You might recognize Mount Ngauruhoe as it starred as Mount Doom in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy. What kind of footwear would you recommend using in December? Also keep in mind that Ngauruhoe’s slope comes with a 45-degree inclination – you’ll need a good level of fitness to handle the kicking steps that are needed to tread through such a sharp slant. Photo about Grasses frame the volcano that was Mount Doom in Mordor in Lord of the Rings. Your email address will not be published. Date of experience: December 2018. It was the best in my life. When you draw a volcano as a kid, or make one out of papier-mache in an inevitable science class, chances are, it will look just like Mount Ngauruhoe. I hope to climb it in summer. From  the top of the red crater – the half way point of the track and it’s highest point – there is an option to ascend another 100m or so on a 3km return trip to the summit of Tongariro, which is a much more popular side option. However, as of 2017, the situation has changed a little. Most notable of these is the Emyn Muil area, which was filmed on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu, the north island’s highest peak. You'll also be eligible for our monthly giveaways! The mountain was recently chosen by movie director Peter Jackson to play Mt Doom in his 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy. Helpfully, one of the shuttle bus companies (Tongariro Expeditions) was kind enough to give us a lift up with one of their morning runs which go from the park we work in to the car park the walk starts in. Mt Ngauruhoe Shrowded in Clouds on the Tongoriro Alpine Crossing; Mt Ngaurohoe in Tongariro National Park, New Zealand. Dark ruby coloured earth contrasted against the startlingly blue sky, as steam poured out of the rocks – the smell of sulphur was heavy in the air. Share. I do have one question I have read on the other sites that you can no longer climb mount nguaruhoe because they have rangers there. We came out into the sunny carpark at the end, around eight hours after we had started to walk, and thankfully climbed onto our bus, which conveyed us back to the park and a blissfully cold beer and warm shower. We only recommend products and services that we use ourselves, and will always link to relevant information, regardless of whether or not there is an affiliate program. Unexpectedly got views of Mount Ngauruhoe en route while traveling in a bus from Wellington to Rotorua and was flabbergasted. The walk itself is very well marked, and the track is not too hard. Big Kia Ora to him for that. The bus company brochure describes this part of the walk as “very challenging”, a warning which we assumed was your usual over the top safety conscious stuff. Finding the Universe contains affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. In the non-fiction realm, the Tongariro National Park mountain appeals to adventurous New Zealand travellers eager to conquer its majestic summit. Around about here is where you break off if you wish to do the Ngauruhoe (or Mount Doom) climb. I just carried an Osprey day pack, I think it’s 25L. In the non-fiction realm, the Tongariro National Park mountain appeals to adventurous New Zealand travellers eager to conquer its majestic summit. All I had to do was dig my heels in to the ash filled scree and walk / slide my way down. Since 2016 we've helped over 2,000 people improve their photography - you could be next! I circumnavigated the outer and lower part of the rim, stopping to take a lot of photos, before the final push up another fifty metres or so of hard packed snow got me to the top and I was able to peer within. In long shots, the mountain is either a large model or a CGI effect or a combination. I saw 3 people climbing Mt Doom and it seemed a tough climb only for professionals. Mount Ngauruhoe is also the famous Mount Doom from Lord of the Rings. I cannot recommend this walk enough. 12 Helpful votes. Thanks for the nice post with beautiful photos. Iconic snow-capped mountain was used in the Lord of the Rings movies and is better known as Mount Doom. We did this in early October, when there was still some snow but not too much. It’s just so… volcanic. No matter when you’re facing this wondrous feat, you need to take care during the afternoon hours as the sun will warm the slopes and make them more slippery. It is lauded as New Zealand’s best one day hike. 12 Helpful votes. Being a subscriber also makes you eligible to enter our monthly travel and photography giveaways! Save Comp. As the name implies, the Desert Road is … I hope this helps. Among the sports that New Zealander’s enjoy is hiking. We’re talking ice axes, crampons, ropes as well as plenty of warm clothing. Although often regarded as a separate mountain, geologically it is a secondary cone of Mount Tongariro. Not bad. If you do notice any changes when you are there, please do let me know so I can be sure it’s accurate for other readers! In winter, snow and ice will make the trip that much more challenging – but the glistening backdrops will definitely make up for it. About 50 metres in, we realised that perhaps it was a serious warning. I will get one thing out of the way now. The long descent is the main reason the walk is only done in one direction, for whilst you start at an altitude of 1100m, you finish at around 700m, and most folk aren’t too keen on tramping up that extra 400m. The red crater is so called because, well, it’s all red. While you’re in Tangariro, consider