Mangawhero Falls

The Lord of the Rings · Filming location

Mangawhero Falls

In the story · The Two Towers (Gollum catches a fish; the ruined column)

On the Mangawhero River just above these falls, Gollum, the creature guiding Frodo and Sam toward Mordor, catches a fish with his bare hands. Nearby, in a clearing, the two hobbits pass a ruined stone column. Some guides link Gollum's pool to Tawhai Falls instead, so both waterfalls carry the name.

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More The Lord of the Rings places nearby

All 28 places of The Lord of the Rings →

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Not places of the story, but worth seeing in the area.

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Where to stand for the photo

From the viewing platform, frame the falls dropping over the dark rock into the bush.

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Getting there

  • Address: Ohakune Mountain Road, Tongariro National Park
Transport
By car, about 15 minutes up Ohakune Mountain Road from Ohakune; about 4 hours from Wellington.
Access
Public, inside Tongariro National Park: a short walk from the roadside car park. The road climbs to the Tūroa ski area: check conditions before you go.
Public sources (1)

Sources found on October 21, 2026.

Every place checked against public sources

Production · film commissions · tourist boards · guides

We always say if it is:

  • The real filming location
  • A place standing in for it
  • Inspired by the story

Part of the trip

Every place checked against public sources

Production · film commissions · tourist boards · guides

We always say if it is:

  • The real filming location
  • A place standing in for it
  • Inspired by the story
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