McLean Falls Walk

Out and back

Highlights & Must-See Features

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.

Getting There

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.

Wildlife Spotting

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.

• Fantail (Pīwakawaka): These friendly little birds are almost guaranteed to join you. They love the insects stirred up by walkers and will often flutter just a few centimetres from your head.
• Tūī and Bellbird (Korimako): Listen for the distinctive, melodic chiming and guttural "clucks" of these honeyeaters. They are particularly active in the early morning and late afternoon.
• Kererū: Look up into the canopy of the larger podocarp trees. You might hear the heavy "whoosh-whoosh" of wings before you see these large, iridescent green and white wood pigeons.
• Morepork (Ruru): If you happen to be there very late in the day as shadows lengthen, you might hear the iconic "more-pork" call of New Zealand’s native owl.

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.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The McLean Falls Walk is a true four-season destination, with each time of year offering a different flavour of the Catlins:

• Spring: This is when the forest is at its most vibrant. The new growth on the ferns is a brilliant lime green, and the birdlife is at its most vocal during the breeding season.
• Summer: The canopy provides a welcome shield from the sun, keeping the track cool and pleasant even on the hottest days.
• Autumn: The mists of autumn add a mysterious, ethereal quality to the moss-draped gorge, making for incredible moody photography.
• Winter: Don't let the cold put you off! The falls are often at their most powerful in winter after heavy rains. The sheer volume of water thundering over the tiers is a sight to behold.

• Best time to start: Aim for early morning (before 10:00 AM). You’ll beat the midday campervan rush and have the best chance of seeing wildlife.
• What to wear: Even in summer, the Catlins weather is famously unpredictable. Pack a waterproof rain jacket and wear sturdy closed-toe shoes.
• Safety: The rocks near the water are perpetually wet and often covered in a thin layer of algae. Keep a close eye on children near the river edges.
• Insect Repellent: Like most wet, forested areas in the South Island, sandflies can be a nuisance near the water. A bit of repellent goes a long way.

Local & Regional Context

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 the Walk

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.