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Catlins
2.1 km
42 minutes
85 metres
If you are planning a road trip through the rugged, wind-swept beauty of the Catlins, there is one stop that absolutely earns its place at the top of your itinerary. Tucked away in the lush corner of the South Island, the McLean Falls Walk is more than just a quick leg-stretch; it is an immersive journey into a prehistoric world. At 22 metres high, McLean Falls is often touted as the most spectacular waterfall in the region, and once you stand at its base, it’s easy to see why.
This 2.1km return walk is the quintessential New Zealand forest experience. It’s short enough for a quick detour but beautiful enough that you’ll likely find yourself lingering much longer than the suggested 40 minutes. Whether you’re a local Kiwi looking for a weekend escape or a visitor exploring the Southern Scenic Route, this trail offers a masterclass in the unique biodiversity and raw natural beauty of the Catlins.
The journey begins at the end of Rewcastle Road, where the air immediately feels cooler and smells of damp earth and crushed ferns. From the moment you step onto the well-maintained dirt track, you are enveloped by the ancient podocarp forest. This isn't just a patch of trees; it’s a living museum. You’ll find yourself walking under a canopy of towering tree ferns and gnarled kamahi, their trunks adorned with thick carpets of emerald-green moss and delicate lichens.
The terrain is rated as easy, making it a fantastic choice for families with young explorers or those who prefer a leisurely pace. The path follows the path of the Tautuku River, providing a constant, soothing soundtrack of rushing water. While the track is mostly flat, there are some gentle uphill sections and a few well-placed boardwalks and stairs to help you navigate the wetter patches of the forest floor.
As you wind your way deeper into the valley, the forest seems to tighten around you in the best way possible. You’ll notice the transition from regenerating native bush to older, more established trees. Keep an eye out for the massive tree fuchsia (kōtukutuku), New Zealand's largest native fuchsia, which can be identified by its distinctive peeling, orange-brown bark.
The walk isn't just about the final destination; it’s about the anticipation. You’ll encounter several smaller cascades and "mini-falls" along the way, each one a photo opportunity in its own right. The track can get a little muddy after a typical Catlins downpour, so while it’s an easy walk, a sturdy pair of boots will serve you much better than jandals. Because this trail is dog-friendly (on a leash) and kid-friendly, it’s a popular spot for the whole family to enjoy the "wild" side of New Zealand without needing technical hiking gear.
There is a large gravel car park located at the trailhead at the end of Rewcastle Road. Toilets are available at the car park. The car park is not suitable for large buses.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
500m away
Located conveniently on the McLean Falls access road, The Whistling Frog offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with city-quality dining. They serve barista coffee, burgers, fish & chips, and are known for their seafood chowder and craft meat pies, with gluten-free and vegetarian options available. It's a perfect spot for post-hike refreshments.
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Out and back
The undeniable star of the show is McLean Falls. As you round the final bend, the forest opens up to reveal a stunning moss-draped gorge where the Tautuku River plunges over multiple tiers of dark volcanic rock. The falls are 22 metres high, but they feel even grander because of the way the water spreads out like a bridal veil across the wide, rocky shelves.
The "Grand Finale" Perspective: Most people stop at the first viewpoint, which offers a great look at the lower cascades. However, the track continues up a few more steps to a spectacular vantage point overlooking the main drop. For the photographers among us, this is where you’ll want to set up your tripod. The contrast between the white water and the dark, mossy rocks is breathtaking.
The Rocky Scramble: If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous and the water levels aren't dangerously high, there is a natural opportunity to carefully scramble over the rocks at the base of the main fall. Getting this close allows you to feel the mist on your face and hear the true power of the water. Just be careful—those mossy rocks can be incredibly slippery!
The "Mini" Falls: Before you reach the main event, don't rush past the lower chutes. There is a particularly beautiful spot where the river narrows and shoots through a natural rock flume. It’s a great place to stop and teach kids about how water carves the landscape over thousands of years.
McLean Falls is located in the heart of the Catlins Conservation Park, roughly midway between Invercargill and Dunedin on the Southern Scenic Route.
To find the trailhead, turn off the main highway (Chaslands Highway) onto Rewcastle Road. Follow this gravel road for about 3km until you reach the end. There is a large gravel car park with plenty of space for cars and campervans.
Pro Tip: While the car park is spacious, it is not suitable for large buses due to the narrow nature of Rewcastle Road and the turning circle. There are public toilets located right at the car park, which are well-maintained. From the car park, the entrance to the walk is clearly signposted.
The Catlins is a stronghold for New Zealand’s native birdlife, and the McLean Falls Walk is like a natural aviary. Because the forest is so dense and lush, the birds feel right at home here.
Birdwatching Tip: Bring a pair of binoculars and spend a few minutes standing perfectly still. The forest comes alive when it forgets you are there. The Brown Creeper (Pīpipi) is also occasionally spotted here, moving in busy little flocks through the upper canopy.
The McLean Falls Walk is a true four-season destination, with each time of year offering a different flavour of the Catlins:
The Catlins area, or Te Tai Poutini in some traditions, holds deep significance. For Māori, specifically the Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe, and Kāi Tahu iwi, the region was a vital source of seasonal resources. The Tautuku area was known for its abundant birdlife and coastal resources.
Geologically, you are walking through a landscape that dates back to the Jurassic period. The Catlins is famous for its "petrified forest" at nearby Curio Bay, and the lush greenery you see at McLean Falls is a direct descendant of the forests that once covered the supercontinent of Gondwana.
Today, the area is part of the Catlins Conservation Park, managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC). Significant effort goes into predator control here to ensure the survival of the Kererū and Tūī populations. By staying on the formed tracks, you’re helping to protect the delicate root systems of these ancient trees and preventing the spread of soil-borne diseases.
After you’ve worked up an appetite, you don’t have to travel far for a feed. Just 500 metres back down the access road is The Whistling Frog Cafe & Bar.
This isn't your average roadside stop; it’s a destination in its own right. It offers a warm, "ski-lodge" style atmosphere that is incredibly welcoming after a damp forest walk. They are famous for their seafood chowder—which is packed with local flavours—and their craft meat pies. If you’re visiting on a chilly day, their barista coffee and a seat by the fire are pure bliss. They also cater well to different dietary needs with great gluten-free and vegetarian options. It’s the perfect place to swap stories with other hikers and scroll through your waterfall photos before heading to your next Catlins destination.
Whether you're there for the photography, the birds, or just a bit of fresh Southern air, McLean Falls is a walk that stays with you long after the mud has been washed off your boots.
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Ninox novaeseelandiae
Native owl also known as Ruru. Named for its distinctive two-note call heard at night.
Best time: Year-round
Mohoua novaeseelandiae
This small, active insectivore often forages in chattering flocks, gleaning insects from branches and leaves, sometimes hanging upside down.
Best time: Year-round