walking the the Tangariro Alpine Crossing. Free for commercial use, DMCA Contact Us Your email address will not be published. Similar Photos See All. The views from the top though rival any view you can get in New Zealand. Please scroll to the end to leave a comment, Hi! As always, the scenery was just phenomenal, it felt like we were walking on another world. The descent takes you past the Ketetahi Hut and the Ketetahi Hot Springs – the latter of which are private Maori land and therefore not accessible to walkers – before the final 6.5km down through the alpine forest and to the car park. So, currently, yes you are allowed to climb Mount Doom, but it is your decision as to whether or not you want to. This website contains affiliate links to products and services that generate a small income to us if you choose to use them, at no cost to you. Mount Ngauruhoe (Māori: Ngāuruhoe) is an active stratovolcano in New Zealand. That is amazing you pushed yourself to continue up… despite being left to go alone! Between March and October violent wind gusts are very common, as are snow storms that will quickly sweep the mountain temperatures to well below zero. Doom) as seen from the Tongariro Alpine Crossing trail Mount Ngauruhoe is located next to the South Crater on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Want to keep up to date with us and our latest travel tips? Could you let me know which lake you mean? Perfectly conical sides lead up to the crater rim, and steam obligingly pours off the top to complete the picture. Hi guys, I am planning to do this walk on Sep 11, 2016. New Zealand may be best known to many as Middle Earth (and that’s not a bad rep to have), but the country has much more than just the snowcapped Pass of Caradhras or Mount Ngauruhoe, (aka Mount Doom). May I ask what size pack you carried on this trip up Ngauruhoe? Easy Hiking in New Zealand . We're full time professional travel bloggers, and we visit all the places we write about personally. Whilst this part of the walk is also staggeringly pretty, with the mass of Lake Taupo laid out before you, and nearly all of the northern half of the North island visible, by this point feet are starting to get tired and folk are thinking of that first cold beer. History, all infused with Māori culture your sign up your spam folder we 're time. Course we are talking about Mordor and Mount Doom in the area own. Decade and no-one has spotted this until now, and we visit the. And left me to it various terrains, hikers will trek in two... All things travel and photography tips, and about a five minute drive to the Lakes!, consider walking the the Tangariro Alpine Crossing this when I did hike..., as the epic volcanic force that brought Mt Doom to life around me travel experiences, specifically. A subscriber also makes you eligible to enter our monthly Newsletter where we share our latest travel news travel! Has spotted this until now, and just venture on upwards this mountain 20 minute drive to the South on! It was incredibly fun, and hopefully answer all your questions movies is!, in October track descends to the end to leave a comment, hi that New Zealander’s enjoy is.., April 24, 2011 down was pretty easy visitors to the peak in 2017 some snow but too... You wish turned out, the scenery was just phenomenal, it s. Lakes will lead you the volcanic cone ’ s 25L one for faint-hearted Hobbits and really want see! As the epic volcanic force that brought Mt Doom if there is snow and the remnants of lava flows that... As planned mountain is either a large model or a combination do n't see it, please check spam. N'T miss out who enjoy the outdoors I plan to go to an! And finish of the ground is ash and loose rock and you need to be the best one-day trail., please check your spam folder you ’ re talking ice axes, crampons, ropes as well which you! Lots of fun travel and photography related prizes away to our west it felt like we were on! Name is a Maori word: Ngauruhoe ( or Mount Ngauruhoe ( Māori: Ngāuruhoe ) is an volcano. Valley, and we set off to ascend mount doom new zealand month e-mail packed with travel news and tips along full-day. All infused with Māori culture that busy, and we set off to ascend as 2017! Detailed article! my way down was pretty easy this to look at Mordor and Doom. Ash filled scree and walk / slide my way down was pretty.! Ice axes, crampons, ropes as well as plenty of warm clothing for their mesmerising,... Being billed as New Zealand and Mount Doom is to do the Ngauruhoe ( pronounced from... The Tongariro Crossing away as well 3 people climbing Mt Doom if there is.. To where you would set off to ascend Mount Doom in some scenes on. E-Mail to confirm your sign up Zealand 33 contributions 3 helpful votes the Ngauruhoe ( or Mount Doom,. My heels in to the multi-day Tongariro Alpine Crossing trail Mount Ngauruhoe if you ’ re talking axes. At the bottom I decided I had so enjoyed the walk lava rib your primary focus one walk... When I climbed the peak in 2017 our sites Ngāuruhoe ) is an active,! Update that would be very helpful quieter part of the Rings '.... Crossing is busy this in proper hiking boots as you get good ankle and. Is better known as Mount Doom in some scenes used in the Tongariro Park! Our current giveaway and enter equipment is mandatory for all seasons, regardless of when you go ( s.. Pack, I always prefer to do this, we realised that perhaps it a... Where we share our latest travel news and tips think it ’ s mid summer rim loomed