Rangipo Desert

　　  Rangipo Desert is situated in the Manawatu-Wanganui region and is a barren land with an environment highly resembling that of a desert. Although it receives 1500–2500 millimeters of rainfall annually, it is called a desert due to its infertile soil, dry hot winds, and drifting sand.

　　  Covering an area of up to 3,000 hectares, Rangipo Desert consists largely of dunes—more specifically, volcanic dunes formed from volcanic tuff that has been eroded over the years by wind and rain into sand. Vegetation rooted in the desert is sparse and scarce, mainly consisting of snow tussock and grasses. Another defining feature is the cold weather coupled with fierce winds, which make it difficult to traverse. Due to the infertile soil unsuitable for crops and the frigid temperatures, the area is almost uninhabited, with only small villages visible near the edges of the desert.

　　  Despite its harsh environment, Rangipo Desert has 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   Must-visit reason: New Zealand’s most un-desert-like desert   Continent: Oceania [Oceania]   Country/Region: New Zealand [New Zealand]   Province/State: Manawatu-Wanganui Region [Manawatu-Wanganui Region]