Mt. Tarawera

Welcome, adventurous scholars, to the imposing and sacred slopes of Mount Tarawera. We stand upon a dormant volcano located directly on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a major tectonic fault line. …

As we commence our hike toward the summit, you will quickly notice the distinct nature of the terrain beneath our boots. The path is not solid dirt or smooth bedrock; we are walking on deep, loose scree composed entirely of…

We have reached a prominent ridgeline, offering us our first terrifying and magnificent view of the mountain's greatest scar. Look down into the massive, gaping chasm that cuts a jagged line straight across the mountain's plateau. …

Pushing past the ridgeline, we have finally attained the summit area, nearly twelve hundred meters above sea level. This is the ultimate lookout spot. …

Now comes what is arguably the most exhilarating, and physically unusual, aspect of the Tarawera hike: the descent into the crater itself. We will not be carefully stepping down a carved path. …

We have successfully navigated the scree run and are now standing firmly on the floor of the volcanic crater. The atmosphere here is profoundly different from the wind-whipped summit. …

While standing in the crater, let us conduct a brief geological survey of the smaller rocks scattered around our feet. Pick up a light-colored stone. …

As we begin the arduous climb back out of the crater, navigating the steep, loose rock to return to our awaiting off-road vehicles, we reflect on the monumental scale of Mount Tarawera. We have ascended its rusting, iron-rich…