Mount Ngauruhoe
Ngāuruhoe
A young volcanic cone of near-perfect symmetry, the prototype of Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings, visible along the Alpine Crossing.
Ngāuruhoe stands at 2,291 meters and is a parasitic cone on Mount Tongariro. It began forming about 2,500 years ago, erupted many times in the 20th century, and last erupted in 1977. Its regular cone shape and dark red-and-black scoria slopes made it the model for the “Mount Doom” in the film. For Māori, it is a sacred mountain. DOC and local iwi ask visitors not to climb the summit cone. The full view can be enjoyed from the South Crater on the Alpine Crossing, from Whakapapa Village, or from the Desert Road.
Opening hours
All day (summit climb not recommended)
Nearby sights
- Tongariro Northern Circuit
- Tama Lakes
- Taranaki Falls
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing
- Whakapapa Village & Visitor Centre
- Whakapapa Ski Area & Sky Waka
- Tawhai Falls (Gollum's Pool)
- Silica Rapids