Us with the Rangipo Desert

Photographer: Laura Pearman & Thom Crowder
From: Tour of the Ring (thats really bad punning)
Canon » Canon Eos 10d

Us with the Rangipo Desert

On the eastern side of the volcanic area, is this desert area. I assume its there because of the volcanic dust that been blown by the wind. The State Highway 1 runs this side of the Tongariro NP, and closes if theres any eruption.(Only from the active Mt.Ruapehu, snow covered and south of Mt.Ngauruhoe).