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
Views of Lake Taupo
The starting point for this trip can be, for example, the town of Turangi, located at a major road junction south of the Great Lake Taupo. After a few kilometers drive you will have a nice view of the lake.
Lake Rotoaira
Another nice view is a stop at Lake Rotoaira with a picturesque island in the middle. Tongariro Volcanic Park is already visible on the horizon
View of Mount Doom
The road slowly rises along the western border of the national park. After a while, you will pass a turnoff to the Mangatepopo car park, from where the famous one-day „Tongariro Alpine Crossing“ tour starts: https://www.gigaplaces.com/…ne-crossing/. However, we continue a little further to the turnoff on road No. 48 leading to the village of Whakapapa. A beautiful view of Mount Doom from the Lord of the Ring awaits us, otherwise it is called Ngauruhoe.
Chateau Tongariro Hotel
The Chateau Tongariro Hotel is in a very picturesque location, behind the massif of Mount Ruepahu.
Whakapapa
From the hotel you will find another 500 meters to the gloomy ski village of Whakapapa (1,602 m above sea level), which is also the starting point for the volcano Ruapehu (2,797 m above sea level).
Ascent to the lookout
You can also take a view of the ridge directly above the resort from here. One way is about 20 minutes.
View of Tongariro
From the ridge you can see the beautiful volcanic wasteland of Tongariro National Park.
View of the Whakapapa resort
From the ridge is a nice panoramic view of the entire ski resort. Well, I don't know if it's a bit depressing to have a cottage built right here :-)
View of Mount Taranaki
For good visibility from here you can see the 135 km distant volcano Taranaki (Egmont) in the very west of the North Island).
Tawhai falls
If you want to enjoy a little life and greenery after the depressed Mordor, take a short walk to the pretty nice Tawhai falls, to which the trail leads directly from the main road
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Article: Trip to Tongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park, located almost in the middle of the North Island, is one of the most interesting areas in New Zealand.… continue reading