Because of the prevailing winds a section of the zone has become a new Zealand desert. because it is sheltered behind the high volcanoes. There are no farms here, water is limited and only the most tenacious plants survive on the infertile windswept volcanic land.  Yet there is life and there are uses for this area and it makes a distinct change of scenery for the traveler.

Studies: we witness the effects of orographic weather patterns and explore the science behind it. There are a some erosion processes to see and we look at some of the land uses.

See also:-    LINK Rangipo Desert