WaterfallHidden gem
Tawhai Falls
Whakapapa Village, Manawatū-Whanganui
A cascade in Tongariro National Park, used as Gollum's pool in the Lord of the Rings films.
- Cost
- Free
- Booking
- No need to book
- Time to allow
- 40 min
Tawhai Falls drops into a deep green pool a short walk from the road near Whakapapa. It's cold and shaded, a nice leg-stretch before or after the big mountain walks. The Gollum's Pool sign is a nice nod if you're a Tolkien fan.
Good to know
- The water is very cold, expect to be quick
- Rocks are slippery, take care at the edge
- Best time
- Morning, before the tour buses
- Open
- All year
- Getting there
- Short signposted walk from the roadside car park off SH48
- Vehicles
- Campervans fine
- Dogs
- No dogs
Data: Roadtrip. Things change: check opening times, prices and rules before you go.
Know what the drive costs
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