Your Epic Guide to the Best Waterfalls, New Zealand: Wellington Edition
Here is the eighth edition of my epic guide to the best waterfalls in New Zealand – specifically written for the Wellington region. From Hutt Valley in the north, down to the CBD, and over the Tararua Ranges to Wairarapa Wine Country are ten gorgeous waterfalls. I’ve found all the essential details you need, so that you don’t have to. Save these for your next windy Wellington adventure!
Hutt Valley
The Hutt Valley is home to the Hutt River, two small cities (Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt) and six waterfalls – all extremely accessible from Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, and Wellington itself.

1. Jock Atkins Waterfall, Hutt Valley
General Location: Jock Atkins Waterfall sits down at the bottom of the North Island, above Wellington, in the Hutt Valley. The Hutt Valley is home to the cities of Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt. Nearest Civilisation: Jock Atkins Waterfall is a fifteen minute drive north of Upper Hutt, 12 kilometres, or 7.5 miles.
Immediate Surroundings: Jock Atkins Waterfall is located The waterfall sits on a stream just off the Akatawara River and is on the fringe of the Akatarawa Forest. Waterfall Height: Jock Atkins Waterfall is 15 metres tall. Waterfall Viewpoints: You can view Jock Atkins Waterfall from the road only.
Getting There: You will only be able to see Jock Atkins Waterfall from the road. Track Distance: There is no walk to Jock Atkins Waterfall. Walk Time: You don’t need to walk to Jock Atkins Waterfall!
Swimming: There is no decent swimming at Jock Atkins Waterfall. Dogs: Dogs will need to stay on a leash because of the road. Wheelchairs and Prams: Wheelchair and pram users will be able to see Jock Atkins Waterfall from the road.
Go, Because: Go, because it’s not a long drive up and there’s no walking involved, either! Something Extra: You can go canyoning in the Little Akatarawa River Canyon with Wellington Rafting NZ! What an amazing half day excursion to get to know this area a little better. Last Updated: November, 2024.
2. Birchville Dam Waterfall, Belmont Regional Park, Hutt Valley
General Location: Birchville Dam Waterfall is down in the Hutt Valley, at the bottom of the North Island, north of our capital city, Wellington. Nearest Civilisation: The smaller city of Upper Hutt is a twenty minute drive way, 9 kilometres, or 5.5 miles. Immediate Surroundings: Located within the Hutt Valley is Belmont Regional Park and this area is also part of the Akatarawa Forest. Birchville Dam Waterfall flows over the edge of the Birchville Dam.
Waterfall Height: Birchville Dam Waterfall is 15 metres tall. Waterfall Viewpoints: There’s a lookout at the top of the waterfall, at the level of the reservoir. Getting There: The Birchville Dam Track will take you to Birchville Dam. It’s part of the ten kilometre, four hour, Cannon Point Walkway.
Track Distance: The track to Birchville Dam Waterfall is two kilometres, or just over a mile. Walk Time: Give yourself three quarters of an hour for the return walk to and from Birchville Dam Waterfall. Swimming: It’s probably not a good idea to swim at Birchville Dam Waterfall.
Dogs: Dogs are not permitted on the track to Birchville Dam Waterfall. Wheelchairs and Prams: A swingbridge and staircases make Birchville Dam Waterfall inaccessible to wheelchairs and prams. Go, Because: Go, because this reservoir was Upper Hutt’s water supply for part of the 1900’s and the second one built in an arch shape in New Zealand.
Something Extra: There’s a little side trail five minutes into the walk with some little waterfalls along it. Last Updated: November, 2024.
3. Tāne’s Waterfall, Hutt Valley
General Location: Tāne’s Waterfall is another waterfall in the Hutt Valley, which sits at the bottom of the North Island in the Greater Wellington Region. Nearest Civilisation: The city of Upper Hutt is 17 minutes drive from Tāne’s Waterfall (11 kilometres, or 7 miles). Immediate Surroundings: Tāne’s Waterfall is located in Tunnel Gully Recreation Area, under Mount Climie, on the edge of the Pākuratahi Forest.
Waterfall Viewpoints: Just the one! Waterfall Name: Tāne translates to man, or male. Getting There: Tāne’s Track will get you to Tāne’s Waterfall. It’s a loop track.
Track Distance: Tāne’s Track is 2.5 kilometres, or 1.5 miles. Walk Time: It’s 40 minutes to an hour, to and from Tāne’s Waterfall. Swimming: There’s no decent swimming at Tāne’s Waterfall as it has quite a light flow. Better swimming is found at Collins Stream nearby.
