As the weather starts to warm up, get out in nature with six short walks to beautiful waterfalls around New Zealand.
1. Waianiwaniwa / Rainbow Falls, Northland
A very short stroll will take you to the feet of the thundering falls, or you can venture further downriver for the 3.5km walk to the town basin. The short walk to the falls with its three lookout sites a great spot for a leg stretch on a long road trip. If you have more time, go for the longer river walk – a 7km return stroll that takes you from Rainbow Falls to the Kerikeri town basin. Walk amongst native birds – tūī and pīwakawaka – and bush – kauri and tōtara. Interpretation panels at Rainbow Falls, known as Waianiwaniwa in Te Reo, provide interesting information about the advent of hydroelectricity, an innovation that transformed the Northland region from 1930. Historical remnants of the first station can still be seen today.
- Start at Rainbow Falls road for the falls, or begin at Kerikeri Basin Reserve for the full river track.
- 5-10 minutes to Rainbow Falls from the carpark. 3 hours; 7km return for the full walk
- Easy walking
2. Wainui Falls, Nelson
Wainui Falls are the largest and most accessible falls in Mohua Golden Bay. Start by crossing a short stretch of farmland before walking through native forest comprised of nīkau palms, rātā and ferns. The track climbs quickly alongside granite boulders in the Wainui River. Cross a thrilling suspension bridge and look down on logs piled up after massive floods.
- The walk begins from the car park at Wainui Bay, approximately 20km northeast of Tākaka.
- 1 hour 20 min, 3.4km return
- Low to moderate fitness required, one flight of stairs
3. Wairēinga / Bridal Veil Falls, Waikato
Take an easy walk alongside the Pakoka River to an impressive waterfall that tumbles 55 metres over the rocky cliffs. There are two viewing platforms at the top of the falls, both accessible for wheelchairs, that provide excellent views across the tawa-filled forest and rural Waikato landscapes. From the top, steep stairs descend to another viewpoint midway. Carved by centuries of falling water, the sandstone pools at the base of the falls form a natural amphitheatre.
- 28km from Raglan, turn off at SH23 and onto Kauroa-Kāwhia Road to get to the Wairēinga Scenic Reserve.
- 10 minutes to the lookout, 500m. 300 steps to the bottom of the falls.
- Basic fitness required
4. Devils Punchbowl Falls, Canterbury
Experience the full force of fresh mountain water falling 131 metres at one of New Zealand’s most spectacular waterfalls. From the start of the walk, follow the footbridge across the Bealey River. From the second bridge ver Devils Punchbowl Creek you’ll have a good view of the waterfall. Wander through beech forest surrounded by native birdlife before climbing 150m up a series of steps to a viewing platform at the base of the waterfall.
- The track starts at the northern end of Arthur’s Pass Village, just off SH73 at the Punchbowl carpark.
- 1 hour, 2km return
- Low to moderate fitness required, gradual incline and steps
5. Te Rere o Noke / Dawson Falls, Taranaki
Follow the 1.4km Kapuni Loop to Dawson Falls along Kapuni Stream, through the goblin forest of subalpine kāmahi trees to reach Te Rere o Noke Dawson Falls. Here you’ll also find Dawson Falls Power Station, one of the world’s longest serving generators that has been in continuous operation since 1935. Built in 1900 in New York, it was previously used in Tasmania before being shipped to Taranaki. Today you can look into the machine room thanks to push-button illumination.
- Start at Dawson Falls Visitor Centre, Manaia Road, Egmont National Park
- One hour, 1.4km
- Basic fitness required, some steps
6. Mclean Falls, Southland
The spectacular 22-metre-high McLean Falls is on the Tautuku River in the Catlins Conservation Park and the highest waterfall in the region. The waterfall can be reached on a short walk that takes you though a variety of native forest and shrubs. Once leaving the carpark follow the well-formed track alongside the river, then take the gentle incline up to the falls. The last part of the track has had a large slip – make sure you don’t stop between the rock fall signs.
- Turn off Chaslands Highway onto Rewcastle Road 11.6km south of Papatowai. It's a further 3km to the carpark.
- 40 minutes, 2.1km return
- Basic fitness required, some steps
- For more walking inspiration around New Zealand – from 30 minute strolls, to our multi-day Great Walks, check out our Must-Do's Walking Guide.
