Your Epic Guide to the Best Waterfalls, New Zealand: Otago Edition
Here is the thirteenth edition of my epic guide to the best waterfalls in New Zealand – specifically written for the Otago region. Here are nineteen unmissable waterfalls in Otago, and all your questions answered about visiting them.
The Wānaka – Mount Aspiring Highway
The resort town of Wānaka has more than a beautiful lake, an insta-famous tree, and a skifield to answer for: it’s the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park, and State Highway 6 will take you out there, out the back of Wānaka. These first five waterfalls are all along that drive, which I hope you enjoy, because it sure is scenic!
1. Bridal Veil Falls / Bride’s Veil Falls, Rob Roy Glacier, Mount Aspiring National Park
General Location: Bridal Veil Falls (which, for clarity’s sake, I’ll refer to as Bride’s Veil Falls) is located in Mount Aspiring National Park, in the southwestern corner of the South Island. (There’s another with the same name, further south, on the Routeburn Track, but they’re different!) Nearest Civilisation: The route out to Bride’s Veil Falls is via the resort town of Wānaka, which is still a two hour drive away (52 kilometres, or 32 miles).
Immediate Surroundings: Bride’s Veil Falls is located in Rob Roy Glacier, which is part of Mount Aspiring National Park. Specifically it is located in the beautiful West Matukituki River Valley. Waterfall Height: Bride’s Veil Falls is 80 metres tall. Waterfall Viewpoints: The track will give you a view of Bride’s Veil Falls from a distance, on your left hand side.
Waterfall Name: Not to be confused with Bridal Veil Falls on the Routeburn Track (which is also Mount Aspiring National Park), or the one in Arthur’s Pass Village in Arthur’s Pass National Park, or the best-known Bridal Veil Falls, the one in Raglan, in the North Island. Getting There: The track to the waterfall is first the West Matukituki Track, and then part of the the Rob Roy Glacier Track. You would see Bride’s Veil Falls on the left hand side at the end of the track, but at the time of writing, the Rob Roy Glacier Track has been deemed unsafe and been closed.
Walk Time: It’s an hour and a half’s walking to Bride’s Veil Falls. Swimming: There is no access for swimming in Bride’s Veil Falls. Dogs: Dogs are not permitted at this waterfall.
Wheelchairs and Prams: The terrain here – and the stream you need to cross – makes this track unsuitable for wheelchairs and prams. Go, Because: Go, because the Matukituki Valley is very beautiful and you’ll get to see multiple waterfalls on your adventures out there.
Something Extra: Your something extra is really just to make sure you enjoy the drive out from Wānaka into the mountains! Actually look at the scenery on your trip out there. Last Updated: November, 2024.
2. Rob Roy Waterfalls, Rob Roy Glacier, Mount Aspiring National Park
General Location: Rob Roy Waterfalls are also located in Mount Aspiring National Park, which is in the southwestern corner of the South Island. Nearest Civilisation: You’ll take the Wānaka – Mount Aspiring Highway out there from the town of Wānaka, which is still a two hour drive away (52 kilometres, or 32 miles). Immediate Surroundings: Rob Roy Waterfalls are located in Rob Roy Glacier, which is part of Mount Aspiring National Park.
Waterfall Height: The Falls are a whopping 261 metres tall. Waterfall Viewpoints: The end of the track gives you a vantage point of Rob Roy Waterfalls from a distance, which are on your right. Waterfall Name: The waterfall, as well as the glacier, is named after Rob Roy MacGregor, a Scottish Jacobite outlaw who was around in the 1600s.
Getting There: The track to the waterfall is the Rob Roy Glacier Track, but at the time of writing, it has been deemed unsafe and been closed. Track Distance: The Rob Roy Glacier Track is a 10 kilometre walk (or 6 miles). Walk Time: The Rob Roy Glacier Track takes most people 3 to 4 hours.
Swimming: There is no up close access to the waterfall for swimming, and besides, it’s a glacier waterfall! Brr! Dogs: Dogs are not permitted at this waterfall. Wheelchairs and Prams: The Rob Roy Glacier Track is unsuitable for wheelchairs and prams as there is a swing bridge you need to cross.
Go, Because: Go, because this is an incredible half day excursion which takes you deep into Mount Aspiring National Park. You’ll see the waterfall, Rob Roy Glacier, and Mount Rob Roy.
Something Extra: If you have an extra day, take a day to climb Roy’s Peak. (NB This is not Mount Rob Roy, but they’re both named after the same person.) Roy’s Peak is close to town (so you’ll be passing it on your way in and out of the national park) and boasts incredible views. You can read about my experience up there here! Last Updated: November, 2024.
