Tongariro National Park - Jan 2015.

[kiwi]

Spent last week in the Tongariro National Park, Not a lot of alpine plant life on the tops due to the active volcanic geology and recent eruptions in 2012. The landscapes made up for the plant life, with stunning rock formations and vistas.
Site of the last eruption (2012)
Soda Springs with a nice patch of Ranunculus nivicola.

[kiwi]

There was a lot of variation on leaf forms, some made me wonder if there were some hybrids between Ranunculus insignis, but we could not any other Ranunculus species in the area. Might be something David can help me with?
Ourisia was common around wet areas, I believe this was O.macrophylla.

[kiwi]

The Red Crater was an amazing formation, such intense colour! In the distance you can see Mt Doom, ( filmed in Lord of the rings) otherwise known as Mt Ngauruhoe. You can the the crevice in the Red crater which was the site of another previous eruption.

The Tongariro is a 19.4 km alpine crossing, the formed tracks make this walk achievable in 6-8 hours.
If you come to NZ North Island, this is a must do!

[kiwi]

From the lunar landscape of craters, pumice, lava flows and piles of scoria you are blown away when you are confronted with the emerald lakes!

[kiwi]

Euphrasia cuneata.
Raoulia  albosericea.
Dracophyllum recurvum.
Celmisia gracilenta.

[Hoy]

I like this kind of landscape, Doug! I have seen something similar in Iceland; a volcanic landscape with its colours is fascinating.

And the plants are nice too.

[Tim Ingram]

Really stunning pictures - other worldly! Reminds me too of Iceland (from a long time ago) but the plants are so distinctive and different too. Does anyone in NZ make documentaries about these places and plants? These are such unique environments.

[Maggi Young]

Note re picture size :  If you find that these lovely photos open at a size that does not allow you to see them full size on your screen, 
remember this trick, when using a mouse with a central scroll wheel : when you hold down the "Control" key  you can roll the central scroll wheel of the mouse towards you to reduce the size of the picture to fit onscreen to be seen as a whole.         

[Robert]

Stunning scenery, interesting and beautiful plants!

Thank you so much for sharing them.

[Yann]

Fantastic report, waterfall is amazing in such environment. It reminds me an old trip to Borneo lowlands...

[Anthony Darby]

I should do this crossing. It's not that far from me.

[kiwi]

Ourisia vulcanica
Anisotome aromatica surrounds a nice cushion. (still working on ID)
Celmisia incana were divine and common but i could find none in flower.
Another land mark from the Lord of the rings movies. Such an amazing natural rock formation.

[kiwi]

Brachyglottis bidwillii
Parahebe hookeriana (lavender flowers) and Parahebe spathulata (white flowers)
Both species were prolific throughout the National park. Real stunners!

[kiwi]

Pterostylis species were plentiful once we reached the bushline.
This stink horn fungi was amazing!
A hover fly rests on a Thelymitra species.
My favorite native tree, Cordyline indivisia! How amazing is that colour scheme up close!

[kiwi]

Umbrella fern, I think it is Sticherus cunninghamii.
One of many beautiful waterfalls throughout the park.
Wahlenbergia pygmaea.
View through to Lake Taupo (rear lake)
The never ending track down to the carpark beyond the bushline.