McLean Falls in the Catlins, New Zealand

McLean Falls in the Catlins, New Zealand

McLean Falls New Zealand is a popular waterfall hike in the Catlins Coastal Region to a rewarding multi-tiered waterfall!

McLean Falls, Catlins, New Zealand, is a popular but quick stop worthy of any Catlin road trip itinerary. The waterfall is very easy to access and is one of my personal favorite waterfalls in the area.

RELATED: Waipohatu Waterfall Loop in the Catlins

How to get to McLean Falls?

Located on the Tautuku River, McLean Falls is best accessed by car or RV. The road conditions are asphalted, but the last stretch of about 3 kilometers follows a gravel road before ending at the large parking lot.

The best way to find it is to follow the map pin instructions below.

There are also many signs on the Chaslands Highway asking you to turn. The road you need to follow to get to the waterfall parking lot is called Recastle Road.

McLean Falls Walk

Difficulty level of walking: easy, 30 minutes round trip.
The walk to one of Catlin's most famous waterfalls is pleasant and easy. The first section is boarded before entering the jungle where you follow the Tautuku River to the waterfalls.

There are actually plenty of great freshwater swimming spots along the hike, so keep an eye out near the start of the trail.

After about 10-15 minutes of walking you will reach the lowest waterfall. However, you shouldn't stay here for too long as it has been designated as a rockfall area by the DOC. Walk a few more minutes and you'll reach the clearing for the two main waterfalls.
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RELATED: MATAI FALLS AND HORSESHOE FALLS IN THE CATLINS

McLean Falls main waterfall

Waterfall height: 22 meters
alt="MCLEAN FALLS CATLINS">Main waterfall at McLean Falls New Zealand
At the end of the walk we were surprised to find that there was no direct access to the larger, main McLean Falls waterfalls. However, this wasn't too much of a problem as it's easy to climb up the low rocks on the right side of the falls and then head to the main waterfall.
alt=“McLean Falls, Catlins”>Rock climbing to access the main waterfall.
Still, this part isn't really necessary as you can still admire the lower falls and catch a glimpse of Mclean Falls from here.
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More activities in the Catlins

After snapping a few photos and perhaps taking a dip in the river's calmer flows, you'll be ready to continue your Catlins road trip adventure! If you enjoyed this guide to McLean Falls, Catlins, New Zealand, be sure to check out some of my other free guides and articles below. You can also check out this full list of epic things to do in the Catlins or find more Catlins waterfalls here.
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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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