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Mount Ruapehu Eruptions 1995-96

The North Island is home to one of New Zealand’s most active volcanoes, Mount Ruapehu.

The mountain had been lying in rest for nearly 50 years when it started to show signs of activity at the beginning of 1995.
Despite this it didn’t get any attention, either from the public or the media, until a large eruption occurred in September 1995. This eruption caused widespread disruption as ash was distributed over much of the North Island. Explosions spread ash, rocks and water across the ski fields and there were lahars (mud flows of water and volcanic material) in three valleys on Ruapehu. The mountain continued to be active for 18 months.

During an eruption in June 1996 there was a 20km high ash plume which was carried by the wind as far north as Kerikeri and south to Marlborough. Eleven airports were closed and flights were diverted around the ‘danger zone’. Many animals such as trout, sheep and deer were killed in ashfall areas after grass and rivers were contaminated.

Mount Ruapehu
Mount Ruapehu during an eruption in June 1996.

Despite their spectacular appearance and the widespread disruption and damage they caused, the eruptions were considered minor. Nevertheless, they remained two of the largest volcanic events in New Zealand last century.

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