3. Wishbone Falls, Mount Aspiring National Park
General Location: Wishbone Falls is located in Mount Aspiring National Park, in the southwestern corner of the South Island (above Fiordland National Park). Nearest Civilisation: The gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park is the resort town of Wānaka. Wānaka and Wishbone Falls are nearly two hours of driving apart, 50 kilometres, or 31 miles.
Immediate Surroundings: Wishbone Falls is near Raspberry Flats, which is where you’ll stop along the Wānaka – Mount Aspiring Highway. Waterfall Height: Wishbone Falls is 77 metres tall. Waterfall Viewpoints: You can see Wishbone Falls from the road, or walk for ten minutes to get to the base.
Waterfall Name: Wishbone Falls, white against the dark rock, definitely looks like a wishbone because of how it forks as it falls. Getting There: The Wishbone Falls Walk will take you to the base of Wishbone Falls. Track Distance: It’s a kilometre’s walk to and from Wishbone Falls (half a mile).
Walk Time: It will take you 20 minutes return to walk the Wishbone Falls Walk. Swimming: Wishbone Falls is a great spot for swimming. Dogs: Dogs are not permitted at Wishbone Falls.
Wheelchairs and Prams: You can see Wishbone Falls from the road, so it is somewhat accessible for those in wheelchairs and prams, but the track there is not wheel friendly. Go, Because: Go, because the swimming and scenery make this an excellent stopping point along the Wānaka – Mount Aspiring Highway.
Something Extra: There’s a few trails starting from the Raspberry Flats Carpark. If you’ve got longer in the area, consider venturing out. Last Updated: November, 2024.
4. Big Creek Waterfall, Mount Aspiring National Park
General Location: Big Creek Waterfall is in Mount Aspiring National Park, one of the national parks occupying the southwestern corner of the South Island. Nearest Civilisation: The gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park is the resort town of Wānaka. It’s nearly two hours of driving to the Falls from Wānaka, about 50 kilometres, or 31 miles.
Immediate Surroundings: Big Creek Waterfall is seen from the same place as Wishbone Falls, from the Raspberry Flats Carpark. Waterfall Height: Big Creek Waterfall is 32 metres tall. Waterfall Viewpoints: Big Creek Waterfall is seen from a distance from the Raspberry Flats Carpark.
Getting There: There is no official track to Big Creek Waterfall. Track Distance: There is no walking involved for Big Creek Waterfall. Walk Time: No walking required!
Swimming: There is no up-close access to Big Creek Waterfall in order to swim. Dogs: Dogs are not permitted at Big Creek Waterfall. Wheelchairs and Prams: Wheelchair and pram users can see Big Creek Waterfall from Raspberry Flats Carpark.
Go, Because: Go, because this highway will reward you with lots of waterfall sightings, and is well worth a day-excursion. Something Extra: Your something extra is to make sure you spot Wishbone Falls, too, while you’ve stopped. Last Updated: November, 2024.
5. Twin Falls Waterfall, Mount Aspiring National Park
General Location: Twin Falls Waterfall are in Mount Aspiring National Park, don in the mountains in the southwestern corner of the South Island. Nearest Civilisation: Wānaka is the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park. It’s a twenty minute drive to Twin Falls Waterfall, which is 23 kilometres, or 14 miles.
Immediate Surroundings: Twin Falls Waterfall is not as far out of Wānaka as these other Mount Aspiring National Park Waterfalls, so its in (relative) proximity to Lake Wānaka and Diamond Lake. Waterfall Height: Twin Falls Waterfall is 80 metres tall.
Waterfall Viewpoints: Twin Falls Waterfall can be seen from the Wānaka – Mount Aspiring Highway, or where you pull off into the Diamond Lake Track Carpark. For better views of the Falls, tackle either Diamond Lake Track or Lake Wānaka Lookout Track, both great walks in their own right. Waterfall Name: Need I explain?
Getting There: You don’t need to walk to Twin Falls Waterfall! You can view them from the Diamond Lake Track carpark (which is also the Lake Wānaka Lookout Carpark), along the Wānaka – Mount Aspiring Highway. Track Distance: You don’t need to walk to Twin Falls Waterfall, as you can see them from the road.
Walk Time: The Diamond Lake Track is 45 minutes return, and the Lake Wānaka Lookout Walk is 2 hours return, but you don’t have to walk at all if you don’t want to. Swimming: No swimming at Twin Falls Waterfall, but .. you can go canyoning there! Read on!
Dogs: Dogs are not permitted at Twin Falls Waterfall. Wheelchairs and Prams: Those using wheelchairs and prams will be able to view Twin Falls Waterfall from the carpark. Go, Because: Go, because Twin Falls Waterfall is the site of the highest waterfall cable climb in the world.
