Purakaunui Falls Walk

Out and back

For those who can manage a short series of wooden steps, the track continues down to the lower platform. This is where you get the "hero shot." Standing at the base, you can see the river spill dramatically over three tiers of dark grey rock slabs, spreading out like a bridal veil. It’s a serene, almost hypnotic sight that encourages you to linger and soak in the atmosphere.

Highlights & Must-See Features

The obvious star of the show is the waterfall itself. Unlike some of New Zealand’s higher, single-drop falls, Purakaunui Falls is all about elegance and symmetry. The way the water breaks across the rock tiers creates a soft, tiered effect that is incredibly pleasing to the eye.

For the photographers among us, this is a dream location. The lower viewing platform provides the classic, postcard-perfect angle. If you visit on an overcast day, you’ll actually have better luck with your photos, as the diffused light prevents harsh shadows and allows the vibrant greens of the forest and the white of the water to truly pop.

Another highlight is the sheer accessibility of such a "wild" feeling place. It’s rare to find a forest this pristine and a waterfall this impressive only a ten-minute walk from your car. It’s a testament to the conservation efforts in the Catlins that such a delicate ecosystem remains so vibrant while being so easy to visit.

And don't forget to look up! The architectural beauty of the tree ferns (ponga) silhouetted against the sky is just as impressive as the water below. It’s a 360-degree sensory experience.

Getting There

Finding the trailhead is straightforward. The falls are located on Purakaunui Falls Road, which is well-signposted off the main Papatowai-Owaka Highway (part of the Southern Scenic Route).

There is a large, well-maintained car park at the start of the track. It’s nestled among shady trees and offers great amenities, including public toilets and picnic benches—perfect if you’ve packed a thermos and some sandwiches. While the car park is spacious enough for campervans and motorhomes, the turning space can be a bit tight for the very largest "house-on-wheels" style vehicles during busy times.

Speaking of busy times, the Catlins has become increasingly popular. During the peak summer months (December to February), the car park can fill up by midday. To have the falls (and the birdsong) mostly to yourself, I’d recommend arriving before 9 am or visiting later in the afternoon after 3 pm.

Wildlife Spotting

The Purakaunui Falls Walk is a fantastic place for birdwatching. Because the forest is so dense and well-preserved, it’s a haven for native species. You don't need to be an expert to spot them; often, you’ll hear them long before you see them.

• Tūī: Listen for their complex, metallic-sounding whistles and clicks. You’ll often see them darting through the higher canopy.
• Kererū (NZ Wood Pigeon): These large, clumsy birds are easy to spot. Look for their white "singlets" and listen for the distinctive whoosh-whoosh of their wings as they fly between trees.
• Fantail (Pīwakawaka): These friendly little birds are almost guaranteed to follow you. They flit around near the track, using the movement of hikers to stir up small insects to eat.
• Bellbird (Korimako): Known for having one of the most beautiful songs in the New Zealand bush, their liquid notes provide the perfect soundtrack to your walk.

If you are very quiet and very lucky, you might even spot a Mohua (Yellowhead). They are rare, but they do inhabit these ancient beech forests. Keep your eyes peeled for a small, bright yellow bird moving quickly through the foliage.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The Purakaunui Falls are truly a year-round destination, with each season offering a different "vibe":

• 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 particularly active and vocal.
• Summer: The forest provides a cool, shady retreat from the summer sun. It’s the busiest time, but also the most social.
• Autumn: This is a favourite for photographers. While the forest is evergreen, the late autumn light is softer and more golden, and the surrounding foliage takes on a deeper, richer hue.
• Winter: Don't let the cold stop you! After a period of heavy winter rain, the falls are at their most powerful. The roar of the water is thunderous, and the mist rising from the bottom tier creates a truly mystical atmosphere.

• Footwear: While the path is gravelled, the Catlins is a high-rainfall area. Sections of the track and the wooden steps can become quite slippery when wet. Wear sturdy shoes with a bit of grip.
• Weather: The Catlins is exposed to the Southern Ocean. Weather can change in a heartbeat. Even if it’s sunny when you leave the car, it’s a good idea to have a light raincoat in your pack.
• Insects: Like much of the South Island bush, sandflies can be present near the water. A little bit of repellent goes a long way.

Local & Regional Context

The Purakaunui Falls hold a special place in the hearts of New Zealanders. In 1976, the falls were featured on a New Zealand postage stamp, cementing their status as a national treasure.

The wider Catlins area is a place where the forest meets the sea. For the early Māori inhabitants, this region was a rich source of food and resources, though the dense forest made it a challenging landscape to traverse. Later, European settlers arrived to log the massive podocarp trees you see on the walk today. Thankfully, areas like Purakaunui were preserved, allowing us to see what much of the southern South Island would have looked like hundreds of years ago.

Geologically, the area is part of a series of folded rock strata. The "steps" of the waterfall are formed by hard layers of sandstone that have resisted erosion more than the softer mudstone layers around them. It’s a slow-motion dance of water and stone that has been happening for millennia.

After the Walk

Once you’ve finished your stroll and filled your camera roll with photos, you’ll likely be ready for a bite to eat. The nearby town of Owaka (just a short 10-minute drive away) has a couple of fantastic options that are very welcoming to hikers:

• Lumberjack Bar and Café: This place has a great "country pub" feel with lots of timber and brick. If it’s a chilly day, their large open fire is the best place to warm up. Their menu is hearty and perfect for refuelling after a day of exploring.
• Catlins Cafe: This is a real local gem. They are famous for their seafood chowder and fresh blue cod—classic Southern delicacies. The staff are incredibly friendly, and the atmosphere is always cosy.

The Purakaunui Falls Walk may be short, but it captures the very essence of the Catlins: raw, green, and breathtakingly beautiful. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best things in life don't require a ten-hour hike—they’re just a gentle stroll into the woods.

Catlins Cafe

6.3km away

A heartfelt local gem in Owaka, known for its amazing seafood chowder, blue cod, and a wide range of homemade treats. It boasts a cozy ambiance with a fireplace and super friendly staff, making it a great stop for a comforting meal.