4 incredible Catlins waterfalls on the South Island of New Zealand

4 incredible Catlins waterfalls on the South Island of New Zealand

Here is a list of four incredible Catlins waterfalls that give you an impression of what this incredible part of the South Island of New Zealand has to offer.

Although travelers on the South Island are often overlooked, The Catlins is one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand. Although I only had a limited time to explore this incredible region, I was able to visit four epic and easily accessible waterfalls.

Here is the summary of 4 incredible Catlins waterfalls that you should not miss on your New Zealand trip!

Transportation in the Catlins and on the South Island of New Zealand

Since Catlins is relatively hidden, it is one of the least visited tourist hotspots in New Zealand. This is due to a lack of public transport in the coastal region.

However, if you have your own campervan or rental car, I strongly recommend that you add the Catlins to your RoadTrip route.

While I was exploring New Zealand, I rented a spaceship at Spaceships Rental. You have one of the cheapest camper setups in all of New Zealand and I can only warmly recommend it!

Read the full list of things that can be done in the catlins

Catlins waterfall card

Here is a quick and easy card that helps you plan your waterfall hopping tours.

4 Epic Catlins waterfalls-New Zealand hidden treasures

Without further ado, here is the list. If you find more that I missed, let me know by sending me an email or leaving a comment below.

Matai Falls

Matai Falls is one of the best waterfalls in the Catlins. What I mean is that you are rewarded with two epic forest water cases for a short street stop!

Matai Falls is located in the Hill Scenic Reserve Table and can be reached via a short walk directly on Papatowai Highway!
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Complete blog post: Matai Falls and Horseshoe Falls in the Catlins-New Zealand

MClean Falls

mClean Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in the Catlins. At 22 meters, this waterfall is also one of the highest and most impressive ones - shouldn't be missed!

mclean Falls is not a "quick stop on the roadside" like many of the others on this list, but still easily reached from the highway. A faster 3 km long arrow on a well -kept gravel road takes you to a large waterfall on the edge of the forest.

From here it is another faster 30-minute walk along the Tautuku River towards McLean Falls.
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Complete blog post: McLean Falls in the Catlins, New Zealand

Purakaunui Falls

The Purakaunui Falls that can be seen in "Narnia" and also have the title of the "most photographed" waterfall in New Zealand are another spectacular place that is worth looking at.

Like the others, the Purakaunui cases can be reached via a simple walk through the local forest. The waterfall itself falls down three levels before it gently flows into a flat pool.
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Complete blog post: Purakaunui Falls Walk-Catlins, New Zealand

Waipohatu case

The Waipohatu Falls are my personal favorite waterfalls in the catlins - and not just because of the waterfalls themselves.

Waipohatu Falls is located in Waikawa Forest (Catlins Conservation Park) and is the name of two waterfalls; Puriwai waterfalls and Punehu waterfalls.

Both waterfalls differ in their aesthetics, but are both beautiful, falling waterfalls that are surrounded by lush, native forest.

This track is a little longer than the others and takes about 3 hours for the entire loop. However, if you have penguin observations on your travel route in Curio Bay, the Waipohatu waterfall loop is worth a short detour.
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Complete blog post: Waipohatu-Wasserfall round hike in the Catlins-New Zealand

Further activities in the Catlins

I hope this short guide has convinced you to explore one of the best kept secrets of New Zealand away from the leaked paths! If you can find more waterfalls in the catlins that I have overlooked in this article, let me know!

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.

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