New Auckland volcano discovered

Geologists have uncovered a new volcano in Auckland.

The discovery was made in the past few days by geologists from GNS Science and Auckland University drilling in the Panmure Basin.

The new volcano was found buried inside the mouth of an existing volcano that erupted about 28,000 years ago.

Volcanologist Dr Graham Leonard said the new volcano could be as young as 10,000 years.

He said the find was a very "exciting result".

He said it was extremely rare for two eruptions to have occurred at the same site in the Auckland Volcanic Field.

"Most of Auckland's volcanoes have erupted only once, with the possible exception of Rangitoto."

This is the fifth location that the group has drilled in the past three years as part of a research programme to improve the understanding of volcanoes and help prepare Auckland for future eruptions.

- NZPA