In Tongariro National Park, which is a World Heritage site, there are three active volcanoes, including Ngauruhoe, which served as Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings series. On the slopes of one volcano, skiers race down the sides, and on another, there are boiling pools of mud and emerald lakes full of volcanic gas.
Hiking trails lead to the Red Crater, an active crater on top of Mount Tongariro. At the base of the volcanoes, visitors can paddleboard, kayak, and enjoy the large lakes that lie peacefully at the bottom.
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Step 2: If you are spending the night, search for Hotel Deals nearby. Read the reviews, then call the hotel directly to book and ask for a romantic, kid-friendly or pet-friendly amenity if you need it.
Step 3: If you are flying, compare Flights. Book directly with the airline, add your frequent flier number and reserve your seat.
Step 4: Estimate your driving time using Google Maps (click the blue 'Directions' arrow in the search box).
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