Nestled within Tongariro National Park on New Zealand's North Island, Taranaki Falls is a hidden gem that exemplifies the natural beauty of this pristine wilderness. A short and easily accessible hiking trail taking aroung 1 1/2 hours to complete takes you through a lush forest and volcanic land with many opportunities for photography. As you make your way along the well-maintained path, the anticipation builds, leading you to the crescendo of the journey – Taranaki Falls. The falls cascade from a dramatic height, plummeting 20 meters into a crystal-clear plunge pool.

I have visited the falls on numerous occasions but my favourite was capturing the milkway behind the falls at night during winter. Take your wide angle lens with you for this one and enjoy the forest and incredible scenes along the way.