Rangipo Desert

Rangipo Desert

Rangipo Desert is located in the Manawatu-Wanganui region and is an extremely barren piece of land with an environment highly resembling that of a desert. Despite receiving an annual rainfall of 1500–2500 millimeters, it is called a desert due to its infertile soil, hot drying winds, and blowing sand.

The Rangipo Desert covers an area of up to 3000 hectares and consists largely of dunes—more specifically, volcanic dunes. Most of these were formed from the fused tuff ejected during volcanic eruptions, which over the years has been eroded by wind and rain into sand. Vegetation rooted in the desert is scarce and sparse, mainly consisting of snow grass and low shrubs. Another notable feature is the cold weather here, coupled with fierce winds, making it difficult to walk. Due to the infertile soil that cannot support crops and the harsh, frigid temperatures, the region has almost no human habitation, with only small villages visible at the edges of the desert.

Although the environment of Rangipo Desert is extremely harsh, it has also served as a filming location for well-known movies. In 2000, parts of the famous American film "The Lord of the Rings" were shot here.

Rangipo Desert

Reason to visit: New Zealand’s most un-desert-like desert

Continent where the attraction is located: Oceania

Country/region where the attraction is located: New Zealand

Province/region where the attraction is located: Manawatu-Wanganui Region