Exploring the Geology and Ecology of the Park

The drizzle in the morning didn’t keep me from going on a hike in Tongoriro National Park. I wasn’t fit enough for the Alpine Crossing, reputedly one of the most scenic 20km hikes on this continent. Besides, there were no guided tours offered today – you guessed it – due to the inclement weather!

The Taramaki Falls Track is a 6km loop at the west slopes of Mount Ngauruhoe. It passes through alpine scrublands, tussock grasslands, and beech forests. On non-drizzling days and on days when the clouds are not as low as today, the trail provides views of the volcanic peaks of Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Mount Tongariro. I had to use my imagination….

The main feature of the track is a 20-meter waterfall fed by the Wairere stream. Quite impressive even in the conditions I was able to behold it!

I happened to start my hike a couple of minutes before a group of youngsters, 14- to 15-year-olds, who were on school camp in the park. Every now and then we passed each other, exchanged a few words. They all seemed to be as happy and eager to be out and about as I was. No teenage blahs. About two thirds into the trail, the drizzle stopped and eventually one could hear birds again. I’m sure there was at least one skylark.