Dogs: Dogs need to be on a leash at Tāne’s Waterfall. Wheelchairs and Prams: Prams and wheelchairs won’t encounter any steep inclines, narrow bumpy paths, or steps – but the tunnel can make things a bit tricky. At your discretion!
Go, Because: Go, because there’s a tunnel (Mangaroa Railway Tunnel) on the way there! Take a torch; your phone mayn’t be bright enough (the tunnel is 253 metres long!). The railway used to connect to the Remutaka Railway.
Something Extra: If you’re up for a climb, tackle Mount Climie! It’s a 6 kilometre (3.5 mile) walk and will yield fantastic vistas of the valley and even the Wairarapa (the south eastern corner of the North Island). Last Updated: November, 2024.
4. Dry Creek Waterfall, Belmont Regional Park, Hutt Valley
General Location: Dry Creek Waterfall is part of the Hutt Valley which is north of our capital city of Wellington, in the bottom of the North Island. Nearest Civilisation: Dry Creek Waterfall is equidistant from the valley’s small cities: a quarter of an hour’s drive south of Upper Hutt, and a quarter of an hour’s drive north of Lower Hutt (12 and 10 kilometres respectively, 7.5 and 6 miles). Immediate Surroundings: Dry Creek Waterfall sits in the Dry Creek Valley, located in Belmont Regional Park.
Waterfall Height: Dry Creek Waterfall is 4 metres tall. Waterfall Viewpoints: Just the one! Waterfall Name: Obvious, really!
Getting There: Dry Creek Waterfall Track will take you to Dry Creek Waterfall. Track Distance: The walk to and from Dry Creek Waterfall is 2.5 kilometres (1.5 miles). Walk Time: It’s an hour return walk to Dry Creek Waterfall.
Swimming: There is no swimming pool at Dry Creek Waterfall. Dogs: Dogs need to be on a leash at Dry Creek Waterfall. Wheelchairs and Prams: Dry Creek Waterfall Track is not wheelchair or pram friendly.
Go, Because: Go, because the Belmont Regional Park is such a great place for walking. Something Extra: Belmont Regional Park with its eleven trails and beautiful scenery and views is a fantastic spot for a full day out. Take a picnic, a bike, or a tent – to make a day (or overnighter) of it (There’s a campsite at Dry Creek). Last Updated: November, 2024.
5. Korokoro Dam Waterfall, Belmont Regional Park, Hutt Valley
General Location: Korokoro Dam Waterfall is part of the Hutt Valley which is nestled down at the bottom of the North Island, above our capital city, Wellington. Nearest Civilisation: The small city of Lower Hutt is just 5 kilometres (3 miles) from Korokoro Dam Waterfall, which is an eight minute drive. Immediate Surroundings: Korokoro Dam Waterfall is located on the Korokoro Dam, on the Korokoro Stream, in Belmont Regional Park.
Waterfall Height: Korokoro Dam Waterfall is 8 metres tall. Waterfall Viewpoints: There’s a platform from which you can look out at Korokoro Dam Waterfall. Getting There: You’ll take the Korokoro Dam Loop Track to Korokoro Dam.
Track Distance: The Korokoro Dam Loop Track is 1.7 kilometres (1 mile). Walk Time: Give yourself an hour to complete the Korokoro Dam Loop Track. Swimming: There is no pool at Korokoro Dam Waterfall to swim in.
Dogs: Dogs need to be on a leash at Korokoro Dam Waterfall. Wheelchairs and Prams: This is a great waterfall for wheelchair and pram users! Go, Because: Go, because Korokoro Dam Waterfall may be man-made, but the way it cascades down is exceptionally pretty!! It supplied nearby Petone with water in the early 1900’s.
Something Extra: While you’re in the area, consider doing the Belmont Trig Track, a four hour return walk for a 360 degree panoramic view from the top! You’ll see the Tararua Ranges and quite possibly, with a good eye and a clear day, the Kaikoura Ranges in the South Island! Last Updated: November, 2024.
6. Percy Waterfall, Percy Scenic Reserve, Hutt Valley
General Location: Percy Waterfall is our sixth waterfall in the Hutt Valley, which is the area immediately north of our capital city, Wellington. Nearest Civilisation: Percy Waterfall is on the edge of the small city of Lower Hutt. Immediate Surroundings: Percy Waterfall is located within the Percy Scenic Reserve.
