From the Shire to Mordor
- 4 nights + departure morning
- 5 places
- the North Island
Frodo's journey in four days by car: from the round doors of Hobbiton to the volcano of Mount Doom, through the rocks of Emyn Muil and the falls where Gollum fishes.
The stops
1The Shire
About these stops
The only set built to last: round doors in green hills, the Party Tree and the Green Dragon inn, rebuilt for The Hobbit on a private farm near Matamata. Entry is only with a guided tour, booked ahead on the official Hobbiton site.
2Mordor
About these stops
Tongariro National Park, a landscape of volcanoes in the centre of the North Island. The young volcano plays Mount Doom; the rocks where Frodo and Sam meet Gollum are about 30 minutes on foot from the top of Bruce Road. Mountain weather changes fast.
3Gollum's falls
About these stops
Two waterfalls on the park's roads, both linked to Gollum catching a fish, since guides disagree on which one is his pool. Each is a short walk from a roadside car park. Take photos from the bank, and check the road to Tūroa in winter.
