Discover Barrs Falls in the Catlins
Barrs Falls, located near Owaka in the Catlins, is a lesser-known gem compared to the popular Pūrākaunui Falls, Matai Falls, and McLean Falls. However, this waterfall is signposted in Owaka, and offers a relatively short scenic drive. A beautiful walk takes you through the rainforest to the falls, where two separate streams meet.
A Taste of the Catlins Rainforest
The walk through the forest to Barrs Falls is a captivating introduction to the wet, green Catlins rainforest, providing a taste of the many superb walks the region has to offer. The walk takes only 10 minutes through thick regrowth forest and ferns. It follows an easy path to a viewing platform where you can admire the falls as the two streams of the falls meet through foliage and tumble onto rocks below.
Getting to Barrs Falls
The trip to Barrs Falls begins with a short drive southwest from Owaka along the Southern Scenic Route. Before reaching Catlins Lake, turn onto gravel Barrs Falls Road. This 4 km drive takes you through charming pastoral farmland and into a section of ancient forest. The waterfall is signposted as you ascend from the valley into the hills. At the start of the track, there is parking available for several cars.
Other nearby activities include Catlins Lake, Kaka Point, Nugget Point, Cannibal Bay, Pounawaea and Surat Bay.
