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Destinations > Oceania > New Zealand > Tongariro Crossing: The Mordor Hike and Tongariro National Park including Taupo

New Zealand is a magical land that will draw you back over and over again. There is so much history, myth, and natural beauty to enhance your travel experience – especially on your Tongariro Crossing journey - and it will all inspire you to return over and over again. The long Māori traditions celebrating the natural wonders of a land that is truly full of them continues to influence the exploration and adventures offered to visitors. That deep appreciation is honestly pretty hard to avoid given all the hidden and spectacular wonders. When you add in the delicious food produced by the combined agricultural traditions and the diverse art and entertainment options, New Zealand is pretty hard to beat for a holiday destination.

Named for its two main rivers, the Manawatu-Wanganui region of the North Island of New Zealand offers a host of options to visitors looking for adventure or entertainment. The area is full of options for nature lovers – Tongariro National Park and everything else from water adventures on the namesake rivers to beach days on the coast, with hiking, fishing, and camping in between. The area is also well known for its agriculture, which translates into delicious fresh produce and award-winning dining options.

If you’re unfamiliar with the customs and culture of New Zealand, you can easily prepare yourself with this short read and multiply your understanding, and love, for this great country while you visit. It’ll certainly connect your experiences to New Zealand in a more profound way!

Accommodations near the Tongariro Crossing

When you plan to explore this area, the best places to stay are either in Turangi or Taupō. You’ll have many different options to choose from, plenty of choices for restaurants, and you’ll be close to all of the best things to do. If you’re looking for accommodations near the Tongariro Crossing or Tongariro National Park, there are only a few available. The best places do tend to get booked early, so our recommendation is to find a place well in advance and book it as soon as possible. Here are some of the better options in these areas:

How we Explored New Zealand on Less than $44 per day

Tongariro National Park

Near the center of New Zealand’s North Island, Tongariro National Park is the country’s oldest national park. With three active volcanic peaks, nature’s majesty and wonder are on full display here, and the history of honoring the natural world is evident in the several sacred Māori sites found throughout the park. The park offers a wide range of outdoor activities and accommodation facilities.

Tongariro Crossing - The Mordor Hike

For the more adventurous outdoor lovers, Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a popular hiking trail through the park, offers a chance to explore the natural wonders up close. The route across Mount Tongariro takes hikers through craters and alongside hot springs of the active volcano. Not for the faint of heart, backpackers are encouraged to bring their own water and stay on the marked trial. The spectacular scenery and geothermic activity are an excellent reward for the effort, though.

You’ll also see Mount Ngauruhoe up close, the infamous “Mt. Doom” from the Lord of the Rings trilogy!

Tongariro River Rafting

If you like your outdoor adventure a little more on the wet and wild side, you will want to check out the Tongariro River Rafting options. Departing from Taupo, there are a wide range of packages and tours on offer – everything from beginner family fun (3yo and up) to heli-rafting adventures. Whether it’s a multi-day excursion or a quiet afternoon, you can enjoy some time out on the river at whatever difficulty level you like.

Gollum’s Pool & Waterfall

Fans of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings Trilogy may want to visit the national park for reasons other than hiking. Several of the films iconic scenes were filmed there. Gollum’s Pool in The Two Towers, also known as Tawhai Falls, is one of those spots. Beautiful in its own right, the connection to the film makes it magical for fans. It’s a short walk from the car park to take it in.

Taranaki Falls

The Taranaki Falls track is another fun excursion in the park for LOTR fans – you can walk through Mordor, and have an easier time of it than Sam and Frodo did, too! The falls at the centre of the loop trail didn’t make it into the film, but are quite lovely on their own, cascading over a 15,000-year-old lava flow.

Mount Ruapehu

The Sothern most volcanic mountain in the park, Mount Ruapehu, has much to offer film fans and nature lovers alike. Ruapehu is home to the largest ski field in New Zealand, with runs for all levels of skier. In the summer, the mountain is a great site for hiking and backpacking, or tramping as they call it in New Zealand. And for those following in the filming footsteps of the LOTR films won’t want to miss a chance to explore Mordor and Mount Doom.

Meads Wall

While on the mountain a visit to Meads Wall is a must if you’re able – the rugged landscape is full of awe-inspiring views. The walk doesn’t take long from the top of the Sky Waka Gondola in the Whakapapa ski field, although parts of the trail are quite steep and rocky, it’s quite manageable with care. The spectacular alpine landscape makes the trek well worth it. It’s easy to see why Peter Jackson chose the Wall for the Gates of Mordor.

Lake Taupō

Just north of the national park is Lake Taupō, a caldera created by the eruption of a supervolcano thousands of years ago, and the largest lake in New Zealand. The natural beauty of the lake makes it the perfect setting for all manner of outdoor adventures. Hiking, fishing, boating, and even skydiving are all popular activities, so outdoors lovers will be able to find excellent opportunities for their favorites. And if you’re fascinated by the volcanic nature of the area, there are hot springs along the shore with their dazzling geothermal color displays.

Huka Falls

Near the middle of the North Island, New Zealand’s longest river, the Waikato, narrows just above Huka Falls, sending more than 200,000 liters per second rushing over the 11 meter horizontal drop to a lovely blue-green pool below. You can check out this feat of nature’s power in motion on the foot bridge above the falls, or even take a jetboat river cruise to get up close. There’s also a riverside walk from Lake Taupo downstream, with several viewing platforms along the way (viewable in the photo above).

If you don’t want to drive, you can also take a day trip to Huka Falls that also stops at the Whakarewarewa Redwoods and the Blue Spring. Additionally, you can go White Water Rafting not too far away in Tongariro for a bit more adventure!

