Mount Ngauruhoe

　　Those who have seen the classic movie *The Lord of the Rings* generally know about the "Mount Doom" mentioned in the film, but what most people don’t know is that this ill-fated volcano is actually located in New Zealand — Mount Ngauruhoe. However, unlike in the movies, it isn’t so inauspicious and hasn’t brought endless misfortune to humanity.

　　Mount Ngauruhoe is situated in the Manawatu-Wanganui Region. Its name originates from the ancestors of the Māori people. It is a stratovolcano, standing at 2,291 meters high, and is the youngest volcano in the Tongariro volcanic system. The volcano first erupted 2,500 years ago and formed the second cone of Mount Tongariro. It erupted 45 times during the 20th century, with the most recent eruption occurring in 1977. However, there have been no signs of activity in recent years. Visitors can climb the mountain from the eastern side. If you manage to reach the summit, you’ll see fumaroles in the crater and smell the sharp odor of sulfur dioxide — though there’s no danger involved. Once at the top of Mount Ngauruhoe, you can fully enjoy the stunning views before you and feel the immense power of nature.

　　Mount Ngauruhoe Reason to Visit: New Zealand’s youngest volcano Continent: Oceania Country/Region: New Zealand Province/State: Manawatu-Wanganui Region