Purakaunui Falls Walk - Catlins, New Zealand
Purakaunui Falls Walk - Catlins, New Zealand
Purakaunui Falls is a easily accessible but spectacular waterfall at the end of a short forest walk in the Catlins Forest Park.
Although it is the most photographed waterfall of New Zealand, the Purakaunui Falls are still relatively unknown on the regular tourist paths of the South Island. This is because far too few people visit the Catlins.
A short walk through the incredible forest path reveals a waterfall that proves why this region should be a must for everyone on a New Zealand trip.
Read the full list of things that can be done in the catlins
How do you get to the Purakaunui cases?
The Purakauinui Fallk is located at the end of the Puraukanui Road, directly on Papatowai Highway. The journey to the waterfall car park includes a short 2 km long gravel road. This road is well maintained and accessible to all 2WD vehicles and motorhomes.
The parking lot offers plenty of space for vehicles as well as a toilet and a tap (not drinkable).
Connection: Matai Falls and Horseshoe Falls in the Catlins
Hike to the Purakaunui Falls
Duration and back
The path down to the waterfall follows a gravel path and crosses a bridge before ending on a short wooden staircase down to the waterfall.
Overall, the hike to the Purakaunui cases is a very simple route that does not take longer than 10-15 minutes. Although it is not exactly an adventurous route, the beauty of the Catlins Forest Park certainly overwhelmed me, past large ferns, beech and crystal -clear flowing rivers.
Alt = “Catlins Forest Park Walking”>
Alt = “Purakaunui waterfall Falls Walk in the Catlins”>
See also: circular hike to the Waipohatu waterfall in the Catlins
What you expect from the Purakaunui Falls
Waterfall height: 20 m
waterfall type/immersion
When arriving at the waterfall, it is easy to understand why it is considered the most photographed waterfall of New Zealand. The waterfall plunges three even levels into a flat pool. This then trickles down the slopes of the shallow forest gorge. The entire scenery is beautiful and definitely worth the short detour.
Alt = “Purakaunui waterfall Falls Walk in the Catlins”>
Some may say that the title "most photographed" could be attributed to its easy accessibility. Nevertheless, the multi -storey levels and the spectacular even river provide a picturesque scene that would inspire every photographer!
Alt = “Purakaunui waterfall Falls Walk in the Catlins”>
Test aleader water shoes
In the first few weeks in New Zealand, I tackled some big hikes, such as the Keplar, Ben Lomond and some others that you can find here. After all, the Purakaunui waterfall was the perfect place to test my new Aleader shoes.
alt = “Ollygaspar Aeader Shoes”>
Alt = "Aleder shoes">
Alt = “Aleder shoes”>
To get unique perspectives, I had to get a little wet and therefore slipped into the water shoes for a walk. During most of my trips to waterfalls and river crossings, I never had a real pair of waterproof shoes. Just let me say that these bad guys have changed the paper for me.
Advantages of aleader water shoes:
- Great grip on slippery surfaces
- super light and easy to wear
- easy to use elastic clamping mechanism
- durable and quickly drying
After using them on the waterfall and for a few early morning pictures in the river, I am now determined to use them at other similar adventures.
Alt = "Wesentektravel-Aleader shoes">
More waterfalls: McLean cases in the Catlins
Further activities in the Catlins
The short stop at the Purakaunui Falls in the Catlins only scratched the surface of the epic adventure that can be experienced in this region. You can find more detailed travel guides and ideas for activities in the Catlins in some of the following articles Alt = “Purakaunui waterfall Falls Walk in the Catlins”>
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.
alt = “
Alt = "">
.