New Zealand’s Taupo volcano possesses a fierce eruptive force. You can take the summit track to reach the 2,500 m peak, or enjoy some of the more relaxed routes from the Taranaki/Egmont National Park Visitors Centre. There are several ways to get to Taranaki. It is interesting to note that major eruptions happen about 500 years apart, while smaller eruptions typically occur within 90 years. Its volcano activity began some 130,000 years ago. To get a bit of background history, Mount Taranaki is the youngest, biggest, and most active volcano in a long chain comprising Paritutu, Kaitake and Pouakai Ranges, and the Sugar Loaves. Apart from being a “movie star,” this volcano is also breathtakingly beautiful, and you just have to see it in person even if only from a distance. Taranaki “played the part” of Mount Fiji in Tom Cruise’s The Last Samurai. Speaking of big-screen productions, there is another New Zealand volcano that boasts Hollywood fame. Tolkien also calls it “fiery mountain” and “mountain of fate.” Taranaki Seated in the Black Land of Mordor, Mount Doom is almost impossible to reach, and the tiny hobbit faced a lot of perils on his way. As such, it is the ultimate destination of Frodo Baggins’ quest. Mount Doom is the place where the Dark Lord Sauron originally forged the One Ring, thus making it the only location where it is possible to destroy the Ring.
Ngauruhoe and the Mount of DoomĪ fun fact about Ngauruhoe is that it played the part of Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. His prayers were heard and his sisters threw flames across White Island, Rotorua, and Taupo. To survive, he prayed for his sisters to send him fire so he could warm up. Ngauruhoe can be interpreted as “throwing hots stones.” According to a local legend, a high priest named Ngatoroirangi was once caught in a blizzard on his way up Mount Ngauruhoe. If you are interested to learn a little more about the volcano’s history, let’s start with the name.
In fact, the cooling of the temperature of the crater floor suggests that the main vent is becoming blocked. Located within the Tongariro National Park, this stratovolcano boasts more than 70 eruptions from 1839 to 1975. Ngauruhoe is New Zealand’s youngest and historically most active volcano. The Islands are also home to 5 of the world’s 7 sea turtle species.
There are a total of 14 seabird breeding species at present, of which 10 breed nowhere else in New Zealand. They are not populated and can only withstand a limited number of visitors.Īpart from the abundance of volcanoes, the Kermadec Islands are known for breeding large colonies of seabirds. The reason for this measure is that the Kermadec Islands are of international conservation significance. They are located approximately 1,000 km northeast of New Zealand, and you can get there only with a special permit, so make sure to have your documents straight before you head off. The Kermadec Islands are among the most attractive destinations for volcano lovers. To give you a better idea of what you might expect, we have compiled a list with our recommendations below. If you are into this kind of adventure, we have excellent news for you: New Zealand offers you the possibility to set foot on some of the world’s most fascinating active volcanoes. It is a genuine feast of all senses with the lava bubbling, fiery rivers trickling down the ashy soil, all the tremble and cracking your ears filled with the rumble, and your eyes stinging from the smoke. Imagine what it feels to be physically present at the site.
You have already probably seen enough photos and videos to know that an active volcano is a mesmerizing sight. Lots of tourists enjoy this thrilling experience of touring them regardless of the potential risks it hides. New Zealand is home to many wonders of nature, including plenty of active volcanoes.