Putauaki (Mount Edgecumbe)

Putauaki is an andesite to dacite stratovolcano comprising lava flows, domes, minor explosive deposits, and block-and-ash flows (from the collapse of the lava dome edges). It is unusual in Okataina Volcanic Centre because it is not formed from the typical rhyolite magma. Dacite and andesite are more typical of other stratovolcanoes like White Island to the northeast or Tongariro far to the southwest.
The summit is formed from two small crater cones, with a lava flow to the southwest from the summit. To the northeast and west are several lava domes. This variety of landforms is typical of volcanoes where the rock type is between dacite and andesite composition. Dacite lava tends to be stickier forming domes, while andesite is more likely to form cones of ash and thin lava flows.

From the top of Putauaki identify the two obvious crater depressions, and take in the views across the landscape. Identify Mount Tarawera to the southwest and Lake Pupuwharau just to the north-west, infront of Kawerau.