Home » New Zealand » Into the Land Where Shadows Lie November 14, 2004

As we drove out of Rotorua, there was a short break in the clouds, so we stopped to see the geothermal pools at Waikite Valley. Hot boiling water bubbled up from the ground, and steam billowed around us. I'm always amazed at what powerful forces lurk below the Earth's surface.
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Into the Land Where Shadows Lie November 14, 2004

Ttrealtravels
2005-12-26 15:57:49

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As we drove out of Rotorua, there was a short break in the clouds, so we stopped to see the geothermal pools at Waikite Valley. Hot boiling water bubbled up from the ground, and steam billowed around us. I'm always amazed at what powerful forces lurk below the Earth's surface.

All around this part of the country, steam and geysers burst forth. At some places, the heat is used for spas. Other areas simply puff white clouds into the wind. At Waikite Hot Pools, you can pay to soak in the mineral pools, or simply walk down the steamy boardwalk to see the source of all that heat.

We headed past the vast Lake Taupo and on to Tongariro National Park. Rain and wind dogged us all the way. We soon realized where the weather gods wanted us to stop and where they didn't want us to go. For example, every time we tried to see Lake Taupo at a scenic vista, the rain got harder. Yet it lessened when we got back to the car.

As we turned up the road to Whakapapa Village on the slopes of Mt. Ruapehu, the rain and wind began to pound us. Interestingly, this is one of the few places in New Zealand you can still see a "Kiwi Crossing" road sign -- although the birds are nocturnal, so we didn't see them. We popped our heads in the historic Grand Chateau hotel for a break, and then drove further up the mountain.

The landscape changed from forest to grassy plains to blasted volcanic rock as the road rose. We could see this was the perfect setting for Mordor, the land where shadows lie, in The Lord of the Rings. The rain continued to buffet our car as we drove up to the ski field where patches of snow lingered.

On a clear, dry day, the site saw filming of several key scenes in Mordor. A rock called Meade's Wall in front of a chairlift was the background for Frodo and Sam's first meeting with Gollum. One of the car parks was the location for the Last Alliance of Elves and Men at the end of the Second Age -- which was seen in the prologue of Fellowship of the Ring and in various flashbacks.

Unfortunately, the piercing wind shot rain into our faces and camera lenses the whole time. We didn't explore the area much, but even in the miserable weather, we could see that his was a perfect place for the Dark Lord. Especially if Sauron liked to ski.

Frodo and Sam had the evil eye always watching, nasty orcs chasing them, and Gollum trying to kill them in their sleep. But we had it worse with driving rains and swirling fog, not to mention snow still on the ground. Where are the fires of Mt. Doom when you need them?