Mt. Ruapehu*
* Mt. Ruapeho - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Ruapehu If one wishes to travel between Wellington and Taupo in the North Island of New Zealand, one of the more scenic routes is via the Desert Road. Whether coming from or going to either of these two wonderful locations in the south-central part of New Zealand's North Island, the view is spectacular particularly in that part where a magnificent view of Mt. Ruapehu can be seen. Viewed from thousands of miles above the earth, Mt. Ruapeho does not appear to be all that majestic. Photo below is courtesy of Google Earth. But viewed from the ground, where most humans normally view mountains, Mt. Ruapehu is truly such a sight to behold as shown in the four photos below. Its snow-capped slopes glisten in the mid-day sun that seem to enhance it's brightness even more. Its sparkling beauty seems to refresh the weary traveler as he passes through a parched wind-swept dry land almost devoid of greenery and freshness. ...