Something Extra: Your something extra is to do the highest waterfall cable climb in the world! This is an activity offered by Wildwire Wānaka and their most advanced option, “Lord of the Rungs”, is an opportunity to climb the entire height of the waterfall (and helicopter back!!) Last Updated: November, 2024.
Queenstown & Surrounds
If you’re staying in Queenstown, you have all of these next waterfalls at your fingertips! Whether you do one, a couple of all, have a look through the next seven to find the ones that you haven’t yet discovered.
6. Roaring Meg Power Station Waterfall
General Location: Roaring Meg Power Station Waterfall is located near tourism hotspot Queenstown, down in the bottom of the South Island. Nearest Civilisation: Roaring Meg is on the highway between famous Queenstown and the town of Cromwell. It’s nearer Cromwell, just half an hour’s drive out (18 kilometres, or 11 miles).
Immediate Surroundings: Roaring Meg sits on the Kawarau River. (This river is the worldwide home of bungee jumping – AJ Hackett’s original bungee jump was from a bridge over the Kawarau River.) Waterfall Height: Roaring Meg is a dam, and its waterfall, which is off to the side of the river, is 10 metres tall.
Waterfall Viewpoints: Roaring Meg, and the man-made Roaring Meg Waterfall, can be viewed from the Roaring Meg Lookout, which is signposted on the drive between Queenstown and Cromwell. Waterfall Name: Meg (or Maggie) was an Irish barmaid who worked during the goldrush here in the 1800s. The story has it that a group of gold miners were trying to convince Meg to cross the stream (which is turbulent, and full of white water), and (understandably!?) she made quite the fuss, so it was named Roaring Meg.
Getting There: Pull over on the drive between Queenstown and Cromwell and view Roaring Meg from the signposted lookout point. Track Distance: There is no track to Roaring Meg Waterfall; you’ll see it from the lookout. Walk Time: There’s no walking required to go and see the Roaring Meg Waterfall!
Swimming: You can’t swim under Roaring Meg Waterfall, but you can go river boarding through the rapids underneath .. Dogs: Dogs would need to be on a leash as this is a main highway. Ideally, keep them in your vehicle.
Wheelchairs and Prams: Wheelchair and pram users will be able to see the Roaring Meg Waterfall from the lookout along the highway. Go, Because: Go, because Roaring Meg is responsible for the output of two hydro-electricity power stations!
Something Extra: I’m so excited to make this suggestion, a total bucket list item for me – river boarding (also known as white water sledging). Roaring Meg is a fantastic place to do this, either through Serious Fun Riverboarding or Frogz White Water Sledging. What an epic way to experience the rapids around the Roaring Meg! Last Updated: November, 2024.
7. Sawpit Gully Falls, Arrowtown
General Location: Sawpit Gully Falls are located in Arrowtown, just out of the better-known tourism hub of Queenstown in the bottom of the South Island. Nearest Civilisation: Sawpit Gully Falls is just on the fringe of the tiny town of Arrowtown. Immediate Surroundings: Sawpit Gully Falls, and the rest of Sawpit Gully, is tucked in by the Arrow River.
Waterfall Viewpoints: You’ll see Sawpit Gully Falls from the bottom as you walk past. Waterfall Name: The name pays homage to the gold mining history of this area. Getting There: The Sawpit Gully Trail will get you to Sawpit Gully Falls.
Track Distance: The full Sawpit Gully Trail is 8 kilometres (5 miles). Walk Time: Allow two or three hours for the Sawpit Gully Trail. Swimming: There is no good swimming in Sawpit Gully, but do have a dip in the Arrow River, which runs down the back of town!
Dogs: Dogs are not permitted in Sawpit Gully. Wheelchairs and Prams: Creek crossings make the Sawpit Gully Track unsuitable for wheelchairs and prams. Go, Because: Go, because this is an excellent half day excursion out from Arrowtown and a good one for getting out there to experience the beautiful forests in the area.
Something Extra: Time your visit for autumn (March to May), as Arrowtown is best experienced when its fall colours and abundance of deciduous trees are all ablaze. Last Updated: November, 2024.
8. Kawarau Falls, Frankton
General Location: Kawarau Falls are in the bottom of the South Island, near Queenstown, one of our biggest tourism hotspots. Nearest Civilisation: Kawarau Falls is just out of Queenstown, a fifteen minute drive out (10 kilometres, or 6 miles).
Immediate Surroundings: Kawarau Falls are on the Kawarau River, and they’re actually a dam. The river flows out of Lake Wakatipu, specifically the Frankton Arm. They’re in the Kawarau Gorge and the surrounding area is the Kawarau Falls Scenic Reserve.
