Discover the Iconic Pūrākaunui Falls
Pūrākaunui Falls, standing 20 metres high, is one of the most iconic natural attractions in the Catlins region of Southland. This stunning three-tiered waterfall on the Pūrākaunui River is a must-see for its breathtaking beauty and green rainforest surroundings.
Exploring the Falls and Surrounding Forest
The walk to Pūrākaunui Falls begins with an easy, well-maintained 20-minute track from the car park through the rainforest. The path leads you to a vantage point at the top of the falls, then a short descent down a series of steps brings you to a lower platform. From there, you get the classic view of the cascading water. For a closer look, you can navigate the rocks near the base of the falls, though caution is advised as they can be slippery.
The falls are nestled within a scenic forest reserve, home to large beech and podocarp trees visible from the road and car park. As you venture deeper into the forest, you'll encounter ancient, gnarled kāmahi trees and the striking orange trunks of mature kōtukutuku (native fuchsia trees). The kōtukutuku flowers from August to December, and its small purple berries are edible. If you visit during the flowering season, you will notice the small red flowers scattered on the ground.
Visitor Tips and Popularity
Pūrākaunui Falls is a popular destination, especially during peak holiday periods, and has been featured in travel literature, postcards, and even a postage stamp. While the car park is spacious by the standards of the Catlins, and equipped with a toilet block and picnic facilities, visiting outside peak times is recommended to avoid crowds.
How to Get There
To reach Pūrākaunui Falls from Owaka, follow the Southern Scenic Route southwest past Catlins Lake to the signposted intersection with Pūrākaunui Falls Road. Turn southeast onto this road and continue to the falls car park. This 15 km drive takes about 15 minutes and is fully sealed. Before reaching the falls, you can take short detours to Pūrākaunui Bay and Helena Falls Beach via Long Point Road.
After visiting the falls, you can return to the main highway by taking the gravel Waikoata Valley Road, located immediately west of the car park. For a more scenic and remote drive, continue southwest on Puaho Road for 2 km until it intersects with the main highway between McLennan and Papatowai. Another option is to head northwest on Burnt Flat Road, which connects to the Southern Scenic Route near the Matai Falls car park.
