Extreme Pursuit's extensive exploration of the Auckland Volcanic Field has resulted in the discovery of new and undocumented lava caves, including some of the largest and most remarkable in the field.
Our discoveries are documented on this page through surveys, detailed photographic records, and scientific analyses. You'll also find comprehensive information about Auckland's lava caves, including how they form geologically, their unique shapes, features and mineral formations.
Overview of Auckland's Lava Caves
The Auckland Volcanic Field (AVF), a monogenetic volcanic field encompassing the Auckland region, is home to a remarkable geological feature: a vast network of lava caves. These caves exhibit an incredible diversity in their morphology. Some are simple tubes, while others form intricate networks with multiple levels and chambers, extending for hundreds of meters. They harbor a fascinating diversity of features, including intricate geological structures, alongside a variety of mineral formations. They are wonderful time capsules that preserve clues about past eruptions and lava flow patterns.
Cave Discoveries
We’ve discovered 30+ new lava caves in the AVF. Several are significant and have been surveyed and added to the NZSS Cave Atlas.
Cave Formation
Cooling lava’s surface hardens into a crust, allowing the molten interior to flow onward, ultimately forming a hollow tube.
Cave Features
Auckland lava caves feature a diverse array of features, including terraces, shelves, skylights, stalactites, and stalagmites.
Cave Types
While single tubes are common in Auckland, complex, multi-level cave systems also exist due to multiple overlapping lava flows.
Cave Minerals & Films
Auckland’s lava caves showcase a remarkable variety of secondary mineral formations, and they also harbor bacterial biofilms.
Cave Pictures
We have a comprehensive collection of pictures from our exploration of Auckland’s Lava Caves available to academics and students.
Our Lava Cave Discoveries
We have discovered 30+ previously undocumented lava caves within the AVF. Several are considered to be among the most significant AVF lava caves recorded to date. These significant caves have undergone comprehensive surveys and documentation and incorporated into the New Zealand Speleological Society Cave Atlas Database. You can find a complete list of our cave discoveries with detailed information here.
Conservation & Cultural Values
Reflecting their taonga (treasure) status encompassing cultural, historical, and geological significance, many of Auckland’s lava caves are safeguarded under the Auckland Unitary Plan. This ensures that any development or activity impacting these caves necessitates comprehensive evaluation and respect for their ecological and cultural values. Additionally, many lava caves hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for Māori, who consider them sacred sites. Respecting these values and preserving the caves’ pristine condition is crucial for both scientific and cultural reasons.
Important Disclaimer
Lava cave exploration can pose a serious risk to personal safety due to unstable terrain, potential for rockfall, and lack of oxygen. Cave entrances are often located on private land and require land owner permission before entering. These unique ecosystems are also home to delicate mineral formations as well as flora and fauna, which are highly sensitive to disturbance.