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Volcanic alert level summary

1. 3

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

   Minor volcanic eruption. - 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

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

   29 October 2026

   Since the last Volcanic Activity Bulletin on 11 August, volcanic tremor at Ruapehu has fluctuated at low-to-moderate levels, with a gradual upward trend in recent weeks. 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, therefore the Volcanic Alert Level remains at 1.

2. Whakaari/White Island

   Alert level: 3 Remains

   Minor eruptive activity continues at Whakaari/White Island. Volcanic Alert Level remains at 3.

   27 October 2026

   Minor eruptive activity continues at Whakaari/White Island characterised by low altitude ash and gas plumes that are dispersed downwind. More explosive eruptions could occur suddenly and be a threat to life on the crater floor and the area immediately offshore, south-east of the island. There are no threats to the mainland, but residents may notice a sulphur smell or light ash fall during favourable wind conditions.

3. Whakaari/White Island

   Alert level: 3 Raised

   Observations now confirm weak, ongoing eruption from Whakaari/White Island. Volcanic Alert Level raised to 3; Aviation Colour Code is raised to Orange.

   21 October 2026

   Whakaari/White Island volcano is now continuously passively erupting a small amount of volcanic ash. Consequently, the Volcanic Alert Level is raised to Level 3 (from 2) and the Aviation Colour Code to Orange (from Yellow). There are no threats to the mainland beyond a potentially noticeable sulphur smell and light ash fall. More explosive eruptions could occur suddenly and be a threat to life on the crater floor and the area immediately offshore, southeast from the island.

4. Whakaari/White Island

   Alert level: 2 Remains

   Emission of weak steam and gas plumes with minor volcanic ash continues at Whakaari/White Island. Volcanic Alert Level remains at 2 and Aviation Colour Code remains at Yellow.

   19 October 2026

   During the past few days, Whakaari/White Island volcano has continued to produce intermittent low-altitude plumes of steam and gas, with minor amounts of volcanic ash. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 2 and the Aviation Colour Code remains at Yellow.

5. Whakaari/White Island

   Alert level: 2 Remains

   Weak ash emission at Whakaari/White Island. Volcanic Alert Level remains at 2 and Aviation Colour Code remains at Yellow.

   16 October 2026

   Ash has been intermittently observed in a low altitude plume from Whakaari/White Island. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 2 and the Aviation Colour Code remains at Yellow.