Avoid Mount Doom says New Zealand New Zealand is warning climbers away from the North Island volcano which starred as Sauron’s haunt in the Lord of […]

New Zealand is warning climbers away from the North Island volcano which starred as Sauron’s haunt in the Lord of the Rings movies.

Mount Ruapehu, its real-life counterpart, last erupted in 2007, but according to earthquake and volcano monitoring service GNS Science, things are looking ominous.

“Smoke rises from the mountain of Doom. The hour grows late and Gandalf the Grey rides to Isengard…” The i newsletter cut through the noise Email address is invalid Email address is invalid Thank you for subscribing! Sorry, there was a problem with your subscription. Saruman, Lord of the Rings

“There are more signs of life at the volcano,” said volcanologist Brad Scott.

The temperature has shot up at Crater Lake, which forms in Ruapehu’s large crater between major eruptions. It has risen from 25 degrees Celsius to 46 degrees Celsius since the middle of April.

The volcanic alert level at Mount Doom has risen to “heightened unrest”.

Signs are bad for hikers who want souvenir photos with the breathtaking, iconic scenery.

Trekkers are especially attracted to the jagged rock formations and eerie landscape of the North Island’s Tongariro National Park where the volcano is situated because it is the landscape that formed the backdrop for Mordor in Peter Jackson’s films.

Every year, thousands of people walk the Tongariro Crossing, a 20km alpine crossing that passes all three volcanoes in the area.

But New Zealand’s Department of Conservation has warned members of the public to stay away ahead of a possible eruption.

“Recent visits to the volcano have confirmed an increase in the output of volcanic gas,” GNS Science said.