University of Iowa 1922 Fiji-New Zealand Expedition
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Thomas observed that New Zealand was a miniature continent. He cited that some of its rocks, although very old, reveal little evidence that its land was above sea before the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Since that time the land has gone through elevation and subsidence, faulting and folding, mountain-making and volcanism. In addition, he noted that erosion by waves, rivers and ice had occurred resulting in complexities indicative of large continental units. Some scholars of the time believed that New Zealand and Australia had an affinity in regard to plan and animal life. However, Thomas felt that since there was an absence of eucalyptus and acacia plants and also no marsupials among the mammals he could not accept the concept.

Auckland is the largest city and located at the head of Waitemata harbor whose mouth is guarded by a volcanic island, Rangitoto.

Entering Waitemata Harbor

A geological phenomenon of the Auckland area is the numerous cones of small extinct volcanoes. Rangitoto is the largest of over sixty which occur in the district. The streets and town lots of Auckland were laid out with reference to these natural features and much of the landscape determined the arrangement of homes and gardens in the residence districts due to the cones, lava slopes and ridges of volcanic origin.

If you recall. while on the Fiji Island, Thomas and Glock went off on a little excursion to explore a mountain. Well, they did the same, or attempted to do so, in New Zealand. They wanted to climb Mt. Egmont which is an extinct volanic cone of 8,260 feet in the Taranaki Plain.

Mt. Egmont

On July 21, which was an extremely cold day, they set forth. Clouds were dense and they could see no more than fifty feet so they retreated. On the following day it was clear, so with ice-axes, smoked glasses and Alpine ropes they took off. Fortunately, in the beginning the snow was hard and firm, but some three hours later they had only reached Fantham Peak still some distance from the summit. However, through their field glasses they could see a heavy fall of snow coming from the crest. This meant they could go no further. While looking through the glasses, Thomas observed the farmsteads and villages below as a pretty sight and was satisfied that such a view was worth the climb.

Waldo S. Glock at Fantham Peak