Matai Falls and Horseshoe Falls in the Catlins - New Zealand

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Von: wom87

Matai Falls and Horseshoe Falls are two easily accessible waterfalls that come from the Matai Stream in the Catlins.

A visit to the Matai Falls in the Catlins is a worthwhile stopover on every Catlins road trip. This waterfall actually surprised me because I had overlooked it in my research in the area and the waterfall shield had only spontaneously discovered on the side of the road.

I was twice surprised when I found out that there were actually two waterfalls at this point; Matai Falls and Horseshoe Falls. These are two separate levels of the same stream, but both are worth a short visit.

More waterfalls: McLean cases in the Catlins

Arrival to the Matai Falls

The parking lot of the Matai Falls is located in the Hill Scenic Reserve Table on Papatowai Highway. The parking lot is about halfway between Papatowai and Owaka.

The best way to get here is to follow the instructions for the PIN below. You will have no problems finding the waterfall because the signs to the parking lot are well signposted.

If you come from Owaka (or Dunedin), I would recommend that you also make the short detour to the Purakaunaui Falls that are only 15-20 minutes away.

Waterfall hike

Heavy, 10-15 minutes

After we parked our car in the parking lot, we took a fairly short 10-minute walk through a beautiful local podocarp and deciduous forest.

The route is very well maintained and accessible to every fitness level.

After a few minutes on foot, you can get to an intersection where you can continue straight or turn left. If you turn left, you will get to the lower waterfall. Matai Falls and further leads to the top waterfall; Horseshoe Falls. Both lanes are short and easy to drive on.

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Matai Falls

Waterfall height: 10 meters

The first waterfall is Matai Falls, a 10 meter high waterfall in a small clearing. There is a small wooden viewing platform from which you can take a good view of the Matai Falls and take a few pictures.
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Although it is not technically on the track, I made a detour to catch a glimpse of the Matai if I went through a bush and down to the stream. In this case, however, be careful because the rocks are very slippery and the waterfall drops steeply.
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As I traveled to the South Island of New Zealand: Spaceships rent camper

Horseshoe Falls

Waterfall height: 10 meters

If you follow the right path, you can continue a short climb to the upper waterfall level; Horseshoe Falls.

The Horseshoe Falls were in my opinion more impressive than the lower matai Falls. Although both are beautiful waterfalls, the Horseshoe Falls were surrounded by rippling streams from all sides. Although the waterfall itself is not huge, its electricity was wide and gentle, which made photography a pleasure.
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After going down the stream a little further, I could also look at the Horseshoe Falls.
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More waterfalls in the Catlins

I hope you found this travel guide to the Matai Falls and Horseshoe Falls helpful. If you are looking for further waterfalls or adventures in the catlins, be sure to see the list of free travel guides below or read this blog for a full list of activities in the Catlins.

For now, there are still a few photos of these great waterfalls to motivate them to take the short stop!
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My camera and photo equipment

  • Mirrorless camera: Canon R5
  • drone: DJI Mavic Pro 2
  • 360-degree action camera: Insta360 One X2
  • landscape lens: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8l
  • all-round lens: Canon RF 24–105 mm f/4L
  • telephoto lens: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4.5–7.1 l
  • Long action rod: Insta360 Invisible Pole (Bullettime)
  • landscape lens filter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
  • camera backpack: F-stop Tilopa
  • Favorite photo accessories: Peak Design Capture Clip

A list of my recommended photo equipment (including what I use and why) can be found in my guide for camera equipment for the trip.

If you want to use one of the photos on this Website, please visit my licensing page to find out how. I also sell professional art prints, visit my print store or contact me directly for customs deductions from pictures on WE Seek Travel.

PIN for later

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