Waterfall Viewpoints: You can view Kawarau Falls from the Kawarau Falls Bridge – the original bridge – which runs above the dam. Waterfall Name: Kawarau means ‘channel between rocks’. Getting There: You’ll drive over the Kawarau Falls Bridge – the new one – on your way out of Frankton, Queenstown. You can still cycle or walk over the historic one-lane bridge, which skirts along the actual top of the dam – and the Falls.
Track Distance: There is no specific track to Kawarau Falls, but you can walk the historic bridge over them. Walk Time: You can view Kawarau Falls from the Kawarau Falls Bridge so do not need to go for a walk of any significant length. Swimming: Kawarau Falls are absolutely not suitable for swimming – much too dangerous!
Dogs: Keep dogs on leash in the area – the new Kawarau Falls Bridge is a main road. Wheelchairs and Prams: Wheelchairs and prams can access the historic Kawarau Falls Bridge using the footpath. Go, Because: Go, because you’ll see the 252 metre long Kawarau Falls Bridge in doing so – which was a long awaited alternative crossing over the river to the 90 year old one lane bridge they’d had since the 1920s.
Something Extra: The Kawarau Gorge is almost synonymous with jetboating – it’s a must-do activity when in Queenstown to jump on a jet boat to reach speeds of up to 95 kilometres per hour. The ride will shoot you up the Kawarau River and under the Kawarau Falls Bridge, so it’s a great way to explore this area. Last Updated: November, 2024.
9. Wye Creek Waterfall, The Remarkables Conservation Area
General Location: Wye Creek Waterfall is in the lower part of the Remarkables Mountain Range, a mountain range that curiously runs directly north to south and frames the beautiful lake and mountain vistas you get from Queenstown. Nearest Civilisation: Access to Wye Creek Waterfall is a 25 minute drive from Queenstown, 21 kilometres, or 13 miles.
Immediate Surroundings: Wye Creek Waterfall sits on (you guessed it) Wye Creek. This is part of the Remarkables Conservation Area. Waterfall Viewpoints: Wye Creek Waterfall is viewed from the Wye Creek Lookout.
Getting There: You’ll need to walk the Wye Creek Walking Track to Wye Creek Waterfall. (Don’t worry, it’s not the huge ten hour trek that comes up when you google Wye Creek! That’s only if you continue on the Wye Creek Track up to Lake Alta, right up top, which is 1,800 metres above sea level.)
Track Distance: To Wye Creek Waterfall, it’s only 4 kilometres return (2.5 miles). Walk Time: It’ll take you two hours to and from Wye Creek Waterfall. Swimming: There is no access to the base of Wye Creek Waterfall for swimming.
Dogs: Dogs are not allowed at Wye Creek Waterfall. Wheelchairs and Prams: The last part of the track is known as the pipeline walkway, and its really narrow, so it’s a no-go for wheelchairs and prams. Go, Because: Go, because this is a great little walk with views of Lake Wakatipu – from further around than you otherwise might have ventured!
Something Extra: Your something extra is to walk up to Lake Alta! It’s a big walk, if you do the ten hour (one way) option that you might have seen while googling this waterfall, so you’ll need to be prepared, but there’s an alternative way to get there, and that’s to start at the Remarkables Ski Area, which is already at 1,600 metres above sea level. It’s steep, but it’s epic and I can’t wait to get up there and see if for myself.
(Fun fact: Lake Alta was a filming location for Lord of the Rings! It was Dimrill Dale in The Fellowship of the Rings.) Last Updated: November, 2024.
10. Two Mile Creek Falls, Sunshine Bay
General Location: Two Mile Creek Falls are located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, the lightning bolt shaped lake that supports a lot of Queenstown’s tourism activities. Nearest Civilisation: Two Mile Creek Falls is barely out of Queenstown itself, a three minute walk from the restaurants (2 kilometres, or 1.2 miles). Immediate Surroundings: Two Mile Creek Falls flow out of Two Mile Creek and into Lake Wakatipu.
Waterfall Height: Two Mile Creek Falls is 8 metres tall. Waterfall Viewpoints: Just the one! Waterfall Name: I’d be surprised if the creek was not two miles long!
Getting There: You can access Two Mile Creek Falls via the Sunshine Bay Walk. Track Distance: The Sunshine Bay Walk is 4 kilometres (2.5 miles). Walk Time: Give yourself an hour for the return walk to Two Mile Creek Falls.
