Wilkies Pools in Taranaki is a wild swimming spot with crystal-clear plunge pools sitting beneath the backdrop of Mount Taranaki. The easy 4.2 km return track takes you through the Goblin Forest, where the trees are covered in thick moss, giving it a fairytale-like vibe. Along the way, you'll also pass some small cascades before reaching the pools.

The water here is freezing, I dipped my hands in and immediately backed out, but on a hot day, I can definitely see the appeal. The pools have been naturally carved out by lava flows over thousands of years, which is pretty cool to think about while you're standing there shivering.

If highly suggest turning the trail into a loop and adding on Dawson Falls, which actually shortens the walk to 3.9 km.