Tongariro National Park

This is where Mordor was filmed!!! And it is home to Mount Ngauruhoe which is Mount Doom!

This is the oldest National Park in NZ and is acknowledged as a mixed world heritage cultural and natural site.  The three active volcanoes are found in the centre of the park and can be seen in the picture on the left.

Mount Ruapehu in the centre is one of the world's most active volcanoes, and is the largest most active volcano in NZ.
Alex aka Ankit attempted the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in full snow gear as seen on the left.  Marty, Melman and I drove part of the Volcanic Touring Loop starting from Turangi.

A 1 hour walk in the snow from Whakapapa village, led us to the Taranaki falls, seen on the right.  Tumbling 20 metres over the edge of a large lava flow which erupted from Ruapehu 15,000 years ago, the falls plunge into a boulder ridged pool. This pool was half iced over - it was stunning!