Air‐fall Kaharoa Ash and Taupo Pumice, and sea‐rafted Loisels Pumice, Taupo Pumice, and Leigh Pumice in northern and eastern parts of the North Island, New Zealand

Abstract This widespread and intensive field and laboratory (mineralogical and chemical) investigation aims to check the validity of Ohui Ash as a separate air‐fall tephra deposit, and to re‐examine the age of sea‐rafted Loisels Pumice. Ohui Ash is here considered to be probably Kaharoa Ash at Whiritoa Beach, eastern Coromandel Peninsula and definitely air‐fall Taupo Pumice at Opoutere Beach, eastern Coromandel Peninsula. Primary sea‐rafted Loisels Pumice is probably younger than Kaharoa Ash, but, as yet, its stratigraphic relationship is still uncertain. The investigation discloses that Wellman's sea‐rafted light coloured Loisels Pumice is sea‐rafted Taupo Pumice. It was also found that air‐fall Kaharoa Ash and Taupo Pumice occur in Northlandmuch further north than previously suspected.