Taupo - Think Fresh You make your way towards Mordor today, situated at Tongariro National Park, south of Lake Taupo, New Zealand´s largest lake. When you think of the Lake Taupo region, think fresh .... as in fresh air, snow, trout, rivers, lakes, people, fun, food, attitudes. The battle in which the Elbes and humans succeeded in severing Sauron’s ring was filmed in this vicinity, as were scenes from the Ithilien Camp. The park was created in 1887 when three volcanoes, Ruapehu, Nguarahoe and Tongariro, were gifted to the people of New Zealand by Ngati Tuwharetoa, the local iwi (tribe). Info: This area was once one of the most prolific volcanic areas in the world, with Lake Taupo (619 square kilometers) formed as a result of the largest eruption in the last 5000 years. The Oranui Eruption, 26,500 years ago, created the shape of the lake, then in 181 AD a further explosion produced an eruption column 50km high with over 30km of pumice, ash and rock ejected in minutes. The effects of the eruption were seen in the sky as far away as Europe and China. Tip/ Hint: The lakes in this area are popular for a variety of winter and summer water sports including sailing, jet boating, water skiing with its neighbouring countryside providing the perfect environment for a number of land sports, including mountain biking and hiking. Meanwhile the area is increasingly becoming known as the adventure capital of the North Island, and is renowned for its variety of adrenalins pumping activities such as bungy jumping, jet boating and white water rafting.Take a “Taupo Tandem Skydive” or experience the thrills of the Huka Jet boat.

This website is independently designed and is in no way connected with the licence holders of J.R.R Tolkien’s work. It is not intended in any way to give the impression that this website is linked to the holders of intellectual property of the Lord of the Rings.