The road to Mount Doom: Lord of the Rings’ adventures in Tongariro National Park

When Kiwi director Peter Jackson was hunting for the perfect Mordor, he found it here in the volcanic core of the North Island, with Mount Ngāuruhoe towering as Mount Doom. From battle scenes to marching Orcs, and Frodo and Sam’s treacherous trek to destroy the One Ring, the national park captures Tolkien’s vision of a land full of peril.

Yet beyond its brooding cinematic fame, this UNESCO dual World Heritage Site is alive with hardy alpine herbs and soaring native birds. In summer, hikers cross plateaus dotted with emerald crater lakes and steaming vents, while wintery snow-cloaked peaks draw skiers to Whakapapa and Tūroa.

For fans of Frodo and Sam, these four cinematic locations bring Middle-earth to life.

Mount Ngāuruhoe | Mount Doom

The near-perfect cone of Mount Ngāuruhoe—aka Mount Doom—was digitally enhanced for the films to appear taller and fierier, but its real-life presence is just as commanding. Together with Mount Tongariro and Ruapehu, it forms one of New Zealand’s most geologically dramatic volcanic backdrops.

Ngāuruhoe is sacred to Māori, so many scenes of Frodo and Sam’s journey across its scorched slopes were filmed nearby on Ruapehu. But in its shadow, one of the world’s best one-day hikes winds through a glacier-carved valley scattered with volcanic boulders. The nearly 20-kilometre hike lets fans follow in Frodo and Sam’s footsteps, tracing the foothills of Ngāuruhoe all the way toward the fiery chasm where the One Ring would be destroyed.

Getting there: The volcano dominates the park, so you’ll spot it from almost every road around Tongariro National Park. For a close-up, hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. For an easier option, drive up Bruce Road (SH48) on nearby Mount Ruapehu for sweeping views of Ngāuruhoe. Or, take the 20-minute Ridge Track from Whakapapa Village to watch the volcano shift through soft sunrise and sunset hues.

Rangipo Desert/Te Onetapu | The Black Gate of Mordor and Orc army scenes

On the eastern slopes of Mount Ruapehu lies the Rangipo Desert, a windswept, remote expanse of volcanic foothills. This hostile landscape served as the backdrop for epic army scenes, including the Orc march and the dramatic charge on the Black Gate. It’s also where Frodo, Sam, and Gollum gazed toward Sauron’s dark realm and plotted their perilous trek around it.

Getting there: Drive the Desert Road (SH1), a 62-kilometre stretch between Tūrangi and Waiōuru. Along the way, there are plenty of pull-offs for photos—or fan selfies.

Whakapapa Ski Area and Meads Wall | Emyn Muil

Meads Wall is one of the park’s easiest filming locations to reach—just a short walk from the base of Whakapapa Ski Field. Its lava cliffs and jagged rocks became the labyrinth of Emyn Muil, where Frodo and Sam first meet the tortured Gollum. From the ridgeline, fans can peer across glacier-carved valleys toward Ngāuruhoe and Tongariro—or ride the Sky Waka gondola for sweeping Middle-earth views and dine at the Knoll Ridge Chalet, perched 2,020 metres above sea level on the edge of Mount Ruapehu.

Getting there: From the ski field carpark, walk past the base of the Rangatira Chairlift and follow markers to the edge of Meads Wall. Allow 30 minutes return. Walking only.

Tawhai Falls and Mangawhero Falls | Gollum’s Pool

Not far from Whakapapa Village, an easy 10-minute track leads to Tawhai Falls, known to fans as the Forbidden Pool—where Faramir captured Gollum in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. Surrounded by beech forest, it's easy to imagine Gollum blissfully unaware, catching fish in the turquoise pool before realising he’s been betrayed.

A second filming spot for the same scene lies on the southern flanks of Mount Ruapehu at Mangawhero Falls near Ohakune, depicting the forested Ithilien bordering Mordor.

Getting there: Tawhai Falls (SH48). Allow 30 minutes return. Walking only. For Mangawhero Falls, drive up Ohakune Mountain Road for 16 kilometres. The waterfall can be seen from a viewing platform five minutes from the car park. Walking only.

About: Tongariro National Park

Getting there: Tongariro National Park is just over an hour’s drive south from the lakeside town of Taupō, and about 40 minutes’ from Tūrangi. It is a 4.5-hour drive from Auckland or Wellington. The main gateways are Whakapapa Village on the north side and Ohakune on the south.

Best season: Summer (December–March) is ideal for hiking, with clear views and long daylight hours. Winter (June–September) brings snow activities and atmospheric skies—perfect for photography.

Top experiences for fans:

• Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing for sweeping views of Mount Doom.
• Drive the Desert Road to see the Rangipo Desert and the Black Gate landscapes.
• Visit Tawhai Falls and Meads Wall for easy-access filming sites and photo opportunities.