October 23 – October 24 : Tongariro

Tongariro National Park, located in central North Island, is New Zealand’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Known for its volcanic landscapes, it served as Mordor in The Lord of the Rings, with Mount Ngauruhoe as Mount Doom. The park offers hikes like the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, showcasing emerald lakes, craters, and lava flows.

From Wellington to Tongariro

The roughly 350 km route takes about 4.5 hours to drive. I made a short detour, around half an hour, to visit the Rivendell filming location, which is less than an hour from Wellington but slightly off the direct route up north.

Rivendell

Not much remains of Elrond’s sanctuary, but the filming location is well marked on Google Maps, making it easy to find. It’s the only filming location I’ve seen with actual street signs pointing to it. On-site, there are information boards showing which trees appear in specific scenes. There’s also a replica Elvish stone arch, which wasn’t part of the original movie set but was added later as a tribute to the films.

PXL_20241022_203440577 — Don’t need a Gandalf to find Rivendell.

Tongariro National Park

The best base for exploring is the village in Tongariro National Park, which has a few affordable lodges, two restaurants, and a supermarket. It’s small, budget-friendly, and close to the park—everything you need for a convenient stay.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is likely the most popular hike in the area. This 20 km trek takes around 6 – 8 hours to complete, leading you through stunning lava-sculpted landscapes and past striking volcanic lakes. Plus, like Frodo and Sam, you’ll have the chance to hike on Mount Doom itself – so if you have any rings to destroy, now’s your chance!
The Tongariro Northern Circuit is a 43 km, 3–4 day hike around Mount Ngauruhoe. This trek passes red craters, emerald lakes, and alpine meadows, offering an in-depth look at the park’s volcanic landscapes. With campsites and huts along the way, it’s a Great Walk that showcases Tongariro’s natural and cultural wonders. Remember to reserve the huts well in advance if you aim to do this trek.
Shorter Hikes: Trails like Taranaki Falls and Tama Lakes offer scenic views in just a few hours.
Tawhai Falls: Another filming location, this pool with a waterfall featured as the Forbidden Pool, where Faramir threatens to kill Gollum to blackmail Frodo. It can be reached by a 5-minute walk from its parking lot.

Enjoy the stunning landscapes of Tongariro National Park :