Rangipo Desert, Central Plateau. North Is. New Zealand.
S 39° 16.115 E 175° 39.090
60H E 383671 N 5652551
Rangipo Desert in the centre of the North Island is created not by a lack of rainfall, but from volcanic ash, high altitude, and associated harsh weather conditions.
Waymark Code: WMPA56
Location: North Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 07/27/2015
Views: 2
Rangipo Desert is a barren region in the centre of the North Island of New Zealand. It lies in the eastern shadow of the central volcanic mountains, Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu, the three volcanoes of Tongariro National Park. This area resembles a desert despite receiving plenty of rainfall because of a poor soil quality, drying winds and the mass sterilization of seeds during a series of violent eruptions about 20,000 years ago. The vegetation is low and sparse, consisting of mainly tussock and snow grasses. The headwaters of many small streams, which later turn into large rivers, gouge deep serrated valleys through the unconsolidated ash and pumice-rich earth. The climate here is harsh particularly during winter, characterized by heavy snowfalls and ground frosts.
It is the only true desert landscape in the North Island, and as such, features vast plains of wind sculptured sands and volcanic rock. The Rangipo Desert is dryer than most areas in Tongariro National Park as it is sited in the rain shadow to the east of Mt Ruapehu.
From the west, the flow of air is accelerated through Tama Saddle, between Mt Ruapehu and Mt Ngauruhoe. As the north westerly winds gather speed through here, they have a significant effect on Rangipo Desert on the eastern side. Drying winds are a major factor in creating a desert environment.
Frost is a significant feature of the eastern 'desert' quarter of the Tongariro National Park, with a growth season of less than 90 days in the Desert Road area.
Access: The waymark co-ordinates provide the best viewpoint. This area can be accessed by walking, bicycles, car and 4WD vehicles from the Tukino Skifield Road off the Desert Road, but cars can only reach the lower carpark. However, 4WD is recommended and care should be taken over sandy stretches of road.
Upper Tukino Road carpark 4WD: S 39° 16.115 E 175° 39.090
Lower carpark: S 39° 16.395 E 175° 40.400
*4WD vehicles are allowed but the Dept of Conservation requests that you PLEASE STAY ON THE ROAD only.
*NO driving off-road across the desert.
*4WD vehicles are required to go beyond the lower carpark.
Waymark is confirmed to be publicly accessible: yes
Parking Coordinates: N 39° 16.395 W 175° 40.400
Access fee (In local currency): .00
Requires a high clearance vehicle to visit.: no
Requires 4x4 vehicle to visit.: no
Public Transport available: no
Website reference: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:
No specific requirements, just have fun visiting the waymark.