On to day 6, we leave Rotorua and head toward Tongariro National Park and Mordor, a land of remarkable scenes used in filming Lord of the Rings. Here’s a map with our stops.

First stop was Tokaanu Bay on Lake Taupo, to see the black swans.

We stopped to enjoy our lunch at an old hydro plant at Beggs Pool, on the Tongariro River. The Tongariro is a famous spot to fish for rainbow trout.  Very lucky to have Phil, our guide, spot a  rare blue duck.

Beggs Pool falls

Our final sketch spot was with views of Mountains Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. Mount Ruapehu is an active stratovolcano.

Mount Ruapehu sketched on site  

Mount Ruapehu done at home