Taupō volcano is the site of the most recent supereruption on Earth which ejected >530 km3 of magma at ~25.4 ka. It has also produced ~25 rhyolitic eruptions during the Holocene, including the extremely violent 232 AD "Taupō eruption". This day trip will give an overview of the volcanic and structural features of Taupō caldera and we will discuss eruptive/unrest history, the range in eruption sizes/frequency and outline the evolution of the volcano. We will visit key locations to showcase the different aspects of Taupō's history, view eruptive deposits and geothermal steam fields, and discuss ongoing monitoring and recent unrest episodes. This trip is intended as an overview of Taupō with easily accessible areas to match all levels of fitness and includes a 2 hour chartered boat trip out on the lake. A more detailed trip looking at eruptive stratigraphy and ignimbrites is also offered as a 5 day post-conference trip for those interested.

The northern portion of the Taupo Volcanic Zone is occupied by the Rotorua, and Ōkataina Volcanic Centres set within the active Taupō rift, where closely spaced normal faults accommodate extension. This area has been the subject of interest for assessing the interactions between tectonism, volcanism and geothermal activity. On this field trip, an overview will be provided of the Ōkataina and Rotorua Volcanic Centres and the surrounding area. Using roadside stops and sweeping lookout locations, we will assess the geomorphology of the region and explain the close connection between fault rupture and volcanic eruptions, in particular, the feedback between the two processes. During the trip, we will encounter a wide range of eruption styles from extrusive, rhyolite domes through to violent, caldera-forming events.