View north from the beginning of the track at Whakapapa Village. Ngaruhoe (tallest) and Pukekaikiore in the background. Photo NC.

These vast and relatively level expanses of tussockland are the dominant vegetation in the north-western area of the park. They are also one of the factors that contribute most to the park's special character and beauty. The walking is pleasant and even exhilarating thanks to a feeling of immensity. It provides excellent views over the volcanoes as well as the country further west. Here the red tussock grows in association with other shrubs (Hebe, mountain cottonwood, Dracophyllum, Mountain toatoa, etc). Another very common plant species is heather, introduced in the park early in the 20th century. It is progressively replacing the native vegetation, especially red tussock. Hopes for reversing this serious threat are now pinned on the heather beetle, a natural enemy of heather. There are patches of mountain beech forest along the streams (as here visible in the centre of the picture).