Wairakei Terraces

Long a site of traditional Māori healing and rejuvenation, the geothermal spa at Wairakei Terraces maintains that heritage of peace and healthy relaxation. The terraced pools all have slightly varying temperatures, so there’s sure to be one that’s just right for you. The massage and treatment options take the relaxation to the next level. There are also tours – guided or self – of the geothermic silica terraces above the pools. The walk provides a deeper understanding of the natural and traditional history of the site. There’s a café on site, as well as gift shop with beauty treatments and traditional Māori crafts to take home with you. It should be noted that while children are welcome on the terrace walk, the pools are 14+.

Craters of the Moon

Another reminder of the active geothermal environment on the islands of New Zealand is Craters of the Moon thermal area. Located north of Taupō, the craters of boiling mud emerged when underground pressure changed due to a nearby geothermal power station in the 1950s. There are boardwalks through the uncanny landscape that protect visitors from the ground temperatures – they are regularly maintained and shifted to keep up with the ever-changing nature of the geothermic activity. The area is open from 10am to 4pm every day except Christmas.

Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings

Lake Taupō is the site of another treasure honoring the culture and history of the Māori, and definitely a spot to check out. The Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings were created in the 1970s by a contemporary Māori sculptor, Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell, who had been trained in the artistic tradition of his elders. The main carving depicts the Māori figure of Ngatoroirangi, who is held to have guided them to the Taupō area over a thousand years ago. Additional carvings in a Celtic style are a recognition of the multicultural character of the country. The meters-high carvings are located on a small island in Mine Bay, and a kayak excursion is a great way to take in the artistic blending of cultures.

Tongariro Crossing at Tongariro National Park

No matter where you go in New Zealand, there is bound to be another natural wonder waiting to awe and inspire you. The more you look, the more there is to see and do – rich culture, delicious food, and natural beauty all provide the perfect accompaniment to any adventure!

The North Island of New Zealand is a treasure trove of natural and cultural wonders. Experiencing them for yourself is sure to make it the first of many visits – you will want to return to explore more and experience their wonders again and again.

Heading north towards Auckland, we have a number of other recommendations for you to check out:

• Our Favorite Places Around Auckland

• Waikato and the Bay of Plenty: Hobbiton, Glowworm Caves, and Rotorua

Alternatively, if you’re headed south towards the South Island, here are your best options:

• Next Stop: Wellington and Rivendell: Weta-Cave and Other Highlights

• Queenstown to Christchurch - Great New Zealand Road Trips

We know that if you can fit all of that in, you’ll have really loved your time in New Zealand and that it will be a trip that you’ll remember forever! If you don’t have enough time, make sure to check out the New Zealand Journey by National Geographic to see the biggest highlights in a condensed period of time and please feel free to share this article with friends that will be joining you or others who you know would love to go! We can promise that the only disappointment will be that you have to go home again. 

FAQ’s

What is the best way to book the Tongariro Alpine Crossing shuttle service?

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a 19.4 km one-way hike that takes about 8 hours to complete. It is recommended to book a shuttle service that will drop you off at the start of the trail and pick you up at the end. There are several shuttle operators that offer this service, such as Adventure HQ, Tongariro Expeditions, and Backyard Tours1. You can book online or by phone, and the prices range from NZ$35 to NZ$50 per person depending on the season and the pick-up location2. You should book at least a day in advance, especially during the peak season (December to March), as the shuttle service is subject to availability and weather conditions.

How difficult is the Mordor hike and what are the essential items to bring?

The Mordor hike is the name given to the section of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing that passes through the volcanic terrain of Mount Ngauruhoe, which was used as the filming location for Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings movies. The hike is considered challenging, as it involves steep ascents and descents, loose rocks, and exposed ridges. The hike also requires a good level of fitness, as it covers about 7 km and takes about 3 hours to complete3. Some of the essential items to bring for the hike are:

• Water and snacks: There is no water source along the trail, so you should bring at least 2 liters of water per person. You should also bring some high-energy snacks, such as nuts, bars, or sandwiches, to keep you fueled.

• Layers and rain gear: The weather on the hike can change quickly and drastically, so you should dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket and pants. You should also bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun and wind.

• Sturdy shoes and hiking poles: The hike involves walking on uneven and slippery surfaces, so you should wear sturdy shoes with good grip and ankle support. You should also bring hiking poles to help you with balance and stability.

• Map and compass: The hike is not well-marked and can be confusing, especially in low visibility conditions. You should bring a map and a compass to help you navigate and stay on track.

What are some of the attractions and activities in Taupo besides the lake?

Taupo is a town located on the shores of Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand. The lake is a popular destination for water sports, such as kayaking, sailing, fishing, and jet skiing. However, there are also many other attractions and activities in Taupo besides the lake, such as:

• Huka Falls: This is a spectacular waterfall that is formed by the Waikato River, which flows out of Lake Taupo. You can view the falls from a bridge or a lookout, or you can take a boat or a jet boat ride to get closer to the roaring water4.

• Craters of the Moon: This is a geothermal area that features steaming vents, boiling mud pools, and colorful craters. You can walk along a boardwalk that takes you through the surreal landscape, or you can join a guided tour to learn more about the geology and history of the area5.

• Taupo Museum: This is a museum that showcases the culture and heritage of Taupo and the surrounding region. You can see exhibits on the Maori history, the volcanic activity, the art and crafts, and the wildlife of the area. You can also visit the Ora Garden, which is a beautiful garden that features native plants and sculptures.

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