Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
cific Ring of Fire' - has been the seat of massive eruptions that have left their mark on the
country physically and culturally.
Most spectacular were the eruptions that created Lake Taupo. Considered the world's
most productive volcano in terms of the amount of material ejected, Taupo last erupted 1800
years ago in a display that was the most violent anywhere on the planet within the past 5000
years.
You can explore the North Island's volcanic landscapes on numerous tramps in the
Tongariro and Egmont national parks. The former is home to three of the country's most
famous volcanoes - Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe (Mt Doom in the
Lord of the
Rings
films), the peak of which can be bagged via a side trip on the world-famous Tongariro
Alpine Crossing.
Egmont National Park is centred upon the near-symmetrical cone of Mt Taranaki, laced
with tracks that go up, down and around the relatively young, quiescent volcano. To the
northwest, within the park's bounds, you can also traverse the Pouakai and Kaitake ranges,
deeply eroded volcanic stumps that were active between 250,000 and 600,000 years ago.
The North Island has a much more even rainfall than the South, and is spared the temper-
ature extremes of the South, which can plunge when a wind blows in from Antarctica. The
important thing to remember, especially if you are tramping at high altitude, is that NZ has a
maritime climate. This means weather can change with lightning speed, catching out the un-
prepared.
