Purakaunui Falls

Hidden in the lush podocarp forest of the Catlins, Purakaunui Falls is a three-tiered cascade that plunges 20 metres into a mossy gorge. The short walk to the viewing platform is a sensory delight: the roar of water grows louder as you follow the well-maintained track through towering rimu and beech trees, with ferns unfurling at your feet. This is one of New Zealand's most photographed waterfalls, and for good reason — the broad, stepped drop creates a curtain of white water that feels both powerful and serene.

Highlights & What to See

• The waterfall itself — stand on the lower viewing platform for the classic postcard view, or climb to the upper lookout for a different perspective of the three tiers.
• The Purakaunui Falls Track — an easy 20-minute loop walk (800 m return) that winds through ancient forest alive with birdlife, including tūī and bellbirds.
• Catlins Forest Park — the falls are the centrepiece of this protected area, which offers other short walks to hidden waterfalls and secluded beaches nearby.
• Wildlife spotting — keep an eye out for New Zealand fur seals and sea lions along the coast, just a short drive away.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for 30–45 minutes to enjoy the walk and the falls. It's an ideal quick stop on a day trip through the Catlins, or combine it with other nearby attractions for a full day of exploring. Arrive early or late in the day to avoid the crowds and catch the soft light filtering through the forest canopy.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Catlins Coast — drive the scenic Southern Scenic Route to discover rugged beaches like Tautuku Bay and the petrified forest at Curio Bay.
• McLean Falls — another beautiful waterfall in the Catlins, with a longer walk through rimu forest to a 22-metre cascade.
• Nugget Point — a dramatic headland with a lighthouse and a colony of fur seals, sea lions, and yellow-eyed penguins.
• Owaka — the main town in the Catlins, with cafés, the Catlins Information Centre, and the Catlins Museum.
• Invercargill — the southernmost city in New Zealand, with the Southland Museum and easy access to Bluff and Stewart Island.

Please check official sources for current details.