The Desert Road aka State Highway 1 is a 63km stretch of alpine road linking the small towns of Turangi and Waiouru in the Central Plateau. One of more popular and recognisable shots (especially on Instragram) is this road shot of Mount Ngauruhoe from the Desert Road.

This location works best at sunrise when the sun is rising from the east casting light on Mount Ngauruhoe as it creeps above the horizon.

There is a safe pullover where you can park your car and then walk approximately 100 metres to the location. Please note: The Desert Road is a busy highway with freight trucks rolling through every few minutes. You need to stand well off the road and use some common sense especially when trucks are coming towards you.