Overview

Hype:

Tawhai Falls, which tumble over the edge of an ancient lava flow, are reached after a short stroll through mountain toatoa and beech forest. It is a part of the set in Lord of the Rings as the forbidden pool in which Frodo and Faramir capture Gollum.

Trail Condition: Class 1 (Trail is either paved or gravel. Navigation skills are not needed because there is only one trail or because there are signs. Elevation gains are gradual or there are stairs.)

Time: 30-50 minutes

Length: 0.5 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 90 ft

Fees: None

Recommended Ages:

	0-3
	4-11
	12-19
	20-49
	50-69
	70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Links: https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/central-north-island/places/tongariro-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/whakapapa-village-short-walks/

Getting There

Navigate to -39.175282, 175.513615.

Maps

Closest City or Region: Tongariro National Park, New Zealand

Coordinates: -39.173029, 175.514733

Interactive Guide Map

Download Guide Map

View map fullscreen.

November 16, 2022 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Savannah Dye,

Story

After our hike to Taranaki Falls, we visited Tawhai Falls, which is just a short little walk from the edge of the road. They filmed one of the scenes in The Lord of the Rings there, and it's called Gollum's Pool colloquially. 

View map fullscreen

Pictures