4 incredible Catlins waterfalls in New Zealand's South Island

4 incredible Catlins waterfalls in New Zealand's South Island

Here is a list of four incredible Catlins waterfalls to give you an idea of ​​what this incredible part of New Zealand's South Island has to offer.

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

Here's the roundup of 4 incredible Catlins waterfalls you shouldn't miss on your New Zealand trip!

Getting around the Catlins and the South Island of New Zealand

Because 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 to the coastal region.

However, if you have your own campervan or rental car, I highly recommend adding the Catlins to your road trip itinerary.

While exploring New Zealand, I rented a spaceship from Spaceships Rentals. They have one of the cheapest camper setups in New Zealand and I highly recommend them!

READ THE FULL LIST OF THINGS TO DO IN THE CATLINS

Catlins waterfalls map

Here's a quick and easy map to help you plan your waterfall hopping trips.

4 Epic Catlins Waterfalls - New Zealand's Hidden Treasures

Without further ado, here is the list. If you find any others that I missed, let me know by emailing me or leaving a comment below.

Matai Falls

Matai Falls is one of the best waterfalls in the Catlins. What I mean by that is that for a quick road stop you will be rewarded with two epic forest waterfalls!

Matai Falls is located in the Table Hill Scenic Reserve and is accessible via a short walk just off the Papatowai Highway!
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FULL 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 - definitely not to be missed!

While McLean Falls isn't a "quick roadside stop" like many of the others on this list, it's still easily accessible from the highway. A quick 3km arrow on a well-maintained gravel road takes you to a large waterfall on the edge of the forest.

From here it's another quick 30 minute walk along the Tautuku River towards McLean Falls.
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FULL BLOG POST: MCLEAN FALLS IN THE CATLINS, NEW ZEALAND

Purakaunui Falls

Purakaunui Falls, featured in “Narnia” and also holding the title of “most photographed” waterfall in New Zealand, is another spectacular place worth checking out.

Like the others, Purakaunui Falls is accessible via an easy walk through the native forest. The waterfall itself cascades down three levels before flowing gently into a shallow pool.
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FULL BLOG POST: PURAKAUNUI FALLS WALK – CATLINS, NEW ZEALAND

Waipohatu Falls

Waipohatu Falls is my personal favorite waterfall in the Catlins – and not just because of the falls themselves.

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

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

This track is a little longer than the others, taking around 3 hours for the entire loop. However, if you have penguin spotting in Curio Bay on your itinerary, then the Waipohatu Falls Loop is worth a quick detour.
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FULL BLOG POST: WAIPOHATU WATERFALL CIRCUIT HIKE IN THE CATLINS - NEW ZEALAND

More activities in the Catlins

I hope this quick guide has convinced you to go off the beaten path and explore one of New Zealand's best kept secrets! If you find any other waterfalls in the Catlins that I missed in this article, be sure to let me know!

MY CAMERA AND PHOTO EQUIPMENT

• Spiegellose Kamera: Canon R5
• Drohne: DJI Mavic Pro 2
• 360-Grad-Action-Kamera: Insta360 One X2
• Landschaftsobjektiv: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8L
• Allround-Objektiv: Canon RF 24–105 mm f/4L
• Teleobjektiv: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4,5–7,1 L
• Lange Aktionsstange: Insta360 Invisible Pole (BulletTime)
• Landschaftslinsenfilter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
• Kamerarucksack: F-Stop Tilopa
• Lieblingsfotozubehör: Peak Design Capture Clip

For a list of my recommended photography gear (including what I use and why), check out my Travel Camera Gear Guide.

If you would like to use any 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 of images on We Seek Travel.

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