Risk Maps

Auckland / Northland

Map

Auckland - Norhtland

Risk in the Auckland / Northland Region

Auckland is built atop a volcano "hotspot" - an area of persistent volcanic activity. There is a region of hot rock about 100km beneath the city where temperatures are high enough to melt the rock. When enough molten rock has accumulated, it rises toward the surface in an eruption.

These eruptions can create volcanic cones with craters, such as One Tree Hill. There are about 50 volcanoes across the region. Rangitoto is the youngest, having been formed around 600 years ago.

Any future eruptions are likely to create new craters, rather than erupting through existing cones. These potential eruptions could cause widespread damage to greater Auckland.

Auckland and Northland are vulnerable to landslips although the level of risk is dependent on the soil and site of individual properties.

With a long coastline, Northland and Auckland are also at risk from tsunami, particularly the east coast.

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