Volcanic Peaks & Glaciers

This collection highlights the geological diversity of New Zealand's Central Plateau, encompassing the active stratovolcanoes of Tongariro National Park and the massive rhyolitic caldera of Taupō. The selection includes the prominent Red Crater with its distinct iron-rich coloration, the andesitic peak of Pihanga, and the receding Mangaturuturu and Wahinoa glaciers on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu. High rhyolite cliffs at Lake Taupō and the dramatic volcanic vents of the Tongariro complex showcase millions of years of tectonic activity.

Mount Tongariro

Active compound volcano featuring multiple craters and vents. It is the oldest of the three main volcanic peaks in Tongariro National Park, with its last significant eruption occurring at the Te Maari craters in 2012.

Mount Ngāuruhoe

Mount Ngauruhoe is a volcanic cone in New Zealand. It is the youngest vent in the Tongariro stratovolcano complex on the Central Plateau of…

Taupo Volcano

Lake Taupō, in the centre of New Zealand's North Island, fills the caldera of the Taupō Volcano, a large rhyolitic supervolcano.

Red Crater

The highest point on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This active scoria cone is named for the distinct red coloration caused by the high-temperature oxidation of iron in the volcanic rock.

Pihanga

Pihanga is a 1,326 metres andesitic volcanic peak in the North Island Volcanic Plateau, located to the north of Mount Tongariro, between…

Mangaturuturu Glacier

Alpine glacier on the western slopes of Mount Ruapehu that feeds the Mangaturuturu River.

Wahinoa Glacier

Receding glacier situated on the southeastern slopes of Mount Ruapehu.

The Bluff

Rhyolite cliff face on the western shores of Lake Taupō used for recreational rock climbing.

Karangahape Cliffs

The highest cliffs on Lake Taupō, rising 150 metres above the water. These sheer rhyolite walls mark the edge of the Taupō caldera.