Story: Geology – overview

New Zealand in the Pacific Ocean

New Zealand in the Pacific Ocean

New Zealand is in the south-west Pacific Ocean, along the junction between the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates. New magma is erupted along the East Pacific Rise, and the Pacific Plate moves steadily towards New Zealand at a rate of about 40–50 millimetres per year.

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Source: NIWA – National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research

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How to cite this page:

Eileen McSaveney and Simon Nathan, 'Geology – overview - New Zealand – a geological jigsaw puzzle', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/map/8281/new-zealand-in-the-pacific-ocean (accessed 17 April 2024)

Story by Eileen McSaveney and Simon Nathan, published 12 Jun 2006