The stretch of highway that runs for 50km between the small towns of National Park and Tokaanu is situated right in the heart of the Central Plateau and runs right beside Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Ruapehu. You seriously can't get better views of all three mountains from such close proximity and it is one of the most beautiful scenic drives out there.

There is one particular section of the highway that lines up with Mount Ngauruhoe oh so perfectly and creates one of the best road shots in New Zealand in my opinion. For this shot you will need your zoom lens to help compress the mountain and get it looking larger than life inside your frame, and the best time is golden hour at sunset.

When travelling on SH47 from the Turangi side you will pass the turn off to Whakapapa Village and the Mount Ruapehu Ski Field, and not far past that there is a pullover on your right where there are two green water tanks, thats where you can park.