Purakaunui Falls

Plunging 20 metres into a dark, fern-fringed pool, Purakaunui Falls is one of New Zealand’s most photographed waterfalls and a highlight of the Catlins region. The short walk through lush native forest to the viewing platform is a sensory delight – you’ll hear the roar of the water long before you see it. This is a must-stop on any Catlins road trip, offering a quintessential slice of the region’s wild, untamed beauty.

Highlights & What to See

• Purakaunui Falls – The main event: a three-tiered cascade framed by mossy rocks and towering podocarp trees. The viewing platform gives you a perfect, postcard-worthy perspective.
• Short bush walk – A 20-minute return trail (600 metres) winds through silver beech and rimu forest, with interpretive signs about the local flora and birdlife. Keep an eye out for fantails and tūī.
• Catlins Forest Park – The falls are within this expansive park, which protects pristine rainforest and offers other walks, like the McLean Falls track (30 minutes away).
• Catlins coastline – Combine your visit with the rugged southern coast, where you can spot fur seals, sea lions, and the rare yellow-eyed penguin at places like Nugget Point or Curio Bay.
• Local history – The area was once a hub for logging and gold mining; interpretive panels near the car park hint at this past.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 30–45 minutes for the walk and photo stop. If you’re self-driving the Catlins, Purakaunui Falls is an ideal short break – you can easily fit it into a half-day or full-day itinerary that includes other nearby waterfalls and coastal viewpoints. For a more leisurely visit, combine it with a picnic at the car park (there are basic facilities) and a wander along the short nature trail.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• McLean Falls – A more powerful waterfall just 15 minutes south, with a longer walk (40 minutes return) through beautiful forest.
• Nugget Point – A spectacular headland with a historic lighthouse and incredible wildlife viewing, about 30 minutes east.
• Cathedral Caves – Massive sea caves accessible at low tide, 20 minutes south (check tide times).
• Curio Bay – A petrified forest and a great spot to see Hector’s dolphins and yellow-eyed penguins, 25 minutes south.
• Owaka – The main town in the Catlins, with a museum, café, and accommodation options, 15 minutes north.

Please check official sources for current details.