Mountain beech forest at the Waihohonu Stream valley crossing. Photo NC.

This area makes a pleasant contrast with the rather barren landscape on the way from Oturere Hut. The forest's coolness can be a bonus too at times. This is the largest patch of forest on the whole trip.
In Tongariro National Park, mountain beech typically grows in valleys along streams. Reasons for this are twofold. Firstly this reflects the seed dispersal mode of beech, which relies on running water. Secondly, in this northern part of the park, the existing patches of beech forest may either have survived the destruction of the AD 186 Taupo eruption thanks to adequate shelter, or at least benefited from enough shelter to protect a stock of seeds that allowed regeneration of the forest. [More on this subject in view 3].