The whole area is volcanically active, and earthquakes are almost a daily occurrence. The islands are the summits of young, steep-sided volcanoes, which rise some 8000 metres from the sea floor. Raoul Island last erupted in 1964. The Kermadecs enjoy a mild and subtropical climate. About 1500mm of rain falls each year.
Cyclones occasionally wreak havoc.
The Kermadecs are uninhabited apart from Raoul Island where Department of Conservation officers and volunteers are based. They undertake a range of tasks, including weather observation, weed control, reserve and facilities maintenance, and monitoring volcanic activity. As rangers, the staff also have responsibility for policing the rules of the nature and marine reserves. The staff hostel and weather station is based on the northern terraces of Raoul. Landing normally occurs at Fishing Rock, east of the hostel site.