Whakapapa Ski Field: Mordor and the Emyn Muil
-In winter, Whakapapa is a very popular ski site; in other seasons, it is an area of mountainous volcanic rock
-The location is perfect for the Emyn Muil, the harsh barrier of rock and stone that Frodo and Sam must cross on their journey to Mordor
-The location was also used in the Fellowship of the Ring, in the depiction of the battle of the Second Age, fought in the heart of Mordor
-Special care was taken during filming in areas that were ecologically sensitive; carpets and tarps were often laid to prevent the actors from
disturbing the natural landscape
-The rocky outcrop known as Meads Wall was used in the scene in which Sam and Frodo capture Gollum
A desolate view of the rocky landscape of Whakapapa
Whakapapa skiing area