After three great days in Taupo and traveling around and about, we left the Chelmswood Hotel for our trip home. I insisted that there was only one more place to go on the way home, the Tongariro National Park. I just had to see that strange funnel-shaped mountain up close that we saw while traveling to Taupo and in the distance from our hotel room. Could it be - Mount Doom from LOTR?
My excitement builds.
On our way, we just had to stop to get this picture. We weren't sure what it was, but it looks like a volcano.
Of course, Brendan had to get a nice picture of his Mom when we stopped.
I had to take this gorgeous panorama that was so inspiring.
We approach and my excitement builds.
And there it is, MOUNT DOOM, or actually as it's known, Mount Ngauruhoe in the Tongariro National Park. This is the ACTIVE volcano that reportedly inspired Director Peter Jackson as the model for Mount Doom, home of the evil Sauron, and the end of the quest for the Hobbit, Frodo, who must journey to Mordor and throw The One Ring into the cracks of Mount Doom.
And,of course, the only way I can see Mount Doom in my mind's eye.
To the right of this iconic volcano is another active volcano, Mount Tongairo.
My last view of Mount Doom from the opposite side. Just incredible. Without a doubt, one of my great dreams in visiting NZ fulfilled.
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