Tawhai Falls

About

The 13-meter-high Tawhai Falls is tucked away in the Tongariro National Park - the oldest park in New Zealand, and reputedly the 4th oldest in the world. It’s just a 20 minute walk through the forest to reach the falls, and along the way you’ll be treated to the native flora and fauna, with views of the nearby volcanoes. Near the falls, the path forks, with one trail leading to a viewing platform on the cliff alongside the falls. But everyone knows the best view of a waterfall is from its base, so head back to the other junction and follow the trail to the blue pool at the base of the falls. Both perspectives appeared in Lord of the Rings - the upper being where Frodo and Faramir watched Smeagol swim, and the lower where Smeagol sang his happy Fish Song.