"A.K.A. Mordor" Tongariro National Park by MFAMILY

This one of the most extraordinary volcanic regions. Three volcanoes in a row, and still active.
Mt Ruapehu is the highest and most active, the last of the eruptions having taken place in 1995, with activity going on for over a year.
Mt tongariro, also still active, but quieter since 1926. The Crossing that bears it's name is one of the highlights and takes about 7 to 8 hours, passing besides lakes, craters, indigenous forests.
Mt Ngaruahoe is a perfect cone, having starred on the fantastic movie trilogy "The Lord of the Rings" as Mount Doom.
Sometimes it can be hard to see it, as clouds hide it most of the time. But weather changes frequently and waiting can unveil a fantastic sight.

Frodo, Sam and Gollum had to climb Emyn Muil

Nature couldn't have offered LOTR movie nakers with a better location for the Mordor scenes.
Ian Brodie's "LOTR location guidebook" is a perfect guide for those who wish to explore this location, be it Mount Doom, Emyn Muil, the falls of Henneth Annûn (Tawhai Falls)...

Into the fog...

At Whakapapa Ski Area a chair lift operates from December to April up the mountain. Guide walks to Crater lake start from the chair lift daily in the morning at 9.30am

• Pros:Ideal for nature lovers and movie fans!