In this erosion bank of the track, black charred logs are interspersed in layers of volcanic ashes and white Taupo pumice. Photo NC.

Such remains are scattered throughout the park, suggesting that prior to the Taupo eruption of AD 186 much of the park below 1200 m (3937') was forested. This most recent eruption of the Taupo volcano is also one of the most violent volcanic eruptions ever recorded in the world (although much smaller than a previous one, 22,500 years ago). In the year AD 186, it took the hot pumice flow less than half an hour to destroy two thirds of the park's vegetation.