purakanui falls

Purakaunui Falls

A wonderful waterfall found in amazing native forest

Framed by native forest and cascading 20 metres over 3 tiers, the Purakaunui Falls are amongs the most photographed waterfalls in New Zealand. Enjoy too the soundtrack of native birds and rushing water. 

Located just 17kms south of Owaka is the Purakaunui Falls Scenic Reserve. The Purakaunui Falls are a short walk from a car park area through impressive podocarp and beech forest.

The track is suitable for wheelchair access to the top viewing platform. It is then a fairly steep climb downwards to the lower platform which gives an amazing view of these picturesque  falls. This makes for stunning photographic opportunities. You will find that not only are the Purakaunui Falls in most books about The Catlins, but they have also featured on a New Zealand postage stamp and on many calendars.

Walk from car park to falls – 20 minutes return.