The Kermadec Islands are a volcanic island chain located off the northeast coast of New Zealand's North Island. The islands are mostly uninhabited, with the largest and only permanently inhabited island being Raoul Island. Raoul Island has an area of 18 square kilometers and features active volcanoes, coral reefs, and serves as the northernmost outpost of New Zealand with a weather station and accommodations. The Kermadec Islands experience frequent earthquakes due to their volcanic nature and location along the Kermadec Trench.