Tawhai Falls
Gollum's Pool
Tawhai Falls might not immediately come to mind when discussing Tongariro National Park, but it's a hidden gem that warrants exploration. With its vivid turquoise waters, a short walk away, and plenty of room to unwind, Tawhai Falls is an absolute must-visit within Tongariro National Park. Often referred to as "Gollum's pool" due to its appearance in the Lord of the Rings films, the waterfall's view is well-known, and many are surprised to find that it's even more stunning in person than on screen. Whether you have a whole day or just a spare half-hour, visiting Tawhai Falls is an experience you won't want to miss, likely becoming one of your most cherished memories of the Tongariro National Park area.
Found within Tongariro National Park on New Zealand's North Island, Tawhai Falls is equidistant from Auckland and Wellington by car, making it a convenient four-hour drive from either direction. The park is renowned for the Tongariro Crossing, a 19.4-kilometer alpine hike across Mount Tongariro. This captivating landscape includes Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe, Mount Tongariro, and numerous stunning rivers, lakes, and waterfalls, among them the striking Tawhai Falls. Situated just off State Highway 48, the parking lot and walkway entrance to Tawhai Falls are easily accessible, a brief 5-minute drive from Whakapapa Village or 10 minutes from National Park. This convenient accessibility makes the walk a perfect choice for a quick pause to enjoy the local scenery.
With its vibrant turquoise waters, short walk, and ample space to relax, Tawhai Falls is a true hidden treasure within Tongariro National Park. Often referred to as "Gollum's pool" due to its role in the Lord of the Rings films, this waterfall's view is widely recognized. Many find themselves astounded by the fact that Tawhai Falls' real-life allure surpasses even its appearance in the movies. Whether you have a full day to spare or just half an hour, a sojourn to Tawhai Falls is an endeavor richly rewarding, likely etching itself into your memory as one of the most unforgettable sites in the expanse of Tongariro National Park.
Found within Tongariro National Park on New Zealand's North Island, Tawhai Falls is equidistant from Auckland and Wellington by car, making it a convenient four-hour drive from either direction. The park is renowned for the Tongariro Crossing, a 19.4-kilometer alpine hike across Mount Tongariro. This captivating landscape includes Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe, Mount Tongariro, and numerous stunning rivers, lakes, and waterfalls, among them the striking Tawhai Falls. Situated just off State Highway 48, the parking lot and walkway entrance to Tawhai Falls are easily accessible, a brief 5-minute drive from Whakapapa Village or 10 minutes from National Park. This convenient accessibility makes the walk a perfect choice for a quick pause to enjoy the local scenery.
With its vibrant turquoise waters, short walk, and ample space to relax, Tawhai Falls is a true hidden treasure within Tongariro National Park. Often referred to as "Gollum's pool" due to its role in the Lord of the Rings films, this waterfall's view is widely recognized. Many find themselves astounded by the fact that Tawhai Falls' real-life allure surpasses even its appearance in the movies. Whether you have a full day to spare or just half an hour, a sojourn to Tawhai Falls is an endeavor richly rewarding, likely etching itself into your memory as one of the most unforgettable sites in the expanse of Tongariro National Park.