Ross Creek Falls

Plunging 30 metres into a deep, bush-clad gorge, Ross Creek Falls is one of those classic West Coast roadside surprises that rewards a short detour with a truly wild spectacle. The misty spray, the roar of water, and the ancient podocarp forest all around make this a refreshing stop on any journey between Franz Josef and the coast.

Highlights & What to See

• The waterfall viewpoint – a short, easy track leads to a platform where you feel the full force of the falls, especially after rain.
• Native rainforest – the walk passes through lush ferns, moss-covered trunks, and towering rimu and kahikatea trees.
• Historic gold-mining relics – keep an eye out for remnants of the area's gold-rush past near the creek.
• Birdlife – listen for the chime of bellbirds and the cheeky calls of weka, often seen fossicking along the track.
• Nearby Ross township – pop into the historic gold-mining town of Ross, just a few minutes south, to visit the Ross Historic Reserve and try your hand at gold panning.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate 20–30 minutes for the short walk and photo stop. It's an easy, family-friendly detour that fits perfectly into a morning or afternoon of driving the West Coast. Pair it with a visit to Ross and the nearby Ōkārito Lagoon for a half-day exploration.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Franz Josef Glacier – a 30-minute drive north, with glacier valley walks and heli-hikes.
• Ōkārito Lagoon – a serene tidal lagoon with kayaking and birdwatching, 15 minutes south.
• Lake Mapourika – mirror-calm lake perfect for kayaking or a picnic, 20 minutes north.
• Whataroa – gateway to the Ōkārito Kiwi Sanctuary and white heron colony tours.
• Hokitika – an hour north, known for its jade workshops, beaches, and the Hokitika Gorge.

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