South Island WaterfallsThe world's tallest to picturesque cascades!With the rainforest and mountains a natural home to waterfalls there are dozens of lovely South Island waterfalls. Some are not easily accessed except from tramping tracks, or by helicopter. I don’t plan to mention any other than some of the most popular waterfalls here....there are just so many for you to enjoy. Waterfalls cascade down the sheer cliffs of the fiords, at the head of the many valleys in the Fiordland National Park,around the Glaciers, and at Nelson Lakes. The many tramping tracks will delight with scenic waterfalls and the Catlins area offers numerous falls to view. It is fascinating just how different the many South Island waterfalls are...you can never see too many! While I list some of the most well known South Island waterfalls, there will always be others just as spectacular hidden away for you to discover as you travel the island. Watch the You Tube video featuring 100 New Zealand Waterfalls for further suggestions. There may be a waterfall in the area you are travelling to you can go and view. Recommended South Island WaterfallsDevils Punchbowl Falls – Arthurs Pass A short walk from the Arthurs Pass Train station you can see the Devils Punchbowl Falls across the Bealey River. Take the Punchbowl Falls Track which takes you via some steps to the viewing platform and a closer view, or take Scotts Track for en excellent view. Sutherland – Milford Track - Fiordland One of the tallest waterfalls in the world this 580 metre internationally recognized waterfall is located on a side track on the Milford Track. Falling in three stages it is a spectacular sight.If you aren’t up for walking the Milford Track the only other way to view the Sutherland Falls is by helicopter. Waterfalls on Milford Sound after Heavy RainBowen Falls – Milford Sound The cliffs on either side of Milford Sound are perfect for cascading waterfalls and Bowen Falls is the largest 530 feet (162m) high. There is always some waterfalls but after rain the many waterfalls are spectacular. Stirling Falls – Milford Sound Also viewed from the boat that goes on the sound this is the fall where the boat will take you right in almost under the cascade. The Chasm - Milford Sound You can view a series of waterfalls from the two foot bridges over the Cleaddau River located 9 kilometres from Milford Sound. Thunder Creek Falls – Milford These are easy to access on a short 5 minute walk on a track on the Milford Road. If you have time to walk further you can see the Fantail Falls which is still only a 30 minutes return walk. Browne Falls – Doubtful Sound While these falls compete with the Sutherland Falls as to which is the tallest…. Browne Falls do not have a straight drop like the Sutherland Falls but rather meander across the cliff face .Hard to find they are certainly not as well known. Purakaunui Falls - Catlins - Otago These are another beautiful waterfall....not high only 15 metres... but wide and as the water cascades over the tiered rocks it creates a delicate, veil effect.These much photographed falls are easy to find with signposts from the southern end of the Catlins River bridge. Then you can enjoy a 20 minute walk from the carpark and picnic area through beech forest to the viewing platforms which is also suitable for wheelchair users to the top viewing platform. McLean Falls - Catlins - Otago These lovely waterfalls are on the Tautuku River in Catlins Conservation Park .You will need to be up for the 2 kilometre 40 minute round trip walk up a gentle slope to see McLean Falls.The McLean Falls Walking Track starts from the carpark on Rewcastle Road 10 minutes from State Highway 92. Matai Falls – Southland- on the Catlins Road These are beautiful falls that are easy to access. Just a 10 minute walk from the road through forest. Humboldt Falls – Hollyford Valley These are easily accessible - Take the Hollyford Road to see this impressive 275m waterfall. Drive to the end of the road. From here you can take a short walk through the well formed rainforest track to the viewing platform. MORE NEW ZEALAND WATERFALLS INFORMATION: New Zealand Waterfalls North Island Waterfalls South Island Waterfalls to Holidays in New Zealand - Home Sign up for the RSS feed so you are updated when new pages are published. |
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