Tongariro National Park was absolutely breathtaking, with its dramatic volcanic peaks – including Mt. Ngauruhoe, better known to Lord of the Rings fans as Mount Doom. From our room at Skotel Alpine Resort, the view of the mountain was unreal, especially knowing we’d soon be trekking its shadow. We hiked the 12-mile Tongariro Alpine Crossing on a misty, drizzling day that made it feel like a true journey through Mordor in search of the One Ring. We also visited several filming sites – Mead’s Wall (Emyn Muil), Tawhai Falls (Gollum’s Pool), and Mangawhero Falls (Sméagol Catches a Fish) – and couldn’t resist reenacting a few iconic LOTR moments ourselves.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

We had a great time along this hike despite the rain, and broke up the long hike with many silly reenactments.

One Does Not Simply Walk into Mordor – One Must Hike!

Sam Carrying Frodo to Mount Doom

Tossing the One Ring at Mount Doom

Lembas Bread in Mordor

Emerald Lakes (Eagles are Coming)

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Red Crater (Maggoty Bread)

Lake Rotoaira Views

Mead’s Wall

Emyn Muil

We literally went in circles to find the location at Mead’s Wall (Whakapapa Skifield, Tongariro National Park) where Frodo and Sam get lost in Emyn Muil (location: 39°14’16.1″S 175°33’41.0″E). The views of Mt. Doom (Mt. Ngauruhoe) were breathtaking! We didn’t see a single other person at Mead’s Wall so had the whole area to ourselves to recreate our favorite LOTR scenes.

Orc Inspection and Battle of the Last Alliance

The filming spot for the orc inspection of Frodo and Sam (location: 39°14’13.0″S 175°33’33.1″E) and the Battle of the Last Alliance (location: 39°13’56.6″S 175°33’07.9″E) were much easier to find.

Tawhai Falls (Gollum’s Pool)

We “lost” My Precious at Gollum’s Pool and someone found it!

Mangawhero Falls (Smeagol Catches a Fish)

We splashed around at Mangawhero Falls trying to catch a fish! There are two distinct filming locations at the top of the falls.

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