My Precious - Lord of the Rings filming locations

Things to do in Ohakune

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MY PRECIOUS…

You might be coming to Ohakune because you heard there is a couple of Lord of The Rings filming locations around town. You would be right! There is actually 8 Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit filming locations around Ohakune. Here they are so you can make sure you don’t miss any!

  1. Desert Road – Rangipo: On the way to the Ruapehu Region (and if the weather is nice), drive along Desert road to see where the Orc Army scenes were filmed.
  2. Tongariro National Park: the ONE to not miss is obviously Tongariro National Park, home of Mordor. You can imitate(ish) Frodo and Sam’s journey by trekking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Don’t worry, there will be no Orc’s attack.
  3. Mt Ngauruhoe: While you’re out there, if you still have energy, you can hike one of the side trip of the Tongariro Crossing, Mt Ngauruhoe. After all, it’s the volcano who impersonated Mt Doom!
  4. Tukino Ski Field: Where Frodo and Sam look at the gates of Mordor.
  5. Tawhai Falls: Now known as Gollum’s Pool, a short walk takes you where Gollum catched a fish while Faramir and his rangers aim their arrows at him. You’ll also find “natural rocky Trolls” as described in the “Hobbit”.
  6. Iwikau Village, Whakapapa Ski Area:  See the cliffs and ravines of Emyn Muil and where was filmed the opening scene in The Fellowship of the Ring where Isildur cuts Sauron’s finger odd.
  7. Mangawhero River & Mangawhero Falls: Follow Mangawhero River where some of “The Hobbit” was film and continue to Mangawhero Falls where Ithilien Camp was filmed.

Find where approximately are these locations on this map! And find out more about Lord of the Rings location at Backpackers Guide and Tongariro Crossing.

Stay at LKNZ Lodge while you explore Ohakune, New Zealand.
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