Volcanic Plateau

Here's where you can immerse yourself in the land of Mordor, Mt Doom and the Plains of Gorgoroth. Thanks to a geologically turbulent past, the area provided The Lord of the Rings crew with the perfect raw materials to create vivid scenes for the more sinister episodes in the Hobbit tale.

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. Northwards, Lake Taupo is famous for its trout, year-round water sports and stunning views across the water towards those mystical Middle Earth volcanoes.