Tauranga

Geological Summary

The geology of Tauranga is dominated by a substrate of Pliocene rhyolite-dacite lava domes (for example, Mount Maunganui) and Quaternary rhyolitic ignimbrite exposed inland. These volcanic deposits are overlain by fluvial and marine sediments, particularly around the harbour, valleys and the coast.

Maps and Information

There are no geological mapping projects underway or imminent in the Tauranga area. Previously completed maps include:

2010/2018: QMAP 1:250 000 geological map

For wider and more generalised geological context of the Tauranga area, a 1:250 000 geological map was printed with accompanying explanatory text. Digital GIS and image versions of the map are available on DVD. The digital version has since been updated in a national GIS dataset at that nominal scale. The underlying GIS datasets have rich feature attributes.

• Leonard, G.S.; Begg, J.G.; Wilson, C.J.N. (compilers) 2010. Geology of the Rotorua area(external link). Institute of Geological & Nuclear Sciences 1:250 000 geological map 5. Lower Hutt, New Zealand. Institute of Geological & Nuclear Sciences Limited. 1 sheet + 102 p.
• Heron, D.W. (custodian) 2018. Geological Map of New Zealand 1:250 000(external link). GNS Science geological map 1 (2nd edition). Lower Hutt, New Zealand. GNS Science.

A geological map image can be downloaded(external link) or interrogated through the geological map application(external link). For GIS users, the QMAP geological feature layers can be downloaded from GNS Science’s Web Map/Feature Service(external link).

1996: University of Waikato 1:50 000 geological map

The city area of Tauranga is covered by a 1:50 000 geological map published by the University of Waikato (Briggs et al. 1996).