Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park

Experiencing the sunrise on the summit of the Ngauruhoe volcano (2291m) is a breathtaking natural spectacle and offers a magnificent view of the active Ruapehu volcano, the Tongariro National Park and the entire central plateau in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island. Forged by the earth’s embers over two million years, the summit of Ruapehu is today crowned with snow and ice. Born of fire, shaped by the struggle of the elements in the perpetual cycle of creation and decay, this landscape is a manifesto in stone of the untamed forces of nature. Nothing lasts forever; change is the only constant. Both mountains stand at the centre of New Zealand’s oldest national park, the Tongariro National Park. For ski fans, Ruapehu—at 2997 metres the highest mountain on the North Island—offers New Zealand’s largest ski area.