Swimming: Two Mile Creek Falls is not swimmable. Dogs: Dogs need to be on a leash on the Sunshine Bay Walk. Wheelchairs and Prams: Narrow bridges and the terrain in general make the Sunshine Bay Walk unsuitable for wheelchairs and prams.
Go, Because: Go, because Two Mile Creek Falls is considered by many to be a secret waterfall! It’s not too well known .. yet! Something Extra: The road that skirts around the shores of Lake Wakatipu is the Glenorchy – Queenstown Road and it’s considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world – worth following it all the way! Last Updated: November, 2024.
11. Sam Summers Waterfall, Lake Wakatipu
General Location: Sam Summers Waterfall is just out of Queenstown, one of the country’s most visited places, down in the bottom of the South Island. Nearest Civilisation: Queenstown is a twenty minute drive away from access to Sam Summers Waterfall, a 13 kilometre drive (8 miles). Immediate Surroundings: Sam Summers Waterfall sits on a creek called Twelve Mile Creek.
Waterfall Height: Sam Summers Waterfall is 4 metres tall. Waterfall Viewpoints: Just the one!
Waterfall Name: Sam Summers was a local prospector back in the goldrush era, in the 1800s. He lived in the hut next to the waterfall during the 1930s – and for many years afterward. (Also just to note, sometimes, Sam Summers Waterfall is just called Twelve Mile Creek Falls, after the creek).
Getting There: The Sam Summers Waterfall is right next to the Sam Summers Hut, which is on the Mount Crichton Loop Track. Track Distance: The full Mount Crichton Loop Track is 8 kilometres (or 5 miles). Walk Time: Expect to take about three hours to walk the Mount Crichton Loop Track, which takes you past Sam Summers Waterfall. You’ll see the waterfall an hour in, however.
Swimming: Sam Summers Waterfall is not suited for swimming. Dogs: Dogs must be on a leash on the Mount Crichton Loop track. Wheelchairs and Prams: The terrain on the Mount Crichton Loop track is not suitable for wheelchairs and prams.
Go, Because: Go, because on the walk there you’ll see a tailrace tunnel – a chasm in the rock that was created by the gold miners so that water could flow freely down the creek. You can even walk through the narrow gap! Something Extra: Instead of turning back once you’ve seen the waterfall, complete the loop – you’ll get a view of Lake Dispute a little further on. Last Updated: November, 2024.
12. Lake Face Creek Falls, Glenorchy
General Location: Lake Face Creek Falls is right up the northern end of Lake Wakatipu, in the Queenstown Lakes District of the South Island. Nearest Civilisation: Lake Face Creek Falls is along the Glenorchy – Queenstown Road, but nearer Glenorchy, as it is just 8 minutes drive away (9 kilometres, or 5.5 miles).
Immediate Surroundings: Lake Face Creek Falls sits on Lake Face Creek which .. face the direction of the lake. The Falls flow into Lake Wakatipu. Waterfall Height: The upper part of Lake Face Creek Falls is 20 metres tall.
Waterfall Viewpoints: You can see Lake Face Creek Falls from the main road, from a distance. There’s a little track to the lower part of the waterfall, for those especially eager. Waterfall Name: This one is obvious, right?
Getting There: An unofficial trail will take you on a short walk to Lake Face Creek Falls, but as it seems to be private land, you’re better off just viewing the upper part from the road. Track Distance: You don’t have to actually walk anywhere to see Lake Face Creek Falls. Walk Time: Walking isn’t necessary to see Lake Face Creek Falls but there’s a 20 minute option on an unofficial track off the road. It may be fenced off, as it’s private, so just respect that if you see that.
Swimming: The Falls are not suited for swimming. Dogs: Keep dogs on leash if you’re getting out to view Lake Face Creek Falls, as it’s a main road. Wheelchairs and Prams: You can see Lake Face Creek Falls from the road so in that sense, those with accessibility considerations will still be able to see part of them.
Go, Because: Go, because you’ll be driving one of the world’s most scenic roads to get there from Queenstown. Something Extra: One of the best ways to explore the Dart River, which feeds into Lake Wakatipu in the same sort of area as Lake Face Creek, is by horseback. Would recommend! Last Updated: November, 2024.
Routeburn Track & Surrounds
The following waterfalls (well, all but one) are on the Routeburn Track, one of the 10 Great Walks of New Zealand, and as for number 13, it’s pretty close to the trailhead. These next ones are well worth the walk in – it’s called a Great Walk for a reason.
13. Glacier Burn Waterfalls, Mount Aspiring National Park
General Location: Glacier Burn Waterfalls are down in Mount Aspiring National Park, which occupy some of the southwestern corner of the South Island. Nearest Civilisation: To get to the Glacier Burn, you’ll have come up the Glenorchy – Queenstown Road from Queenstown, through Glenorchy, and up to a little settlement called Kinloch. It’s just three kilometres (two miles) from the trail access.
