Taupō Volcanic Zone, Volcanic territory in North Island, New Zealand
The Taupō Volcanic Zone is a volcanic region on New Zealand's North Island that spans several hundred kilometers. It contains numerous active geothermal areas with geysers, mud pools, and steam vents that visitors can observe along accessible walking trails.
A massive eruption roughly 26,500 years ago deeply shaped the region, leaving thick layers of volcanic material across a large area. Subsequent major eruptions over thousands of years continued to form the landscape visible today.
The name comes from Taupō, meaning "cloak of the night" in the Maori language, reflecting the region's spiritual importance. Geothermal activity shapes daily life here, from the thermal pools people visit to the natural heat sources that warm communities.
Wear sturdy footwear since trails cross geothermal areas with uneven ground. Most locations are clearly marked and easy to reach, though it helps to check ahead which sites are accessible when you plan your visit.
Beneath the surface, the Earth's crust here is remarkably thin, allowing the intense geothermal activity that defines the area. This thin crust layer is why steam and hot water emerge so frequently at the surface.
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