Rangitoto, the largest and youngest of Auckland’s 49 volcanoes, emerged from the sea around 600 years ago in a series of fiery volcanic explosions.
Further eruptions sent red-hot lava flows down the sides of the volcano forming the black basaltic rock that now makes up much of the island.
Scientists do not expect the island to erupt again - we hope not
Photo taken from Takapuna on the North Shore of Auckland