The Rangipo Desert is a barren desert-like environment located on the North Island Volcanic Plateau to the east of the three active peaks of Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Mount Ruapehu, and to the west of the Kaimanawa Range.

The Rangipo Desert receives 1500 - 2500 mm of rainfall per year, but resembles a desert because of a poor soil quality and drying winds. The vegetation in minimal and scrubby, and the headwaters of many small streams, later to turn into large rivers, gouge deep serrated valleys through the earth. The climate here is harsh and alpine, with close to 270 ground frosts per year.
  

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