Looking west over the western ringplains of Ruapehu. Photo NC.

In these areas the track remains above the treeline, allowing sweeping views over the surrounding country. Most of the forest visible here is mountain beech, with areas of podocarp forest (rimu - kamahi - rata) at low altitude near the park's boundary. The park extends down to the clearing visible in the centre. The Makatote River's gorge can be distinguished in the centre right of the image.