Waterfall Height: Percy Waterfall is 20 metres tall! Waterfall Viewpoints: There’s a bench to sit on when you reach the waterfall. Waterfall Name: The waterfall and the scenic reserve are named for the Percy Family, who lived in the area in the 1800’s and 1900’s.
Getting There: Take the Waterfall Walk to Percy Waterfall. Track Distance: It’s a five hundred metre return walk to Percy Waterfall. Walk Time: It’s a twenty minute return walk to and from Percy Waterfall.
Swimming: There is no suitable place to swim at Percy Waterfall. Dogs: Dogs are not permitted in Percy Scenic Reserve. Wheelchairs and Prams: Stairs make Percy Waterfall inaccessible for wheelchairs and prams.
Go, Because: Go, because it’s quite possibly the tallest waterfall in the region. Something Extra: There’s glow worms in Percy’s Scenic Reserve! So head on in after dark and check them out. Last Updated: November, 2024.
Wellington City
Wellington City is New Zealand’s capital city, and has been since 1865. Despite the urban environment, there are still two waterfalls to be discovered here: one on the outskirts, and one in the CBD!

7. Seton Nossiter Park Waterfall, Seton Nossiter Park
General Location: Seton Nossiter Park Waterfall is just at the top of the Wellington City boundary, at the bottom of the North Island. Nearest Civilisation: Seton Nossiter Park Waterfall is just at the tip of the bounds of Wellington City. From the CBD it’s an eighteen minute drive, 13 kilometres, or 8 miles. (It’s a few minutes less from Lower Hutt but Wellington CBD is fractionally closer, by road.)
Immediate Surroundings: Seton Nossiter Park Waterfall is located within Seton Nossiter Park, on the Belmont Stream, in Belmont Gully. Waterfall Viewpoints: Just the one! Waterfall Name: Seton Nossiter Park Waterfall (and the park) are named after Seton Nossiter, who was a city councillor in the area (before it was Wellington) in the late 1900’s.
Getting There: You can access Seton Nossiter Park Waterfall from Mark Avenue. You can also access it from White Pine Avenue. Track Distance: From Mark Avenue, Seton Nossiter Park Waterfall is 2.6 kilometres (1.5 miles), return.
Walk Time: Give yourself three quarters of an hour to walk to Seton Nossiter Park Waterfall. Swimming: There is no suitable swimming at Seton Nossiter Park Waterfall. Dogs: Dogs need to be on a leash at Seton Nossiter Park Waterfall.
Wheelchairs and Prams: Stream crossings make the track to Seton Nossiter Park Waterfall unsuitable for wheelchairs and prams. Go, Because: Go, because you’ll see the remains of Belmont Viaduct that used to run across the gully, New Zealand’s largest viaduct made from timber, at the time. Something Extra: Continue on, to the park’s lookout! Last Updated: November, 2024.
8. Wellington Botanic Garden Waterfall, Wellington Botanic Garden
General Location: Wellington Botanic Garden Waterfall is located in the city centre of Wellington City, New Zealand’s capital. Nearest Civilisation: Wellington Botanic Garden Waterfall is in Wellington itself, in the suburb of Kelburn. Immediate Surroundings: The Wellington Botanic Garden Waterfall is part of, rather obviously, the Wellington Botanic Garden, which is 64 acres!
Waterfall Height: Wellington Botanic Garden Waterfall is 5 metres tall. Waterfall Viewpoints: There’s a bench to sit on and appreciate Wellington Botanic Garden Waterfall. Waterfall Name: The Wellington Botanic Garden Waterfall is simply named after the gardens.
Getting There: From the visitor centre, follow the Botanic Garden pathway to the waterfall. Track Distance: It’s only a few hundred metres walk to Wellington Botanic Garden Waterfall. Walk Time: It’ll only take you a couple of minutes to reach Wellington Botanic Garden Waterfall.
Swimming: You cannot swim at Wellington Botanic Garden Waterfall. Dogs: Dogs need to be on a leash at Wellington Botanic Garden Waterfall. Wheelchairs and Prams: Wheelchairs and prams will encounter no issues on the walk to Wellington Botanic Garden Waterfall.
Go, Because: Go, because the Wellington Botanic Gardens, are a Garden of National Significance, and a fantastic stop on your Wellington itinerary. There’s a rose garden, tulip garden, pond, sculpture trail, cafe, gift shop and visitor centre, and its free to go in.
Something Extra: One way to get up to the Wellington Botanic Garden is via the city’s famous red cable car line, a must-do if you have not already. Also up at Cable Car Summit (Kelburn Hill) is the Kelburn Lookout, the Cable Car Museum, Carter Observatory, Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary and the Victorian Perfumery. Last Updated: November, 2024.
