Whangamomona Saddle, State highway 43, Central North Island, NZ

Departing the Republic of Whangamomona, think about the harsh conditions for the men employed in the late 1800’s living in tents for over a decade to build the communications networks of rail tracks and roads. At the Strathmore Saddle stop at the lookouts signposted and get the camera ready for spectacular views of the volcanoes of Tongariro, Ruapehu, Ngaurahoe and Taranaki. You can almost feel the ferocity of volcanic eruptions observing the horizons with volcanic mountains embracing the horizon.