Some 350,000 years ago, the centre of New Zealand's North Island appeared much different than the mountainous, scrub-covered landscape it is today. Amid a glacial period, temperatures were colder and conditions harsher. Vast beech and podocarp forests blanketed the region, providing habitat for abundant native birdlife. It was against this tranquil backdrop that one of the Earth's most explosive eruptions violently unfolded, releasing enough material to carpet much of the country. Now,