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Taranaki Falls – Tongariro National Park, Middle Earth

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Spent a day or so exploring Tongariro National Park recently. What a fab spot. These pics are from a walk I did from Whakapapa Village – to the Taranaki Falls.

It was a bit overcast and drizzly which produced some moody Middle Earth vibes. Still tweaking a few of these images. To be honest, while they do capture the feel of the trip for me, not especially happy with the overall quality. It won’t happen overnight but I do keep saying it’s time to try out some new glass. Made a quick video from some on-the-run shots.

Forgotten how much I enjoy exploring new sub-alpine environments – was on a bit of high for a while.

Sub-alpine landscape near Taranaki Falls, Ruapehu
On the way to the Falls – tussock and mist. I was taken by the texture, colour and variety of shrubs and grasses. Quite distinct from my journeys in South Island alpine and sub-alpine zones.

 

 

Snow and shrubs - Taranaki Falls
Shrubs and snow

 

 

trees against cliffs near Taranaki Falls
Elf country. Volcanic cliffs and layers of vegetation above the Wairere stream.

 

 

Stesp winding by rocks and bush
Hobbit steps near the Taranaki Falls

 

 

Taranki Falls from a distance
Approaching the Taranaki Falls

 

 

Folks sit under umbrellas watching falls
The Falls: nice to see people slowing down to take it all in…

 

 

Halocarpus bidwilli near Whakapapa Village
Pretty sure this conifer is Halocarpus bidwilli aka Bog pine (thanks to DoC at the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre for help with identification.)

 

 

Close up of Bog Pine leaves
Closer shot sowing more Bog pine leaf detail.

 

 

Bog Pine showing whole tree
The Bog pine/Mountain pine/Halocarpus bidwilli tree from whence came the above images. According to nzplants.auckland.ac.nz ‘H. Bidwillii is found in moist to dry stony areas from the central North Island Volcanic Plateau to the South Island.’ Don’t recall coming across it in my travels in the South.
Will keep an eye out in the future.

 

 

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