Discover Lord of the Rings Filming Locations in Tongariro National Park

In the heart of the Central Plateau, the volcanic landscapes of Tongariro National Park became the setting for some of the most iconic Lord of the Rings locations in Tongariro National Park. With its towering peaks, vast alpine deserts and ancient lava flows, this dual World Heritage site is both a sacred cultural landscape to Ngāti Tūwharetoa and one of Aotearoa’s most visited wilderness areas. Its active volcanoes, barren valleys and otherworldly ridgelines made it the perfect choice when Peter Jackson needed a setting to bring Mordor to life on screen.

Fans of The Lord of the Rings will instantly recognise Mount Ngauruhoe as the fiery Mount Doom, Tawhai Falls as the mysterious Gollum’s Pool, and the dark cliffs of Mead’s Wall as the Emyn Muil. Beyond these famous spots, the park also hides lesser-known filming locations such as the Mangawhero Falls, the stark Rangipo Desert and alpine ski fields transformed into Mordor’s wastelands. Today, you can walk, photograph, and experience these landscapes for yourself — stepping straight into the world of Middle-earth.

🌋 Mount Ngauruhoe – Mount Doom

In The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Mount Ngauruhoe became the unforgettable Mount Doom — the fiery heart of Mordor where the One Ring was both forged and destroyed. Director Peter Jackson chose its symmetrical cone and stark volcanic slopes to symbolise the menacing power of Sauron’s realm, enhancing it with digital fire and smoke to complete the illusion. Its haunting silhouette made it one of the most iconic landscapes in Middle-earth.

Quick Facts

• Height: 2,291 metres
• Age: ~2,500 years (youngest cone in the Tongariro complex)
• Activity: Around 45 eruptions in the 20th century
• Last activity: Major eruption in 1974–75, minor ash event in 1977
• Status: Tapu (sacred) to Ngāti Tūwharetoa; climbing discouraged since 2017
• Best views: From the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Whakapapa Village and the Desert Road

💧 Tawhai Falls – Gollum’s Pool

Featured in The Two Towers, Tawhai Falls became the eerie Gollum’s Pool. This is where Gollum is seen fishing for his “juicy sweet” catch before being captured by Frodo and Faramir. Director Peter Jackson used the waterfall’s secluded setting and dark pool to highlight Gollum’s secretive nature, turning this quiet corner of Tongariro National Park into one of the trilogy’s most memorable scenes.

Quick Facts

• Scene: Gollum fishing, later captured by Frodo and Faramir (The Two Towers)
• Height: 13 metres
• Location: 5 minutes’ drive from Whakapapa Village, short track from SH48 carpark
• Track length: ~20 minutes return, easy walk through beech forest
• Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds
• Accessibility: Easy family-friendly walk, suitable for all fitness levels

🪨 Mead’s Wall – Emyn Muil

In The Two Towers, the jagged cliffs of Mead’s Wall stood in for the desolate Emyn Muil, where Frodo and Sam struggle through a maze of rocks before encountering Gollum. Its dramatic volcanic rock formations and sweeping views gave Peter Jackson the perfect natural set for this bleak, otherworldly landscape. Standing among the lava cliffs, it’s easy to picture the hobbits clambering across the same terrain.

Quick Facts

• Scene: Frodo and Sam wandering the Emyn Muil cliffs (The Two Towers)
• Location: Short walk from the top of Whakapapa Ski Field (Bruce Road carpark)
• Track length: ~10 minutes return, easy but rocky underfoot
• Views: Panoramic outlooks over Mount Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro
• Best time to visit: Clear days for sweeping mountain views; sunrise and sunset for dramatic light
• Atmosphere: Stark volcanic cliffs with an otherworldly feel

🌊 Mangawhero Falls – Gollum’s Fishing Scene

In The Two Towers, Mangawhero Falls appears as part of Gollum’s fishing sequence, where he crouches in the rushing waters hunting for food. Its cascading drop and rugged setting made it a natural fit for Mordor’s harsher landscapes. While the scene was brief, it added depth to Gollum’s character and showcased the wild beauty of Tongariro’s volcanic environment.

Quick Facts

• Scene: Gollum fishing in the river (The Two Towers)
• Height: ~25 metres
• Location: Ohakune Mountain Road, on the southern slopes of Mount Ruapehu
• Track length: Short walk from roadside carpark (~5 minutes)
• Best time to visit: Year-round; particularly scenic after rain when the falls are full
• Atmosphere: Dramatic volcanic backdrop with cascading water — perfect for LOTR fans and photographers

🎥 Other Scenes in Tongariro National Park

Beyond the famous spots like Mount Ngauruhoe, Tawhai Falls, Mead’s Wall and Mangawhero Falls, several other parts of Tongariro National Park were used to create Mordor’s rugged world. While they may not be as instantly recognisable, they still offer a special connection to Middle-earth.

• Rangipo Desert – Its barren, windswept terrain became the setting for Mordor’s battle plains and orc army marches. Driving the Desert Road gives you sweeping views of this stark, otherworldly landscape.
• Whakapapa Ski Field – The rocky slopes and volcanic ridges doubled as parts of Mordor’s desolate environment, especially in wide shots.
• Tukino Ski Field – Remote and less visited, this eastern-side ski area was used for background Mordor scenes, including landscapes near the Black Gate.
• Bruce Road Viewpoints – Several pull-offs on the road to Whakapapa Ski Area were used as establishing shots, offering some of the best angles of Mount Ngauruhoe as Mount Doom.

🧭 Plan Your Middle-earth Adventure

The best way to start your journey is by calling into the Tonagriro National Park Visitor Centre. Here you can pick up a map of the Lord of the Rings filming locations, get the latest track updates and chat with rangers about the best ways to explore the park safely. From there, you can plan your own route through Mordor’s landscapes — whether it’s a short walk to Gollum’s Pool or a full-day hike beneath the shadow of Mount Doom.

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

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