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       Michael A. Stecker 
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                        Mount Tongariro in Tongariro National Park 
                      
                        
                        
                        Formally created by an act of parliament in 1894 
                        Tongariro National Park is New Zealand's oldest national 
                        park and a World Heritage site as well. Found in central 
                        North Island just south of Lake Taupo are the three 
                        andesitic volcanoes at the heart of the park -- 
                        Tongariro, Ngaruahoe and Ruapehu.  Together they form 
                        the southern limits of the Taupo Volcanic Zone. 
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