Nestled amidst the volcanic peaks and rugged landscapes of Tongariro National Park in New Zealand lies the iconic Mead’s Wall. This dramatic volcanic cliff face wasn’t just shaped by nature’s forces, but also by the magic of cinema. The wall gained worldwide fame as a filming location for the epic Lord of the Rings trilogy, depicting the desolate realm of Mordor.
Why is the Mead’s Wall so famous?
For LOTR fans, the Mead’s Wall holds a special significance. It served as the backdrop for several key scenes in “The Return of the King,” including:
- The harrowing trek of Frodo and Sam through the desolate Emyn Muil, where they lose their way and encounter the treacherous Gollum for the first time.
- The dramatic moment where Frodo glimpses Mount Doom for the first time, realizing the immense burden he carries. Fun fact: Mount Ngauruhoe (which is visible from the Mead’s Wall) was used as a stand-in for Mount Doom in the trilogy!
The wall’s stark beauty and imposing presence perfectly captured the essence of Mordor, a land ravaged by volcanic activity and shrouded in darkness. Even if you’re not a die-hard LOTR fan, the Mead’s Wall’s captivating scenery and rugged landscape make it a worthwhile visit.
How to get to the Mead’s Wall?
Reaching the Mead’s Wall is relatively straightforward. Also, the wall is best accessed during the summer months (October to April) due to weather conditions. Winter can bring snow and ice, making the track inaccessible and potentially dangerous.
The starting point for the Mead’s Wall track is located at the Whakapapa Ski Area. Head to the visitor car park at the top of Bruce Road (SH48). From there, walk to the Sky Waka Gondola and follow the path past the base of the gondola.
- The Whakapapa ski area
- Whakapapa is a very popular ski and snowboarding destination in Tongariro National Park
- Walk beyond the Sky Waka Gondola terminal
The Mead’s Wall track is a short track (450 metres from the gondola terminal), taking about 25 minutes round trip to complete. Although the track doesn’t involve any climbing, it is moderately difficult thanks to the rocky and extremely rugged alpine terrain. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
After walking a short distance past the Sky Waka Gondola, the Mead’s Wall should be clearly visible. It’s rugged exterior, looked a lot like dragon’s skin. Along the track, you’ll also come across several ski clubs scattered on the hillside.
- Within a few minutes into the walk, you should be able to see the Mead’s Wall
- Admiring the dragon-like texture of the Mead’s Wall
Mead’s Wall
The first thing most LOTR fans do is to re-enact the scene from the movie where Frodo and Sam climb up the hill. Just remember to be cautious as some rocks along the way may be loose.
However, even if you’re not familiar with the movies, the stunning scenery at Mead’s Wall is still a must-see! The panoramic views from the top of the wall are truly breathtaking, showcasing volcanic peaks, deep valleys, and alpine landscape. It’s no surprise then that the Mead’s Wall is a popular rock climbing spot.
As far as views go – on one side, you’ll be met with the rugged terrain of Mount Ruapehu’s Whakapapa ski field, while on the other, the valley and distant views of Mount Ngauruhoe will leave you in awe!
- Views of the valley below as you climb the Mead’s Wall
- The Mead’s Wall from the other side
- Mt Ngauruhoe and Whakapapanui Stream views from the Mead’s Wall
Once you’ve taken in the magnificent views and perhaps re-enacted a scene or two, simply retrace your steps back to the starting point.
Other things to do near the Mead’s Wall
Tongariro National Park, where we witnessed the raw beauty and untamed spirit of New Zealand’s natural wonders, was the highlight of our trip to the North Island!
Located in the central North Island of New Zealand, Tongariro National Park is a magnificent destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. Established in 1887, it is one of the oldest national parks in New Zealand and holds a unique status as a dual World Heritage Site due to its significant cultural and natural values.
Taranaki Falls Walk
Close to Mead’s Wall is Taranaki Falls, a picturesque waterfall that cascades down a height of 20 meters against a backdrop of lush alpine scenery. The 2-hour Taranaki Falls Walk winds through beech forests, alpine shrubland, and volcanic landscapes, treating visitors to beautiful scenes in the Tongariro National Park.
You can learn all about the Taranaki Falls Track in our guide.
Tawhai Falls Track (Gollum’s Pool)
Gollum’s Pool, also known as Tawhai Falls, is another hidden gem located in Tongariro National Park, close to Mead’s Wall. The 13-metre-high waterfall is another filming location for the Forbidden Pool scene, in which Faramir and his archers are watching Gollum fish in “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers”. Since then, the waterfall (and the pool which it flows into) has been simply referred to as “Gollum’s Pool”.
You can learn all about the Tawhai Falls Track in our guide.
Where to stay in Tongariro National Park
Looking back at our visit to Tongariro National Park, we wish that we’d stayed there longer. We just couldn’t get enough of the natural beauty and the countless outdoor activities!
Erua
As far as accommodations go in Tongariro National Park, there is a spattering of villages around the park where there is limited accommodation. We stayed at the Tongariro Springs Boutique Suites in Erua, which was amazing because we had nothing but nature around us.
National Park Village
Erua is close to the National Park Village, which is the most central and popular village for visitors to the park.
Ohakune
The village of Ohakune is another extremely popular destination for those wanting to stay close to Tongariro National Park. I honestly thought that Ohakune was the most picturesque village around the park. With views of sheep grazing across lush green rolling hills and Mount Ruapehu in the background, I fell in love with this town!
- Green pastoral vibes of Ohakune
- The view of Mount Ruapehu from Ohakune during golden hour
Our guide to reaching the Mead’s Wall
We hope you found our guide to reaching the Mead’s Wall in Tongariro National Park easy and informative.
We hope that are able to experience a piece of Middle-earth first hand, whether you’re a devoted LOTR fan or simply seeking a scenic adventure in the heart of New Zealand’s stunning natural landscape. And speaking of The Lord of the Rings, I’m fairly sure that you’re not leaving the North Island without a visit to Hobbiton! If you are, make sure to read our honest review of the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour.
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