• Observation flight confirms new ash emissions at White Island volcano

    Minor ash emissions were confirmed at Whakaari / White Island, New Zealand, following two short-lived eruptions on October 30, 2025. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 3 and the Aviation Color Code at Orange, indicating minor eruptive activity with uncertain future development. An observation flight on November 3 confirmed an ash plume rising 400–500 m (1 300–1 600 feet) above sea level, drifting southeast for 5–8 km (3–5 miles).

  • M4.4 earthquake beneath Lake Taupo, more than 20 aftershocks, New Zealand

    An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.4 struck beneath Lake Taupō, New Zealand on March 5, 2023, followed by more than 20 aftershocks. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 1, which denotes minor volcanic unrest, and the Aviation Color Code is Green. Although there is no immediate risk, the potential for eruption hazards cannot be entirely ruled out, and it is essential that visitors and residents follow the recommended safety guidelines.

  • Rising temperature at Ruapehu’s Crater Lake, New Zealand

    Recent activity at New Zealand’s Ruapehu volcano has shown an increase in the temperature of the summit Crater Lake, known as Te Wai ā-moe, rising to more than 30 °C (86 °F) and consistent with heat flow into the lake of about 150-200 MW. Despite this, the level of volcanic unrest activity remains low, with monitoring indicators remaining within the normal range for this type of activity. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 1 and the Aviation Color Code remains Green, indicating a low risk of eruption.