Is Akaroa a Volcano?

Akaroa Volcano was one of three volcanoes that formed Banks Peninsula between 12 and 6 million years ago (Mid to late Miocene). Unusually for New Zealand, Akaroa and the other Banks Peninsula volcanos are shield volcanos. A shield volcano is built almost entirely of fluid lava flows.

Is Akaroa volcano extinct?

The Banks Peninsula Volcano is an extinct volcanic complex to the east of Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island. While the volcano is highly eroded it still forms the majority of Banks Peninsula with a highest point of 919 metres (3,015 ft).

How big was the Banks Peninsula volcano?

Originally Banks Peninsula was an island, but it became tied to the Canterbury Plains at some late stage in geological history when the growing alluvial plain reached its base. Akaroa is the larger volcano and probably reached a height of over 4,500 ft.