Mount Ngauruhoe

Mount Ngauruhoe is a volcanic summit in Tongariro National Park on New Zealand's North Island that rises to 2287 meters (7502 feet) with an almost perfect cone shape. The steep slopes are made up of layers of lava rock and volcanic ash that have built up over thousands of years.

Volcanic activity began here roughly 2500 years ago and shaped the current cone through repeated eruptions. The 20th century saw multiple episodes that ended with a final phase in 1975.

The name Ngauruhoe comes from the Māori language and marks a place with deep spiritual meaning for New Zealand's indigenous people. Visitors are asked not to climb the summit to honor the religious beliefs of local communities.

Access starts from the Mangatepopo car park, where a four-hour parking limit applies. The terrain is demanding and requires good fitness along with plenty of water and sun protection for the walk through open volcanic country.

Filmmaker Peter Jackson used this volcano as the setting for Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. Since then, many visitors come here to see the location from the movies with their own eyes.

Location: Ruapehu District

Location: Taupō District

Elevation above the sea: 2,291 m

Part of: North Island Volcanic Plateau

GPS coordinates: -39.15840,175.63474

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:45