Purakaunui Falls, New Zealand’s most photographed waterfall, is located in Catlins Forest Park. The easy walk to the waterfall’s outlook and the Purakaunui falls’ distinctive beauty make this one of the greatest spots to visit with your family. It’s also on the list of New Zealand’s must-see waterfalls.
Purakaunui Falls: Otago’s most-photographed sights
The Purakaunui Falls Scenic Reserve is around 17 kilometers south of Owaka. The Purakaunui Falls is a short hike through beautiful podocarp and beech woodland from a vehicle park area. Purakaunui Falls, framed by native forest and plunging 20 meters over three stages, is one of New Zealand’s most photographed waterfalls. Enjoy the sound of native birds and running water as well.
The track is accessible by wheelchair to the top viewing platform. It is then a rather steep descent to the lower platform, which provides an incredible perspective of these gorgeous falls. This provides an excellent picture opportunity. The Purakaunui Falls are not only mentioned in most literature about The Catlins, but they have also appeared on a New Zealand postage stamp and on several calendars.
How to get there
You can reach Purakaunui Falls through two roads that branch off the Papatowai Highway. Turn left into Purakaunui Falls Road, 6.3 kilometers south of Owaka, or right onto Warnock Road, 10.8 kilometers south of Owaka. The falls are clearly marked at both exits.
Guide to go around
Purakaunui Falls is about a 1.5-2 hour journey from Invercargill or Dunedin. The road surface is cemented. However, the last 2 kilometers are gravel.
Travel south on the SH1 from Dunedin, then turn left onto the picturesque Chaslands Highway and follow it for the following 43 kilometers. When you see the ‘Purakaunui Falls’ sign, turn left onto Waikorea Valley Rd, which becomes a gravel road, and then another left onto Purakaunui Falls Rd. Toilets and picnic tables are available in the parking lot on your left.
Follow the official Purakaunui Falls Walk from the carpark to the upper and lower waterfall viewing platforms. The trek to the Upper platform is quite easy and acceptable for persons of all abilities; there are no stairs, and all streams are crossed.
It’s about a 5-7 minute walk down the wooden steps to the Lower Platform from here. This walkway is not wheelchair and stroller-friendly. We strongly advise you to complete the entire hike – the Lower platform provides the best view of the falls.
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Purakaunui Falls Walk
This track will take you from the Purakaunui Falls Road car park to the stunning Purakaunui Falls in Catlins’ coastal area. It’s a short, simple stroll through beech and podocarp woodland with many birds along the route.
Learn about this 0.6-kilometer out-and-back trail near Owaka, Otago. It takes an average of 11 minutes to accomplish this course, which is generally quite easy. Because this is a popular hiking and walking region, you will most likely come across other people while exploring. The optimum months to visit this trail are from March through October. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash.
Things to do in and near Purakaunui Falls
Visit breathtaking waterfalls
The Catlins have some breathtaking waterfalls. The most well-known of these is Purakaunui Falls (opens in new window), a spectacular waterfall surrounded by a bush that drops 20 meters over three unique stages. A short walk from a minor road off the main Owaka-Invercargill roadway leads to the waterfall.
Close to Horseshoe Falls is the smaller but equally stunning Matai Falls(opens in new window). The 22-meter McLean Falls, located farther southwest, is a delightful 40-minute return trek through Catlins Conservation Park. Last but not least, despite being designated off the major Chaslands highway, Koropuku is kind of a hidden gem.
Walk Catlins River Trail
This well-formed trail, part of the Catlins River-Wisp Loop Track (opens in new window), offers everything, from rushing rapids and breathtaking views to uncommon birds and delicate orchids. The first section of the walk begins near the Tawanui camping area between Owaka and Papatowai and brings you through the native silver beech forest alongside the Catlins River. The five-hour difficult hike provides an opportunity to see uncommon forest birds such as the mohua (yellowhead) and rifleman. You might also even spot some native parakeets. The forest floor is rich in lichen, fungi, moss, and liverworts.
Besides, the route includes four wire-rope suspension bridges, and sections of the track can be walked individually if you prefer something a little shorter, as there are various entry/exit locations along the way.
Also, Jack’s Blowhole Track
Jack’s Blowhole (opens in new window), located in Tunnel Rocks Scenic Reserve, is another outstanding sight in this area. The blowhole, a massive hollow 55 meters deep and 200 meters from the sea was formed when a large subterranean cavern caved in. During a swell, waves are compressed through the underground tube at high tide.
Visit Lake Wilkie
From mature podocarp forest at the start of the walk to wetland flora at the lake’s edge, this magnificent mirror lake depicts the narrative of rainforest restoration. The scarlet splendor of flowering rata is breathtaking during the summer. It’s a particularly peaceful location.
Boardwalk at Tautuku
Another peaceful haven is just up the road from Lake Wilkie. The boardwalk snakes across wetlands, creating a natural amphitheater in the middle of the forest. It is a fascinating and mysterious location, which is why it is known as “Tapu,” which is Maori for a sacred location.
The best time to visit Purakaunui Falls
The greatest time to shoot the waterfall is in late October when it is surrounded by colorful foliage.
Here is everything you need to know before exploring Purakaunui Falls. So, come here immediately to begin your fantastic journey! Please share your thoughts by posting a comment below!
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