Immediate Surroundings: The Glacier Burn Waterfalls are near the Glacier Burn (river) and Glacier Basin. Waterfall Height: Glacier Burn Waterfalls are 100 metres tall! Waterfall Viewpoints: Just the one!
Waterfall Name: Glacier Burn Waterfalls are named after the Glacier Burn. Burn means ‘river’, and the ‘glacier’ part should be obvious! Getting There: Take the Glacier Burn Track to the Glacier Burn Waterfalls.
Track Distance: The Glacier Burn Track is 3.8 kilometres (4.5 miles). Walk Time: The Glacier Burn Track will take you approximately three hours, but allow four. Swimming: You will only get a distant view of the waterfalls so there is no access for swimming.
Dogs: Dogs are not permitted at Glacier Burn Waterfalls. Wheelchairs and Prams: The Glacier Burn Track is rated advanced and is not suitable for wheelchairs and prams. Go, Because: Go, because you’ll get wonderful views out to the Humboldt Mountains.
Something Extra: Kinloch is remote, quiet and unspoiled, and a good spot for a quiet paddle on the lake or a hot soak at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat. We loved our time there! Last Updated: November, 2024.
14. Bridal Veil Falls, Routeburn Track, Mount Aspiring National Park
General Location: Bridal Veil Falls is located along the Routeburn Track, which is a three day walk that straddles the boundaries of Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks, in the southwestern corner of the South Island. The track runs through the mountains, past stunning alpine lakes, and over the Harris Saddle.
Nearest Civilisation: Access to Bridal Veil Falls is via the Routeburn Track. The Routeburn Shelter trailhead is half an hour’s drive out of the tiny township of Glenorchy, 25 kilometres away, or 15 miles. Immediate Surroundings: Bridal Veil Falls, what with being on the Routeburn Track, is in close proximity to the Routeburn River. The track starts out next to Surgarloaf Stream, and the Falls themselves flow from Bridal Veil Stream into the river.
Waterfall Height: Bridal Veil Falls on the Routeburn Track is 57 metes tall. Waterfall Viewpoints: You can view Bridal Veil Falls from the road in to the trailhead, or from on the Routeburn Track itself.
Waterfall Name: Bridal Veil Falls share their name with Bridal Veil Falls in Arthurs Pass, Bridal Veil Falls in Raglan (the best-known of the four), and Bridal Veil Falls on the road out of Wānaka (also known as Bride’s Veil Falls). Getting There: The way to see this Bridal Veil Falls is by walking the Routeburn Track, one of the 10 Great Walks of New Zealand, but, luckily for you non-walkers, you can see it from a distance from the road into the Routeburn Track.
Track Distance: The full Routeburn Track is 32 kilometres (or 20 miles) but Bridal Veil Falls is on your first day of the track (if you have left from the Routeburn Shelter end). It’s before you reach the Routeburn Flats, so within your first 7 kilometres (4 miles) on the track. Walk Time: You’ll pass Bridal Veil Falls in the first two hours of the Routeburn Track.
Swimming: Bridal Veil Falls is not suited for swimming. Dogs: Dogs are not allowed at Bridal Veil Falls or on the Routeburn Track. Wheelchairs and Prams: The terrain on the Routeburn Track is not suitable for wheelchairs and prams.
Go, Because: Go, because the Routeburn Track is so achievable as a three day walk (or a one day run!), being the shortest of the Great Walks of New Zealand, and boasts beauty that is out-of-this-world.
Something Extra: If you were only planning on seeing Bridal Veil Falls and heading out again, don’t! Book a spot on the trail to do the full thing (I’m sure you probably already have, if you are looking into this waterfall). Alas, your something extra is to walk the full Routeburn Track; it’s quite incredible. Last Updated: November, 2024.
15. Routeburn Falls, Routeburn Track, Mount Aspiring National Park
General Location: Routeburn Falls are located on the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s prettiest multi-day hikes which crosses the Mount Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Park boundary. The Falls are reached after crossing the Routeburn Flats.
Nearest Civilisation: Glenorchy is closest to this end of the Routeburn Track. The trailhead is a half hour drive from the tiny town (which is 25 kilometres, or 15 miles). Immediate Surroundings: Routeburn Falls spill out from Lake Harris and are on the Routeburn River.
Waterfall Height: You’ll see 20 metres of cascades when you reach Routeburn Falls. Waterfall Viewpoints: You can view Routeburn Falls from the bottom and can continue on the trail beside them, which leads up the side of them. Waterfall Name: Routeburn Falls are named after the Routeburn River, which much of the Routeburn Track meanders beside. (Burn means ‘river’).
