at Waiouru is responsible for the southern end. The boundary between the Waikato and Manawatū-Whanganui regions intersects the Desert Road at its summit, which at 1074m above sea level is the highest pass on the New Zealand State Highway network. The Lord of the Rings films were shot in New Zealand, and the Black Gate of Mordor scenes were shot in the Rangipo Desert in 2000. References External links The Round the Mountain Track, Tongariro National Park New Zealand Small Town travel guide - Waiouru Deserts of New Zealand Ruapehu District Volcanic deserts