The Wairarapa
The Wairarapa, the North Island’s south eastern corner, is separated from Wellington City and the Hutt Valley only by the Rimutaka and Tararua Ranges. Brave the narrow, windy road over the Rimutaka Hill, however, and you’ll find yourself in wine country. There’s more than wine to be discovered here though – there’s a couple of waterfalls, too.

9. Fern Stream Waterfall, The Wairarapa
General Location: Fern Stream Waterfall is in the Wairarapa Region that occupies the southeastern corner of the North Island. Nearest Civilisation: The nearest place of any significance is the town of Carterton which is a half hour drive from Fern Stream Waterfall (20 kilometres, or 12 miles).
Immediate Surroundings: Fern Stream Waterfall sits on Fern Stream, just off the Waiohine River that runs through the Waiohine Gorge. The gorge is the south eastern gateway to the Tararua Forest Park. Waterfall Height: Fern Stream Waterfall is 10 metres tall.
Waterfall Viewpoints: You can view Fern Stream Waterfall from the suspension bridge or can follow a trail down to the bottom. You’ll have to walk up the stream to read the base. Waterfall Name: Fern Stream Waterfall is named for the abundance of ferns found in our native bush. It shares a name with a waterfall in Hanmer Forest Park, Canterbury Region.
Getting There: You’ll need to cross the suspension bridge and decide if you are going to descend down to the base of the waterfall. If you do, just follow the sign for river access. Track Distance: There’s no ‘official’ track to Fern Stream Waterfall.
Walk Time: It’s a ten minute return walk to Fern Stream Waterfall. Swimming: Fern Stream Waterfall is a good swimming spot and there are some even better spots in the Waiohine River. Dogs: Dogs are permitted at Fern Stream Waterfall.
Wheelchairs and Prams: The suspension bridge and wading upstream requires means Fern Stream Waterfall is not accessible for wheelchairs and prams. Go, Because: Go, because the Tararua Forest Park is stunning with an abundance of trails and native bird and plant life. Something Extra: There’s great fishing to be had in Waiohine Gorge. Last Updated: November, 2024.
10. Patuna Chasm, Patuna Farm, The Wairarapa
General Location: Patuna Chasm is out in the Wairarapa, the wine region that occupies the south eastern corner of the North Island. Nearest Civilisation: Patuna Chasm and Patuna Farm are a twenty minute drive (17 kilometres, 10 miles) from the village of Martinborough in the Wellington Wine Country.
Immediate Surroundings: Patuna Chasm Waterfall is on Patuna Farm, in Patuna Chasm. The walk there follows the Ruakōkoputuna River and the chasm itself, a limestone cavern that is enclosed on the sides but where sunlight filters in through the gaps in the rock from the top dow. Waterfall Viewpoints: There are a few mossy waterfalls in Patuna Chasm.
Getting There: The Patuna Chasm Walk is the way through Patuna Chasm. It’s $50NZD 🇳🇿 ($29USD🇺🇸) to walk the Patuna Chasm, as it’s a privately owned farm, and the walks depart on the half hour (they are guided). Track Distance: It’s about 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) to walk the Patuna Chasm.
Walk Time: Give yourself three hours for the Patuna Chasm Walk. The workers on the farm will take you and the rest of the people in you group down to the trailhead via a fifteen minute trailer ride. They recommend not picking the last departure time if you want to take more than three hours.
Swimming: Yes! You can choose to swim down the river to exit the chasm, if you want to. Staff will pick you up when you emerge! Dogs: Dogs are not allowed on Patuna Farm, which is a working farm (although well behaved ones are permitted at the farm accommodations).
Wheelchairs and Prams: Wheelchairs and prams won’t be able to access Patuna Chasm as you walk through a river in parts and there are slippery rocks. Go, Because: Go, because there are some awesome caves and geological wonders to be seen on your way through the chasm with some awesome photos to be had! The limestone walls are millions of years old. This place looks so cool; I can’t wait to visit!
Something Extra: Patuna Farm offers clay bird shooting, too, which can be booked online. There’s also boutique accommodation on the farm, if you’d like to stay the night. You’re in wine country, so make sure to enjoy some of the spoils of the area before you leave the Wairarapa. Last Updated: November, 2024.
And that concludes your epic guide to Wellington’s ten waterfalls! Each worth a visit, each so unique. Make a point of heading out there to discover them when you are in Wellington Region next!