Three 19th century explorers dicover a hidden outfall from a crater lake high above. This is Mt Ruapehu, a volcano that still lives.

Being up on the volcanoes of the Central North Island Plateau gives one a feeling of being on top of the world, because all around the land falls away - one is literally on the top of the North Island and in good weather there is a bracing quality of light and clarity in the air that is hard to describe, except to say that it is unforgettable. It is also a fact that New Zealand's position gives it a noticeably bright quality of light.

This image combines realistic detail with an almost symbolic styling that gives a real feeling for the excitement and dangers that face those who first set foot in the world's wild places.