Hiking through dramatic landscapes in New Zealand

In autumn, which takes place in March in New Zealand, the volcanic landscape in the national park is particularly colourful.

As tour guide Joe Easley prepares his latest group of hikers for an excursion crossing the Tongariro volcanic plateau in New Zealand’s North Island, they learn that it is a serious business.

“If you hear a bang as we’re walking, please look up first for rock fragments that could fly towards you,” he says. “If lava flow then pours into the valley, you’ll be safe on the mountain opposite.”