Our dynamic land, in focus

Volcanic alert level summary

1. 2

   Alert level
   Whakaari/White Island Cone Cone-shaped volcano, often with a summit crater.

   Moderate to heightened volcanic unrest. - View bulletin

2. 1

   Alert level
   Ruapehu Cone Cone-shaped volcano, often with a summit crater.

   Minor volcanic unrest. - View bulletin

1. Ruapehu

   Alert level: 1 Remains

   Decrease in volcanic tremor at Ruapehu. Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 1.

   11 August 2026

   Since the last Volcanic Activity Bulletin on 3 August, volcanic tremor at Mt Ruapehu has decreased from moderate to weak levels. There has been minimal change in measured gas emissions as well as the temperature of Te Wai ā-moe (Ruapehu Crater Lake). Volcanic activity remains within the range typical for minor unrest. The Volcanic Alert Level therefore remains at Level 1.

2. Ruapehu

   Alert level: 1 Remains

   Update on Ruapehu: Increase in volcanic tremor but no other changes observed. Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 1.

   3 August 2026

   During the last two weeks, volcanic tremor at Mt Ruapehu has gradually increased from weak to moderate levels. There has been minimal change in temperatures of Te Wai ā-moe (Ruapehu Crater Lake). Volcanic gas emissions continue in low-to-moderate amounts. Volcanic activity remains within the range typical for minor unrest. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 1; the Aviation Colour Code remains Green.

3. Whakaari/White Island

   Alert level: 2 Remains

   Steam and gas emissions continue at Whakaari/White Island. Volcanic Alert Level remains at 2.

   23 June 2026

   Based on recent observations from webcam images, a gas flight, and satellite imagery, activity at Whakaari/White Island continues with steam and gas emissions. Activity has been consistent over the past 2 months, with no eruptive activity. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 2 and the Aviation Colour Code at Yellow.

4. Ruapehu

   Alert level: 1 Remains

   Update on Ruapehu: Slight increase in heat flow and gas output, continued small earthquakes beneath summit. Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 1.

   16 June 2026

   Since the last update in late April, Mt Ruapehu has continued to show low-level unrest, characterised by persistent small earthquakes beneath the summit area, minor fluctuations in Te Wai ā-moe (Ruapehu Crater Lake) temperature, and variable but generally low-to-moderate gas emissions. Volcanic activity remains within the range typical for minor unrest. The Volcanic Alert Level therefore remains at Level 1.

5. Ruapehu

   Alert level: 1 Remains

   Update on Ruapehu: Lake temperature remains steady, small earthquakes under summit. Volcanic Alert Level remains Level 1

   21 April 2026

   Since the last Ruapehu update in February, lake temperatures and gas emissions have remained stable. We have observed a small increase in seismic activity under the summit from mid-March to early-April. No noticeable change has been observed in Crater Lake composition. The Volcanic Alert Level at Ruapehu remains at Level 1 and the Aviation Colour Code at Green.