Tawhai Falls — also known as Gollum’s Pool — is a 13-metre waterfall in Tongariro National Park, set in beech and mountain toatoa forest on the banks of the Whakapapanui Stream. The falls are recognised internationally as the filming location for the Forbidden Pool scene in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) — the scene in which Faramir and his Rangers watch Gollum fishing from the cliff above. The walk to the falls from the trailhead on State Highway 48 is 800 metres return and takes 10–15 minutes on a well-formed track. Entry is free.
Practical Information
| Location | State Highway 48, Tongariro National Park — 4 km below Whakapapa Village |
| Height | 13 metres |
| Walk distance | 800 m return (approximately 10–15 minutes) |
| Grade | Easy — formed track with steps, suitable for all ages |
| Entry | Free, open at all times |
| Managed by | Department of Conservation (Tongariro National Park) |
| Distance from Taupō | Approximately 75 km south-west of Taupō (~1 hour) |
| Distance from Turangi | Approximately 40 km |
The Walk
The trailhead is on the western side of State Highway 48, approximately 4 kilometres below Whakapapa Village as you drive toward SH47. A small carpark marks the start of the track. The path descends through mountain toatoa and beech forest on a formed track with steps, reaching the waterfall viewpoint in 5–10 minutes. The falls drop into a circular rock pool — the Gollum’s Pool of LOTR fame — surrounded by dark rock and native vegetation.
The short return time makes Tawhai Falls an easy addition to any visit to Whakapapa or the Tongariro Alpine Crossing area. The forest on the walk is notable — a mixture of native species characteristic of the mid-altitude forest in Tongariro National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Area and one of the oldest national parks in the world.
Lord of the Rings Connection
Tawhai Falls was used as the filming location for the Forbidden Pool scene in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. In the scene, Faramir and his Rangers observe Gollum fishing in the pool from the clifftops above. The pool at the base of the falls — with its dark rock surround and native forest canopy — provided the atmospheric setting for one of the film’s pivotal character moments. The site is now a popular stop for LOTR fans visiting the Tongariro region, which also includes locations used for Mordor and the plains of Rohan.
What Visitors Say
“The falls themselves are lovely — 13 metres into a perfect circular pool with dark rock walls. The LOTR connection is a bonus. At 15 minutes return from the road, there’s no reason not to stop on your way to Whakapapa.”
Where to Learn More
DOC – Tawhai Falls Track — official track notes and Tongariro National Park visitor information.
Love Taupō – Tawhai Falls — visitor guide to the falls with access and Lord of the Rings context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Tawhai Falls?
On State Highway 48 in Tongariro National Park, 4 km below Whakapapa Village — approximately 75 km south-west of Taupō (about 1 hour by road).
Is Tawhai Falls really Gollum’s Pool from Lord of the Rings?
Yes — the falls and pool were used as the filming location for the Forbidden Pool scene in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002), in which Gollum is watched fishing by Faramir and his Rangers.
How long does the Tawhai Falls walk take?
Approximately 10–15 minutes return from the trailhead on SH48. The track is 800 metres total and is easy grade, suitable for all fitness levels.
Is there a fee to visit Tawhai Falls?
No — access is free. The trailhead is on the roadside with a small carpark.
What is the best time to visit Tawhai Falls?
Any time of year. The falls flow year-round. Morning visits tend to have softer light in the forested setting.
Tawhai Falls is close to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing trailhead — see the Tongariro Alpine Crossing guide for the full day walk. The Taupō walking tracks hub covers more walks in the district.