The Rotorua Caldera is a large rhyolitic caldera that is filled by Lake Rotorua. It was formed by an eruption 240,000 years ago that produced extensive pyroclastic deposits. Smaller eruptions have occurred in the caldera since, the most recent less than 25,000 years ago. It is one of several large volcanoes in the Taupō Volcanic Zone on the North Island of New Zealand.
Geography
thumb|left|230px|Downtown [[Rotorua, Lake Rotorua, and Mokoia Island]]
The major regional settlement of Rotorua city is located in the caldera. There is geothermal activity in the city, and the geothermal areas of Tikitere and Whakarewarewa are associated with the caldera. These areas are still associated with small hydrothermal eruptions.
Geology
Eruption history
The caldera was formed in a single event paired major eruption, lasting only weeks, that is now dated to 240,000 ± 11,000 years ago. It ejected more than of rhyolitic Mamaku ignimbrite giving it a Volcanic Explosivity Index of 7. A small but rather thick outcrop named Mokai Ignimbrite exposed to the south-west, but beyond the known boundaries of the much thinner at these boundaries, Mamaku ignimbrite, was erupted at close to the same time. This is likely from a different source to either the Mamaku or Ohakuri ignimbrite. A different source would explain interlayered ash not present in northern Mamaku ignimbrite but there is close composition homogeneity, suggesting a similar magma melt source. The relationship to the inactive southern portion (red dots) and currently active northern portion (red line) of the Horohoro Fault is shown. Relationships also shown to old Taupō Rift (light yellow shading), modern Taupō Rift (light red shading) and Hauraki Rift (light purple shading). The present landmarks of Lake Taupō and Mount Tarawera are labelled for orientation]]
The first major volcanic event 240,000 years ago was the initial Mamaku eruption followed within an hours/days/weeks of a smaller eruption (phase 1) from the same mush body feeding the Ohakuri Caldera about to the south. Understanding that there is volcanotectonic interrelationship lead to a complete reinterpretation of events in the Taupō Volcanic Zone in the last 250,000 years.