- New Zealand has complex geology with extensive volcanic systems and seismicity as well as being among the world leaders (6th) in geothermal energy production.
- To the north of New Zealand and beneath the eastern North Island, the Pacific Plate subducts beneath the Australian Plate. Within the South Island, the transform plate margin is identified by the Alpine Fault. South of New Zealand, the Australian Plate is subducted below the Pacific Plate.
- Subduction beneath the North Island has resulted in substantial volcanic activity with 21# Holocene volcanoes. The South Island has 3# volcanoes.
- Most of New Zealand’s geothermal energy generation is located in the high enthalpy Taupō Volcanic Zone (TVZ) on the North Island. TVZ crustal thickness has been estimated to be ~12km which is very thin resulting in significant heat flux.
- The TVZ is a volcanically active area, with large caldera volcanoes (Taupō and Okataina), dome volcanoes (Ruapehu, Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Whakaari/White Island), and zones of molten rocks between Ruapehu and Kawerau.
