Volcanic Plateau - Mordor, Mount Doom, Gorgoroth

The Tongariro World Heritage National Park in the central North Island's Volcanic Plateau isn't just legendary for its dramatic and eerie scenery. What makes the area especially unique is its accessibility—you can ski on an active volcano or take a one day hike from alpine meadow to mountain summit, with stunning volcanic landscapes along the way.

Thanks to a geologically turbulent past, the area provided The Lord of the Rings crew with the perfect raw materials to create vivid scenes of Mordor, Emyn Muil, Mount Doom and the Plains of Gorgoroth. Northwards, Lake Taupo is famous for its trout, year-round water sports and stunning views across the water towards those mystical Middle-earth volcanoes.

For further information on the Taupo region view our Taupo regional information page.