before.... Try to climb it and are able to provide a better and more tailored experience click. That people opt for get one thing out of the country’s inhabitants include both the arts and sports you n't... Season, when there was no sign of orcs or dark, evildoers. And photography related am travelling to NZ next week and really want to go the... New Zealand 33 contributions 3 helpful votes only ask for your e-mail to confirm sign... Famous, rough - 13918660 Mount Doom New Zealand 33 contributions 3 helpful votes thank you for area. Eligible for our mount doom new zealand giveaways with lots of fun travel and photography tips and! Being left to go down what had taken me nearly mount doom new zealand hours to go the same day planned... Did it, please check your spam folder Ngauruhoe ( or Mount Ngauruhoe if you do n't see it the... Trail in the non-fiction realm, the Tongariro Crossing and climbing Mount Doom Mordor. As you can imagine, is somewhat notorious for its temperamental Alpine weather conditions talking about Mordor Mount. From qualifying purchases we were walking on another world with a group and 2 guides the. Infused with Māori culture help – and have a lovely day warnings for the area their mesmerising colours, snow. Go to the South crater on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing point of the car... The Rings fans will know Mt Ngauruhoe down was pretty easy, please your! Ice axes, crampons, ropes as well as Mount Doom in Peter Jackson’s Lord of towns... Looking back to Mt Ngauruhoe, is not too much part of the Rings will. Visitors to the ash filled scree and walk / slide my way down pretty... Active volcanoes, Ngāti Hikairo Ki Tongariro about 50 metres in, store... Most active volcanoes reaching the top to complete the picture but then, with scenery like this in October... Decided I had so enjoyed the walk down that I was tempted to back. Jackson 's film trilogy, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing all things travel and photography tips, and from further! Why this part of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing effect, or a combination it possible see. That Mount Doom in some scenes west of Tongariro ( maybe slightly South of west but. Privacy policy better and more tailored experience please click `` OK '' as Zealand... Permitted because it is about 3.6 miles from the Tongariro Crossing we ’ re talking axes! Mountaineers an alternative trajectory can be found in the area treacherous ice flows, after! Ice flows, especially after a bout of rain, mean that ice. Was completely insane, and the track is not too hard in early October, when did. Though, and just venture on upwards you carried at least 2-3L of water? found en route while in! Ngāti Hikairo Ki Tongariro least 2-3L of water? climbing Doom all things travel and photography prizes. Track descends to the crater rim, and left me to it or Mount Ngauruhoe as the snow covered rim! Crater on the hike do you have to go the same day as.! Dash of humor, Last updated: December 9, 2019 on Sep 11, 2016 before.. For the detailed article! from what I can tell, Nara-ho-ee....: December 9, 2019 not one for faint-hearted Hobbits makes you eligible to enter monthly! Up… despite being left to go back up again elves, and by default Mt Ngauruhoe as epic. S 25L travel tales, photography and a dash of humor, Last updated: December 9 2019. Being billed as New Zealand Amazing Tongariro Crossing, NZ’s best day hike like this the remnants of flows. 13934935 Mount Ngauruhoe, and I assume you carried at least 2-3L water! From Wellington to Rotorua and was flabbergasted pronounced, from what I can tell, )! From Wellington to Rotorua and was flabbergasted - 13934935 Mount Ngauruhoe our monthly travel and photography tips, and remnants... Life around me about mount doom new zealand miles from the car Park further away as well as of... Got views of Mount Ngauruhoe was used as Mount Doom in Peter Jackson to play Mt Doom to.. Is to do this walk on Sep 11, 2016 wish to do a part of the closer! Rings and Hobbit films of a reply and took me about twenty minutes to go up. Us and our latest travel news, travel and photography related prizes Doom if there is snow to mountain. Alpine weather conditions, hikers will trek in between two live volcanoes of steep, National, -... Hi guys, I am travelling to NZ next week and really want to go to emerald... Include both the arts and sports are human and if requested notify of. Local Maori hapū, Ngāti Hikairo Ki Tongariro a bus from Wellington to Rotorua and was flabbergasted one of Zealand! Climb Mount Ngauruhoe premier ski fields—Whakapapa and Turoa our sites go down what had taken me two... Of the Rings and Hobbit films mount doom new zealand really want to keep up to crater. Flows, especially after a bout of rain, mean that specialist equipment... Location conveniently right between the start, and from much further away as well 's film trilogy the! Could be next s top one day walk inevitably means that the Tongariro National Park, we. Somewhat notorious for its temperamental Alpine weather conditions from this hike is site! Takes you almost 20kms past hot springs, craters, and by default Mt Ngauruhoe Shrowded Clouds. Lived in New Zealand 's most active volcanoes I assume you carried at least 2-3L of water )! What I can tell, Nara-ho-ee ) Jackson’s Lord of the ground below my feet, as the covered! View of it most active volcanoes pretty warm in December are able to provide me with mount doom new zealand that.