Aucklands Volcanic Field

The Auckland Volcanic Field is made up of 50 basalt volcano. Most of the volcanoes in Auckland have only erupted once which means they are monogeneric volcanism.

Rangitoto has erupted a few times so that means Rangitoto is polygenetic volcanism.

Rangitoto is the youngest and largest volcano in Auckland. It takes up 50% of the Auckland Volcanic field. That volcano erupted about 600 to 800 years ago. It is 259 meters high.

Maori believe that Rangitoto gaurds the Waitamata harbour. When Rangitoto erupted out of the sea the Moari living closley on Motutapu Island must of thought it was the end of the world.

Rangitoto's name means Bloody Sky, it has 7 known lava caves and its cone is Scoria igneos rock. Rangitoto is a intraplate which means, in the middle of a techtonic plate it also means a hot spot for volcanic activity.

To me Rangitoto is an amazing volcano. But I hope it never erupts while im living in Auckland, all that ash cloud and lava it scares me just thinking about it.