Driving Through New Zealand’s Volcanic Heart

The Desert Road on New Zealand’s North Island runs east of the mighty volcanic peaks of Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe.

It is a spectacular stretch of highway, with a stark, otherworldly landscape and a cool volcanic desert vibe that feels unlike anywhere else in the country.

The Inspiration Behind Mount Doom

Mount Ngauruhoe is best known internationally as the inspiration and visual blueprint for Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings. The mountain is considered a sacred spiritual pathway to ancestors and gods by local Māori, who ask visitors not to summit it as a sign of respect, even though doing so is not illegal.

Out of respect for its sacred status, no filming took place on the summit during the Lord of the Rings production. Instead, CGI and scale models were used to create Mount Doom’s fiery peak, drawing directly from Ngauruhoe’s dramatic shape and presence.

A Sun-Drenched Drive Through “Mordor”

Driving along State Highway 1 through this region feels like passing straight through Mordor itself. On a clear, sun-drenched day, the views are nothing short of breathtaking. Keep an eye out for photo opportunities—there’s a particular stretch of road that offers stunning, uninterrupted views of Mount Ngauruhoe rising above the desert landscape.

For the full Mount Doom experience, combine the Desert Road with a visit to Whakapapa Ski Area and Mead’s Wall. Together, they offer an unforgettable journey through one of New Zealand’s most iconic and cinematic landscapes.