Building On Volcanic Rock

05 May 2026

If you’re building in Auckland, encountering volcanic rock is always a possibility.

From Devonport to Mt Eden and beyond, there are many suburbs located near one of Auckland’s 53 volcanic cones, and this increases the chances of encountering volcanic rock.  

You won’t always hit it—but when you do, it can slow things down and add cost if you’re not prepared.

That’s why geotech investigations matter. Knowing what’s below the surface lets you plan properly and price the job accurately.

On a recent Devonport project, we struck a solid slab of volcanic rock during a basement dig. No surprises—just action. We brought in a hydraulic breaker, broke it out, and kept moving. Because the job was tracking well, the impact was minimal.

That’s the reality of renovations: things come up. The difference is how you deal with them.