Mount Ngauruhoe is an active stratovolcano in Tongariro National Park, in the Manawatu-Wanganui region of New Zealand's North Island. It is the youngest of the park's three major peaks, and its near-perfect conical shape makes it one of the country's most recognisable volcanoes. Its last eruption was in 1975.
Many visitors know the mountain by another name. In the Lord of the Rings films it appears as Mount Doom, and that association draws fans who want to see the landscape that inspired the story's most dramatic scenes.
What a visit involves
- The volcano sits within Tongariro National Park, so the park's walking tracks and volcanic landscapes form the core of any trip.
- Its steep, cone-shaped form is the main draw, seen from the surrounding park and tracks.
- Because the volcano is active, it is worth checking current conditions before you go.
Planning your trip
The park is the natural base for exploring the mountain. Its address is Tongariro National Park, Manawatu-Wanganui 3951, and the contact number is +64 7 892 3729. Call ahead to confirm access and current conditions, especially if you plan to walk near the volcano. Allow time to take in the wider park, whose other peaks and volcanic terrain give the area its character.
