Tawhai Falls
Waterfall Picturesque waterfall in Tongariro National Park
A short walk from the Whakapapa car park, Tawhai Falls (Gollum’s Pool in The Lord of the Rings) offers a handy roadside cascade; visitors come for the film location, quick photos, and nearby Tongariro tracks.
How to Get to Tawhai Falls #
Tawhai Falls is a short walk from Whakapapa Village car parks in Tongariro National Park. It is easily combined with other short walks in the Whakapapa area.
Tips for Visiting Tawhai Falls #
- Park at Whakapapa Village and walk the short track to the waterfall-it's the same area as Taranaki Falls and easy to combine.
- Fans of The Lord of the Rings should note this is one of the small, photogenic waterfalls used around the national park in filming; check local guides for specific filming spots.
Best Time to Visit Tawhai Falls #
Tawhai Falls is easy to visit most of the year; winter weather can make approaches slippery and reduce visibility.
Weather & Climate near Tawhai Falls #
Tawhai Falls's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -1°C to 20°C. Abundant rainfall (1746 mm/year), wettest in September.
January
January is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (136 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (165 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (159 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (168 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (146 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (176 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (167 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (166 mm).
