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Purakaunui Falls Walk – Catlins, New Zealand
Purakaunui Falls is an easily accessible but spectacular waterfall at the end of a short forest walk in Catlins Forest Park. Despite being New Zealand's most photographed waterfall, Purakaunui Falls is still relatively unknown on the South Island's regular tourist trails. That's because far too few people visit the Catlins. A short walk through the incredible forest trail reveals a waterfall, proving why this region should be a must-see for anyone on a New Zealand trip. READ THE FULL LIST OF THINGS TO DO IN THE CATLINS How to get to Purakaunui Falls? The Purakauinui Falls Walk is located…
Purakaunui Falls Walk – Catlins, New Zealand
Purakaunui Falls is an easily accessible but spectacular waterfall at the end of a short forest walk in Catlins Forest Park.
Despite being New Zealand's most photographed waterfall, Purakaunui Falls is still relatively unknown on the South Island's regular tourist trails. That's because far too few people visit the Catlins.
A short walk through the incredible forest trail reveals a waterfall, proving why this region should be a must-see for anyone on a New Zealand trip.
READ THE FULL LIST OF THINGS TO DO IN THE CATLINS
How to get to Purakaunui Falls?
The Purakauinui Falls Walk is located at the end of Puraukanui Road, just off the Papatowai Highway. The drive to the waterfall parking lot involves a short 2km gravel road. This road is well maintained and accessible to all 2WD vehicles and RVs.
The parking lot offers plenty of space for vehicles as well as a toilet and water tap (non-potable).
RELATED: MATAI FALLS AND HORSESHOE FALLS IN THE CATLINS
Hike to Purakaunui Falls
The path down to the waterfall follows a gravel path and crosses a bridge before ending at a short wooden staircase down to the waterfall.
Overall, the hike to Purakaunui Falls is a very easy route that takes no more than 10-15 minutes. Although it's not exactly an adventurous route, I was certainly overwhelmed by the beauty of Catlins Forest Park, past large ferns, beech trees and crystal clear flowing rivers.
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See also: Waipohatu Waterfall circular walk in The Catlins
What to Expect at Purakaunui Falls
Upon arriving at the waterfall, it's easy to see why it's considered New Zealand's most photographed waterfall. The waterfall cascades down three even levels into a shallow pool. This then trickles further down the slopes of the shallow forest gorge. The entire scenery is beautiful and definitely worth the short detour.
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Some might say that the title of “most photographed” could be due to its easy accessibility. Still, the multi-story levels and spectacular steady flow make for a picturesque scene that would delight any photographer!
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Try Aleader water shoes
In the first few weeks in New Zealand I tackled some big hikes like the Keplar, Ben Lomond and a few others which you can find here. Finally, Purakaunui Waterfall was the perfect place to test out my new Aleader shoes.
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To get unique perspectives, I had to get a little wet, so I slipped on water shoes for the walk. During most of my trips to waterfalls and river crossings, I never had a proper pair of waterproof shoes. Let me just say that these bad boys changed the tide for me.
Advantages of Aleader water shoes:
- Toller Grip auf rutschigen Oberflächen
- Superleicht und einfach zu tragen
- Einfach zu bedienender elastischer Spannmechanismus
- Langlebig und schnell trocknend
After using it at the waterfall and for a few early morning shots in the river, I'm now determined to use it on other similar adventures.
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MORE WATERFALLS: MCLEAN FALLS IN THE CATLINS
More things to do in The Catlins
The brief stop at Purakaunui Falls in the Catlins only scratched the surface of the epic adventures to be had in this region. For more detailed guides and ideas for things to do in the Catlins, check out some of the article links below.
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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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