Photo: Tongariro National Park NZ

The volcanic plateau of Mt Ruapehu stands in the background near Whakapapa in Tongariro National Park on the North Island of NZ.

The Tongariro National Park on the North Island of NZ is blessed with outstanding natural features especially those of Mt Ruapehu. This stratovolcano on the North Island of NZ stands amongst the rocky terrain of one of the most beautiful landscapes of NZ.Mt. Ruapehu is one of the active volcanoes in Tongariro National Park with Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro being the others. The rest of the park is surrounded by small towns, lush greenery, ski hills and well maintained roads that follow the park borders and provide easy access in.Tongariro National Park is the oldest national park in NZ and has been acknowledged by UNESCO as one of the twenty-four mixed cultural and natural World Heritage Sites. This park covers a vast amount of land with outstanding hiking and climbing activities in the summer months and skiing and snowboarding in the winter.The fauna throughout Tongariro National Park in NZ, is spectacular with 56 species of birds, lots of moths, wetas, rats, stoats, cats, rabbits, hare, possums and red deer. ... continue below the picture...

... As far as the flora goes, you will cross paths with some of the most incredible plants, flowers and trees of NZ.Tongariro National Park in NZ is a place of extremes and surprises and is definitely a place to explore and remember on your vacation to New Zealand.Mt Ruapehu seen along the Bruce Road near Whakapapa in Tongariro National Park, World Heritage Site, Central North Island, New Zealand.