Getting There: It’s between two and a half and four hours along the Routeburn Track to reach Routeburn Falls (and then five minutes along a trail that leads from Routeburn Falls Hut). Track Distance: Routeburn Falls are 9.8 kilometres (6 miles) into the 32 kilometre walk. You’re a third of the way along at this stage and may be inclined to do the whole thing, especially if you were going to be walking 20 kilometres return, anyway. (To continue on you must have hut bookings sorted in advance and transport arranged from The Divide Shelter back to Te Anau – or Queenstown).
Walk Time: It’s seven hours return if you are just going between the Routeburn Shelter trailhead and Routeburn Falls. Swimming: Routeburn Falls is not suited for swimming because of the way it cascades over lots of rocks. Dogs: Dogs are not allowed at Routeburn Falls.
Wheelchairs and Prams: The Routeburn Track is not wheelchair or pram friendly. Go, Because: Go, because to reach Routeburn Falls you’ll have first had to have experienced the beauty of the crystal-clear, turquoise water of the Routeburn River – the track stays beside the river for some time, and it’s just gorgeous.
Something Extra: Stay the night! As long as you’ve booked in advance, stay the night at Routeburn Falls Hut (another accommodation option is Routeburn Flats Hut, which you’ll have passed on the way up) so that you can spend more time out in this beautiful part of the country. Last Updated: November, 2024.
16. Earland Falls, Routeburn Track, Fiordland National Park
Okay, technically once the Routeburn Track has crossed over the national park boundary line into Fiordland National Park, you’re in Southland, but I’ve put Earland Falls in here just underneath the other waterfalls on the Routeburn Track. General Location: Earland Falls are on the Routeburn Track, which is a multi-day across the boundary line separating Fiordland National Park from Mount Aspiring National Park.
Nearest Civilisation: The nearest civilisation would be the small township of Glenorchy, which is half an hour’s drive (25 kilometres, 15 miles) away from the other end of the Routeburn Track (the Routeburn Shelter end). This end of the track, the Earland Falls end, finishes at a place called The Divide Shelter, but there is no civilisation at The Divide, it’s just the trailhead for a couple of other trails. It’s three quarters of an hour’s drive (33 kilometres, 21 miles) between The Divide and the small village at Milford Sound, or it’s a one and a half hour drive (85 kilometres, 53 miles) all the way back to the lakeside town of Te Anau.
Immediate Surroundings: Earland Falls flow out of Lake Roberts. Waterfall Height: Earland Falls is 174 metres tall! Absolutely massive!
Waterfall Viewpoints: The Routeburn Track takes you right past the base of Earland Falls – prepare to get wet! Getting There: The Earland Falls Track will take you to Earland Falls – it’s the same as the Routeburn Track; this is just a section of it. Track Distance: From the trailhead to Earland Falls and back it is 7.5 kilometres (4.6 miles).
Walk Time: It’s six hours return (three hours in, three hours back) if you are just going to Earland Falls from the trailhead and back. Swimming: Earland Falls are too powerful to swim under. Dogs: Dogs are not permitted at Earland Falls.
Wheelchairs and Prams: The track is not suitable for wheelchairs and prams as is not graded and not completely flat. Go, Because: Go, because the height of these Falls make them quite breathtaking, and to be able to stand right beneath them? Quite the experience.
Something Extra: Something extra is to keep an eye out for Key Summit Track, which comes off the Routeburn Track (aka Earland Falls Track); it’s an hour from The Divide so will be when you get a third of the way to the Falls. Key Summit is a 20 minute climb but the views at the top of the mountains and dark blue mountain tarns are pretty spectacular. I did not climb it when we went past as our final day of the Routeburn Track was wet and foggy, but I’d love to go back just for this part. Last Updated: November, 2024.
Dunedin & Surrounds
Otago is more than Queenstown, Wanaka and the national parks! Head east through dry Central Otago over to the Otago Peninsula and Dunedin, and you’ll find three more waterfalls a short drive from the city..
17. Waipori Falls
General Location: Waipori Falls is down in the other corner of the South Island, the southeastern corner, a little inland from the Otago Peninsula. Nearest Civilisation: Waipori Falls is best accessed from the city of Dunedin, which is an hour’s drive away (55 kilometres, 34 miles).
Immediate Surroundings: Waipori Falls is in Unhappy Valley, in the Waipori Gorge. They’re on the Waipori River and the surrounding area is called the Waipori Falls Scenic Reserve. Waterfall Height: Waipori Falls is 25 metres tall.
