short period of increased volcanic tremor over the weekend at Mt Ruapehu. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2.
A brief period of strong volcanic tremor was recorded over the weekend and Crater Lake temperature has stabilised. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2.
Moderate volcanic unrest continues at Mt Ruapehu. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2.
Volcanic tremor remains weak and lake temperature continues to decline. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2.
Lower level of activity at Mt Ruapehu. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2.
The level of volcanic unrest at Mt Ruapehu has decreased from heightened to moderate, however the potential for eruptions remains. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2.
Mt Ruapehu volcanic unrest continues with moderate tremor and a cooler Crater Lake. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2.
Volcanic tremor levels were moderate last week, and the Crater Lake (Te Wai ā-moe) temperature has been steady around 31 °C. However, volcanic unrest continues at Mt Ruapehu and the potential for eruptive activity remains. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 2.
Volcanic unrest continues at Mt Ruapehu as gas emissions remain elevated. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2.
Gas emissions are still elevated at Mt Ruapehu. The Crater Lake (Te Wai ā-moe) temperature has declined over the past week. Volcanic tremor levels have generally declined but remain variable. Volcanic unrest continues at Mt Ruapehu and the potential for eruptive activity remains. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 2.