Trip to Tongariro National Park
New Zealand Mordor
Tongariro National Park, located almost in the middle of the North Island, is one of the most interesting areas in New Zealand. There is still active volcanic activity with occasional eruptions. There are also the highest volcanoes in the country. Most tourists visit the northern part of the park as part of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing tour, where you can also see the most beautiful volcano Ngauruhoe and amazing emerald lakes.
Day 1 - Tongariro Alpine Crossing
On the first day, walk north of Tongariro National Park as part of the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing tour. If you get up and have the taste and strength, have two extra sidetrips, the ascents to the volcanoes Ngauruhoe and Tongariro
Tongariro Alpine Crossing Tour
The most beautiful one-day march
Tongariro Alpine Crossing is probably the most famous day trip on the North Island. Here you walk through a volcanic landscape used as the land of Mordor in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The clear dominant feature of this hike is the Ngauruhoe volcano (2,287 m above sea level) in the film named as Mount Doom, which you can also climb as (the best recommended side trip on this hike). Along the way, you will also see beautiful Emerald Lakes and other volcanic formations, including the surreal Red Crater. continue reading
Ascent to Ngauruhoe volcano
To the most beautiful volcano in Mordor
If the weather is nice and you have enough energy, you can extend the famous one-day March of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing by two more side trips. The ascent to the Ngauruhoe volcano (2,287 m above sea level) is significantly more demanding and longer. The rubble road is not very pleasant, but the peak views and the walk around the crater are definitely worth the effort. continue reading
Ascent to Tongariro volcano
A short but beautiful sidetrip
The ascent to Tongariro volcano is the second possible sidetrip on the beautiful one-day hike Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Expect at least an hour's journey from the saddle by the red crater to the top of the volcano and back. However, the views of the opposite Ngauruhoe volcano are worth it. continue reading
Day 2 - Whakapapa
The next day, look south of the national park to the village of Whakapapa below the highest volcano Ruapehu. From here you can take short walks to the viewpoints and the beautiful waterfalls.
Trip to Whakapapa
Ski center in Mordor
There are even two ski resorts in Tongariro National Park, also known as Mordor. One of them is Whakapapa (1,602 m above sea level) located on the site of a former glacier. Even in the summer, it is worth going here and seeing this curious place. You can extend the trip with a short hike to Tawhai falls continue reading
Hike to Taranaki Falls
The most beautiful waterfalls of Tongariro National Park
A short and easy walk from the village of Whakapapa hides one of the jewels of Tongariro National Park and one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in all of Zealand. continue reading
Tips for trips for the next day in Tongariro
- Ascent to Ruapehu volcano – Hike to Lake Tama
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