5 Catlins Waterfalls You Need To Visit
There are only a few places in New Zealand where you can see 5 different named waterfalls all in the space of a couple of hours, but the Catlins is one of them!
There are many reasons to visit The Catlins Forest Park, located down the bottom of New Zealand’s South Island. The coastal drives, the seafood, the wildlife or for NZ’s famous Nugget Point lighthouse. But in our humble opinion, the main reason the Catlins needs to be on your hit list is for the several lush waterfalls hidden away in what can only be described as the waterfall haven of NZ. Maybe I am biased being a proud Southlander, but I truly believe the Catlins is the BEST place in New Zealand to get your waterfall fix. Now, I'm no waterfall expert but I have seen 37 named waterfalls around the country thus far, so I feel like I have a pretty good idea of what I'm talking about. The area feels extremely untouched as if it has been left off the tourist map. Although it is quite a remote part of the country it’s well worth making a trip!
Whether you're wanting to visit just 1 waterfall or all of them, check out all the details below to find out which one suits you.
Purakaunui Falls
Not to far down the road from the famous Nugget Point Lighthouse is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful and photographed waterfalls. A super easy 5 minute stroll from the carpark will bring you to 3 tiered Purakaunui Falls. Whether it's a nice sunny day or a cloudy rainy day this waterfall is perfect for a small easy walk that anybody can do. We went on a day when the weather was dark and cloudy which worked perfectly for shooting long exposures in the middle of the day. After heavy rainfall the waterfall is full flowing and powerful! Bring a cloth for your camera lens.
Matai Falls
A short drive South of the Purakaunui Falls, approx 10 minutes and you'll find yourself at the Matai Falls AND the Horseshoe Falls (2 waterfalls in one spot - HOW GOOD). Again another super short walk from the carpark, mostly downhill on the way to the falls, but keep in mind you'll be uphill most of the way back and on a wet day it can be very slippery and steep. We’ve always found this place to be extremely quiet no matter the time of year. Like we said, super untouched!
Horseshoe Falls
You'll find this waterfall 5 minutes up the track from the Matai Falls. How good is that! Definitely leave enough time to enjoy the both of them. If you're wanting to get a photo right in front of the falls be extremely careful as the rocks are super slippery, I may have taken a small tumble climbing back up!
Mclean Falls
The big draw card, the headline act, the big boy!! The Mclean Falls is most definitely the biggest and most impressive of the waterfalls in the Catlins. The walk in is another pretty easy stroll that should only take about 20 minutes. Majority of the track is flat with a steep bit at the end. There are multiple spots along the track to stop at and enjoy little falls along the stream. Unlike most of the other falls in the Catlins, these ones aren't overly sheltered therefore letting in loads of sun. If you are wanting to photograph and shoot long exposures, maybe make this your first stop early in the morning or your last stop later in the afternoon. Unless you have filters in which case go whenever you please. If you're brave and capable you can climb up the side of the waterfall to access the top pool. I left that to Goose and the kids that were there at the time.
Koropuku Falls
This little gem of a waterfall is by far our FAVOURITE falls in the area. The walk in was almost a destination in itself. The track has been made by a couple of local men who wanted the rest of the community to enjoy its beauty. This gives you the genuine kiwi experience, so take your time walking in soaking up all the sounds and smells of our beautiful native bush. It's very easy to miss the sign for this track as it only has a small signpost on the side of the road and very limited parking, probably only enough for 1 car. If you're coming from McLean Falls it's approx 20 minutes south on the main road. The walk itself is only about 20 minutes but can be quite tricky and slippery so wear some good shoes! There is also no reception in here, so we advise going with someone just in case you run into any trouble. The waterfall itself isn't the largest but the walk in is so spectacular it is definitely worth adding it to your list. Take a picnic and park up on the bench the locals have built at the end of the walk.
I hope this helps you in planning what to visit down south. Enjoy and let us know your favourite!
Toitu Te Whenua // Leave The Land Undisturbed
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