Volcanoes of the South Wind - A Field Guide to t he Volcanoes and Landscape of Tongariro National Park

The origin of the word Tongariro is contained in Ngatoro-i-rangi's prayer for fire - tonga (south wind) and riro (carried away.) The name Tongariro was often applied to all three volcanoes (Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu) by the Ngati Tuwharetoa People. Science has succeeded in stripping away the myths from volcanoes. Today, we seek explanations based on an understanding of the geological processes that cause volcanic activity, We now know something about why volcanoes occur where they do, and how they work. However, the awesome power and unpredictable nature of volcanoes ensures these 'burning mountains' will retain much of their mystery and fascination...