Mount Ruapehu - blooming heather in autumn with Mount Ruapehu, which is the highest mountain on the North Island, rising up out of the plains. Tongariro National Park, Tongariro World Heritage Area, North Island, New Zealand. Tongariro National Park is a World Heritage Area and was used for the filming of many scenes for the 'Lord of the Rings' Triology. The barren volcanic landscape at Whakapapa Ski Area on Mount Ruapehu was especially used for locations of Mordor and Gorgoroth.