Here are 8 New Zealand waterfalls that will leave a lasting impression. This short list includes some from across the country that are all truly awe inspiring.
When we first arrived in New Zealand I remember being blown away at the sheer number of rivers, creeks, mountains, and waterfalls. The natural beauty of the country is spectacular. There are so many waterfalls to choose from that could arguably be the best, so pairing down to a short list was no easy task. Here are what I feel are the 8 most outstanding waterfalls in the country that are worthy of a visit. Some are just to look at, but others can be experienced in a more hands on way.
8 Outstanding New Zealand Waterfalls
Purakaunui Falls – Catlins
The Catlins located in the south-eastern corner of the South Island is a pretty wonderful area with remote beaches, penguins, seals and sea lions, and some stunning waterfalls. There are a lot of stunning waterfalls in the area, but the Purakaunui Falls stands out in my mind. It’s wide, multi-tiered, and is super photogenic.
Shine Falls – Near Napier
Whenever we head out to explore part of New Zealand we always read up on nice places to explore or walks in the area. Well, as described in NZ Frenzy, the walk to Shine Falls really stood out and made us want to visit it. The description begins as, ‘Joy joy joy joy joy!!’ That hooked us and when we walked to the falls ourselves we weren’t disappointed.
Rere Rock Slide – Gisborne area
While this is not a towering waterfall or much to look at, I still had to put this on the list because it offers up a super fun adventure. This long, cascade is a natural water slide that can be ridden down on a boogie board, inner tube, or something else.
When we first showed up to this spot nobody else was around so we were a bit nervous about it. We put on wetsuits to prevent skin getting ripped if we rubbed the rock. Then we coaxed ourselves into sliding down the slide, gingerly at first, and then faster and faster. Heaps of fun!
Routeburn Track – Waterfall
This is a stunning waterfall along the Routeburn Great Walk. Not all of the outstanding New Zealand waterfalls on this list are easy to get to. This one is several hours along the Routeburn Track and really stood out in my mind. We’d spent some time walking through bush and making our way along the side of the valley when all of a sudden the track took us right past the base of the waterfall.
Okere Falls – Central North Island
This is a series of waterfalls on the Kaituna River, located just north of Rotorua. There is a short, easy walk that lets you wander along and look at these falls and watch some rafters going over the falls. Or if you choose, you can go down the river and over the waterfall in a kayak, raft, or something else. This is a 7 m drop and pretty wild to watch rafts take the drop.
Taranaki Falls – Central North Island
Mt. Ruapehu is a huge mass in the centre of the North Island and there are a lot of streams and waterfalls. Taranaki Falls, at 20 meters high, is a nice 2 hour round trip walk.
Kerosene Creek
This is not exactly a towering waterfall or one that has many tiers. Instead this makes my list because it is so different than the others. Kerosene Creek is located near Rotorua and the creek is all a natural hot spring. This means that you can sit at the base of this little waterfall in hot water and let the warm waters of the falls massage your back and shoulders. Pretty nice and relaxing. Or you can go a bit father downstream to a bigger waterfall and pool.
Stirling Falls – Milford Sound
It would be remiss of me to make a list of the outstanding New Zealand Waterfalls and not include one from the wettest part of the country – Milford Sound where the world famous Milford Track ends. There are numerous stunning waterfalls in the Fiordland area, but I’m listing Stirling Falls in the Milford Sound here. This waterfall is actually about 150 m tall, but looks tiny in comparison to the towering cliffs around it. It can be seen on a boat ride out into the sound.