Summary: This field trip will provide a comprehensive overview of the diverse Late Pleistocene glaciovolcanic features of the Tongariro National Park (TNP). These iconic mountains that have been shaped by fire and ice provide excellent outcrops for studying the influence of glaciers and meltwater on eruption styles and deposits at andesitic stratovolcanoes. The field trip will consist of 3 full-day hikes to explore the processes and products of lava-ice interaction at Ruapehu (2 days) and subglacial volcanism at Tongariro (1 day). Participants will walk through glacial valleys and over ice-impounded lava flows to get hands-on experience with till, moraines, hyaloclastites, subaqueous tuff breccias, colonnades, and fine-scale cooling fractures in lavas. A wealth of new geological, glaciological and geochronological data for the TNP has given rise to detailed volcano evolution models and paleoclimate reconstructions, making this a unique (and beautiful) location to learn about the life cycles of stratovolcanoes.

The cost of NZD 500 per person covers transport in minibuses (pick-up in Auckland 26 January AM, drop-off in Rotorua 29 January PM) and accommodation (private and shared rooms) for 4 days and 3 nights. Participants will pay for their own meals. Cultural and group activities to introduce participants to the history, lifestyle, and delicacies of New Zealand will be organized at no extra cost.