Waterfall Viewpoints: Theres a viewing platform at the end of the Crystal Falls Walk but you cannot see the waterfall from there! You’ll need to scramble down. Waterfall Name: Waipori Falls are also known as Crystal Falls. The actual name Waipori translates to ‘dark water’.
Getting There: The Crystal Falls Walk leads to Waipori Falls but it was closed late last year. There are no updates about it reopening at the time of writing. Track Distance: It’s only a couple of kilometres to Waipori Falls.
Walk Time: The walk to Waipori Falls is twenty minutes return. Swimming: There is no swimming access at Waipori Falls. Dogs: Dogs are permitted at Waipori Falls.
Wheelchairs and Prams: Anyone with limited mobility is not going to be able to get to Waipori Falls. Go, Because: Go, because the road out is remote; Waipori (the village) is known as ‘the hidden village’! It has 33 houses only!
Something Extra: Consider walking or biking the Government Track along the top of the Waipori River Gorge, or visiting Lake Mahinerangi nearby. Last Updated: November, 2024.
18. Nicols Falls / Nicols Creek Falls
General Location: Nicols Creek Falls is located on the outskirts of Dunedin, the region’s most populated city, down in the southeastern corner of the South Island. Nearest Civilisation: It’s Dunedin: it’s a half hour drive from the city centre (11 kilometres, 7 miles). Immediate Surroundings: Nicols Creek Falls sits on Nicols Creek, specifically within the Leith Valley Scenic Reserve, in the Leith Valley.
Waterfall Height: Nicols Creek Falls is 5 metres tall. Waterfall Viewpoints: You can view Nicols Creek Falls from a distance or scramble over some rocks and get your feet wet to get a bit closer. Waterfall Name: Nicols Creek Falls and the creek is named after a landowner in the area from the 1800s, I believe.
Getting There: There’s a sign saying ‘Waterfall Walk’ at the carpark, and a left hand turn you need to take after 300 metres on the initial track. Track Distance: It’s 1.9 kilometres (1 mile) to and from Nicols Creek Falls. Walk Time: Allow 40 minutes for the return walk to Nicols Creek Falls.
Swimming: There is no decent swimming pool at Nicols Creek Falls. Dogs: Dogs are not permitted at Nicols Creek Falls. Wheelchairs and Prams: The track to Nicols Creek Falls can be muddy and is not going to be doable for wheelchairs or prams.
Go, Because: Go, because this (and the next waterfall, I would argue) are the only waterfalls within the bounds of Dunedin city’s perimeters, although the next one.
Something Extra: Go at night! There’s glowworms to be seen on the walk there if you go at night. The glowworm dell is straight ahead where the junction to turn left for the waterfall is. Last Updated: November, 2024.
19. Ross Creek Waterfall / School Creek Waterfall
General Location: Ross Creek Waterfall is on the fringes of the city of Dunedin, down in the southeastern corner of the South Island. Nearest Civilisation: Ross Creek Waterfall is 10 minute’s drive from the city centre (5 kilometres, or 3 miles). Immediate Surroundings: Ross Creek Waterfall is within the Ross Creek Reserve, home to the Ross Creek Reservoir – and on School Creek (so sometimes referred to as School Creek Waterfall).
Waterfall Height: Ross Creek Waterfall is 20 metres tall. Waterfall Viewpoints: There’s a lookout from where you can view Ross Creek Waterfall. Waterfall Name: Ross Creek Waterfall gets its name from Archibald Hilson Ross, an optician and meteorologist who worked in the area over a century ago.
Getting There: Take the Ross Creek Reservoir Trail to the waterfall. Track Distance: The Ross Creek Reservoir Trail is 4.5 kilometres (or 2.7 miles). Walk Time: Give yourself an hour for the Ross Creek Reservoir Track.
Swimming: There is no decent swimming at Ross Creek Waterfall. Dogs: Dogs must be on a leash in the Ross Creek Reserve. Wheelchairs and Prams: If you do have a wheelchair or pram, access the waterfall from the Burma Road entrance.
Go, Because: Go, because Ross Creek Waterfall is actually manmade and was intended to direct water away from the reservoir, which you’ll also get to see (and takes twenty minutes max to walk around). Something Extra: Right next door is the Wakari Mountain Bike Area, known as the Wakari Creek Trail system. It has lots of options for all levels of mountain bikers and worth taking a bike out there for. Last Updated: November, 2024.
Hopefully you are somewhat inspired to get out there and see some (or all!) of these nineteen Otago waterfalls. They are as diverse as Otago’s sub-regions are, which means there is definitely a waterfall in here suited to you, wherever you’re going and whatever sort of adventurer you are!