How a major Auckland eruption would reshape the city 16 May, 2021 07:30 AM 5 minutes to read Simulation of a volcanic eruption in the Auckland area. Video / Brandspank Scientists have simulated how Auckland could recover from a major volcanic eruption within the city - costing industries billions of dollars and transforming entire residential areas. Auckland straddles a large volcanic field home to more than 50 volcanic centres, posing an ever-present hazard to the city's 1.6m-strong population. While its existing volcanoes are thought unlikely to erupt again, the Auckland Volcanic Field is young and potentially active - with the potential to bring fast-moving surges of hot rock and gas, and widespread ashfall.