Timeline - Volcanoes
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An interactive look at some of the historical aspects of Volcanoes in New Zealand. Slide the time bar to see key dates relating to Volcanoes. Pause the mouse pointer over any of the boxes to see additional information about each event. Find out more by browsing or searching the Hub.
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10 million BC
Mt Cargill erupts
Mt Cargill near Dunedin erupts, forming the Organ Pipes.
6 million BC
Banks Peninsula formed
Banks Peninsula in Canterbury is formed through volcanic eruptions.
3 million BC
Little Barrier Island formed
Little Barrier Island in the Hauraki Gulf north of Auckland is formed through volcanic eruptions.
2.3 million BC
Whāngārei volcanic field active
The Whāngārei volcanic field produces scoria cone volcanoes, similar to those found in Auckland. This field is now extinct.
2 million BC
Mt Horrible erupts
Mt Horrible erupts, forming the Timaru harbour.
240,000BC
Double trouble eruptions
Rotorua and Ōhakuri erupt within days of each other.
150,000BC
First eruptions in Auckland
First eruptions in the Auckland volcanic field at Pukekawa, now the Auckland Domain.
140,000 BC
Lake Pupuke formed
Lake Pupuke is formed and trees are fossilised on Takapuna beach.
133,000 BC
Mt Taranaki erupts
Mt Taranaki, an andesite volcano in the central North Island, begins to erupt.
18,000BC
Mt Smart formed
Mt Smart is formed, and Onepoto Basin is formed in a separate eruption.
15,000BC
One Tree Hill formed
One Tree Hill, an iconic landmark of Auckland, is formed through volcanic activity.
500 BC
Mt Ngāuruhoe first begins to erupt
A vent of Mt Tongariro becomes active and forms the neighbouring Mt Ngāuruhoe.
200AD
Taupō erupts
Taupō erupts forming Lake Taupō – the world’s most powerful eruption in 5,000 years.
1000AD
Mayor Island formed
A volcano in the Bay of Plenty erupts, forming Mayor Island, also known as Tūhua Island.
1314
Mt Tarawera erupts
This eruption covers the region with a layer of ash.
1400
Rangitoto erupts
This eruption forms Rangitoto Island.
1870
Ngāuruhoe erupts again
Ngāuruhoe erupts on 7 July 1870. It first formed about 2,500 years ago.
1886
Mt Tarawera erupts
Mt Tarawera erupts, destroying the Pink and White Terraces.
1896
Mt Tongariro erupts
Mt Tongariro in the central North Island erupts.
1915
Continental drift theory
Alfred Wegener proposes model of continental drift.
1954
Mt Ngāuruhoe erupts
Mt Ngauruhoe in the central North Island continues to erupt and deposit lava.
1960s
Theory of plate tectonics developed
Many strands of evidence are tied together into the encompassing theory of plate tectonics.
1974
Mt Ngāuruhoe erupts
Mt Ngauruhoe continues to erupt with an estimated 45 eruptions in the 20th century.
1995–1996
Mt Ruapehu erupts
Spectacular eruptions are widely documented in the media.
2001
White Island erupts
White Island remains active and routinely produces gas clouds.
2007
Lahar on Mt Ruapehu
A lahar (mudflow or landslide) on Mt Ruapehu is a result of the 1996 eruptions.
Acknowledgements:
Image licensed through 123RF Limited
