We travel back in time; back to before the Zealandia micro-continent drifted away from Australia and the rest of Gondwana to learn what New Zealand looked like during a time when some of the largest volcanic eruptions on the planet were occurring. We discover what caused these events, how life adapted and how they influenced the creation and formation of New Zealand as it is today.

Volcanic activity is ancient history in the South Island, but in the North Island we move into the present. How do humans live alongside the titanic power of volcanic events today? Areas of investigation include volcanism for the creation of alternative energy, tourism amidst volcanism and the science around extreme microorganisms that may hold secrets to producing the drugs of the future.

It’s the future that concentrates the minds of scientists. Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city and is constructed on the remnants of fifty-three volcanoes. The city is located directly above an active volcanic field. A volcanic event could occur at any time with as little as ten hours warning.