The Volcanic Plateau was home to the most sinister of The Lord of the Rings locales; Mordor the strong hold of the dark lord Sauron.
 Mordor is a great volcanic plateau filled with geologic wonders known as Gorgoroth. Much of Frodo and Sam’s journey into the land of Sauron was filmed on and around the Volcanic Plateau in the Tongariro National Park. The jagged volcanic rock formations and eerie barren landscapes were ideally suited to Mordor’s hissing wasteland. The maze of razorsharp rocks, cliffs and ravines of the Emyn Muil is located behind Aorangi Lodge up the Bruce road on Mt Ruapehu.
Special care was taken when filming in all sensitive ecological areas and many acres of carpet were laid out for the Orcs and Elves to walk on, protecting the ground underneath. Many extras were used on the Volcanic Plateau shoots, including the New Zealand Army used in the Orc army scenes filmed on location in the Rangipo desert. Guided tours available.
Mt Ngauruhoe was digitally altered to make it appear as Mount Doom. Climbers can trek to the summit of Mt Ngauruhoe a poled route leads from Mangatepopo road end (this can also be done part of the Tongariro Crossing if you really want to immerse yourself in Mordor). At the saddle between Ngauruhoe and Tongariro the route is not marked but the climb up the old lava flow. (Be aware of the falling rocks dislodged by other climbers)
Avoid entering the inner crater area, where volcanic fumaroles may emit overpowering gases. Descend via the red scoria, then on the loose scree to either side of the ridge. The climb should not be undertaken in winter without mountaineering experience and equipment. Icy slopes can make this climb extremely hazardous.
Mangawhero Falls
 Ithilien camp was filmed near the Mangawhero Falls. Travel south to Turoa Mountain Road. The track begins from a car park on the Ohakune Mountain Road, 13 kilometers past the DOC visitor centre. This is a lovely 5 to 10 minute return walk to a beautiful waterfall. Not far below the bush line, the beech forest is stunted because of the rugged climate. Spectacular icicles form around the falls in winter.
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