Waterfalls in New Zealand | Where to Go

Owing to its immense size and diversity, the pleasant landscape of New Zealand is highly regarded all over the world. Along with the tropical forests, mountains and lakes, the waterfalls in New Zealand also significantly contribute towards the spectacular scenery. The month of July is often considered as the best time to visit any one of them since the heavy rainfall causes the waterfalls to flow even faster.

Most of the waterfalls are near to the country’s main state highways, making them easily accessible. Although they can be reached by foot, some explorations can be a bit long and strenuous. The seasonal waterfalls make the majority and only flow on parts of a year, while there are plenty of permanent waterfalls in New Zealand which can be visited throughout the year.

The Most Gorgeous Waterfalls in New Zealand:

1. Huka Falls

Descending from just eleven meters, Huka Falls is certainly not the best contender in height, but its unbelievable power is sure to amaze you. At Huka Falls, close to a quarter of a million litres of water gushes into the Waikato River through an extremely narrow opening during each minute. This stunning sight of hydroelectric power is just a ten-minute drive by a car or bus from Taupo town centre.

The footbridge on top is convenient to closely view the rumbling waterfalls. There are jet boat trips and river cruises that get you to the base of the falls. You can also go hiking or biking to explore the region and take photographs.

Location: Taupo 3384, New Zealand

2. Purakaunui Falls

Located in the heart of the Catlins Forest Park, this three-tier cascade has attained an iconic status for frequently appearing on the face of postcards and calendars in the lower South Island. At a height of twenty meters, Purakaunui Falls is among the most photographed waterfalls in New Zealand. It is just a ten-minute walk from the car park according to the trailhead and hence easy to access by foot.

Till the top viewing platform, the track facilitates access by wheelchair. The descent that follows is very steep and directs to the lower platform. It is a perfect spot for witnessing the beauty of the falls and to take some impressive snaps.

Location: Purakauni falls road, Purakauni 9586, New Zealand

3. Bridal Veil Falls

With a plunge of fifty-five meters, Bridal Veil Falls got the name because it resembles a bridal veil. This popular Waikato walking track is just a fifteen-minute drive from the surfing city of Raglan. The falls are also known in its Maori name, Waireinga Falls.

The walk is just ten minutes to the top lookout where there are two platforms which present a great view and also scope for photographing. It follows the Pakoka River mostly and the first section of the track can be accessed by an assisted wheelchair. A sought after spot for swimming during summer, there is a steep set of steps that leads to the pool at the bottom.

Location: Kawhia Road, Makomako 3895, New Zealand

4. Devils Punchbowl Falls

Plunging from a whopping height of one hundred and thirty-one meters, Devils Punchbowl Falls is one of the best short walks in New Zealand. Roughly two hours by a car or bus from Christchurch, Arthur’s Pass National Park is the location of the falls. It is surrounded by a beech forest and best viewed during the winter season.

Hot and cold conditions may occur at any time unexpectedly, even in summer. Even though a short climb, a large number of steps can be harsh on some. Still, the spectacle that awaits at the base of the falls makes the walk worth it.

Location: Devil’s Punchbowl Walking Track, Arthur’s pass 7875, New Zealand

5. Marakopa Falls

Depicted as the most beautiful among the waterfalls in New Zealand, Marakopa Falls is an easy twenty-minute return walk that provides brilliant photograph opportunities. It is located in Tawarau Forest, a few kilometres away from Waitomo Island. The Marakopa River is split into two fisheries by the fall and waters of the river gushes to the undercut greywacke basement rock.

Location: Marakopa Falls, New Zealand

6. Mclean Falls

Located in the Tautuku River in Catlin’s Conservation Park, Mclean Falls is a cascade waterfall of twenty-two meters height that is surrounded on either side by mossy rock. The twenty-minute walk from the car park to the falls is not too steep, but the track is not suitable for wheelchairs.

Location: Otago 9856, New Zealand

7. Thunder Creek Falls

The ninety six-meter tall waterfalls is located in Mt Aspiring National Park. People of all abilities can ascend through the track of Thunder Creek Falls Walk by foot and reach the viewing platform within ten minutes. You can also easily access the base of the falls.

Location: Wanaka 9382, New Zealand

8. Stirling Falls

One of the few permanent falls, Stirling Falls near Milford Sound on the South Island belongs among the most photographed waterfalls in New Zealand. You can reach the base of the amazing fall in any of the cruise ships of Milford Sound. Some of these cruises offer overnight accommodation as well.

If you are taking a huge amount of money while visiting, consider helicopter and flight as an option, since the falls are considered to be best enjoyed from the air.

Location: 1675020/6 State Highway 3, Te Kuiti 3981, New Zealand

9. Sutherland Falls

At a height of five hundred and eighty meters, Sutherland Falls is easily one of the tallest waterfalls in the world. One of the most spectacular falls in New Zealand, Sutherland was believed to be the tallest in New Zealand for a long time. Originating from Lake Quill, the fall is in the remote location of Fiordland National Park.

You can reach the base by car on the Milford Track. But if you choose to walk, it can continue for up to three days approximately, until you see the falls. The other option to reach Sutherland Falls is taking any one of Milford Sound scenic flights from Milford Sound or Te Anau or Queenstown.