The land east of Mounts' Ruapehu (See previous photo), Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro is a barren desert-like environment that has low rainfall and a harsh climate; vegetation consists mainly of Red Tussock and Snow grasses (above).
The soil quality is poor (Thanks mainly because of eruptions from the nearby mountains), and because of the strong either very hot or very cold winds that frequently blow across this lonely landscape.
To the average motorist negotiating the nearby State Highway One, it's a boring and often cold misty landscape that has to be endured when travelling between more popular destinations to the north or south, but there is more to this landscape than first meets the eye - IF one is prepared to stop for a few moments in order to take it all in...
The large volcanic mountains (Two of which are behind the photographer!) draw the most attention of course, but the grasses of this "desert" region deserve their moment of Fame as they bob about in the often strong cold winds, or they almost literally gleam in roasting hot temperatures...
It's a fascinating landscape, but one that has to be respected; on this occasion the wind was a bitterly cold 3C / 37F with cold mist sweeping down from the hills in the background...
It was nice to go away, but it's also nice to come home again - but hey: let's not get ahead of ourselves: this is only Day One of a ten day 'adventure'...! :-))
** Some of the above detail was taken from
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rangipo_Desert
Thanks so much for the very kind and encouraging comments beneath this photo...! Your support is very greatly appreciated.
