I love waterfalls. In New Zealand they are not wide and powerful like in Iceland, but they are gentle, picturesque and surrounded by enchanting forest. And many of them are easy to access! Below is my selection of 21 of the best waterfalls in New Zealand for you to consider adding to your road trip.
This article may contain affiliate Links (info on the Disclosure page). If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you.
Best waterfalls in New Zealand - my top 5 must-see
Let's start with my favorite waterfalls in New Zealand. And let me tell you: it is difficult to choose !
They all deserve a visit. So you should not plan your New Zealand road trip around a selection, but plan your itinerary and add the waterfalls that are on your path.
#1 - Marokopa waterfall
Marokopa - my choice for best waterfall in New Zealand
- Location
North Island, near Waitomo (just 30min drive from the caves)
Rotorua to Marokopa waterfall = 2h30 drive
Small carpark
Easy to include in your North Island itinerary - Access
A short 5min walk with 25 stairs to access the viewpoint of the waterfall.
The path is maintained but a little steep (bring poles if you have knee problems)
Signs indicate that is not recommended to walk closer
No facilities - Dimensions
35m high (115ft) - Notes
I was really surprised by the number of people at the Waitomo caves compared to the few explorers at this waterfalls and the natural bridge nearby. They are both really beautiful and deserve the 30min drive past the cave.
Despite seeing it with low level of water, it could see the many cascades created by the structure of the rock. The water seems to be dancing and this is why I love it. - If you can't travel yet, you can enjoy it at home with this jigsaw puzzle:
#2 - Rere falls
- Location
North island, East Coast, inland from Gisborne
Gisborne to Rere falls = 45min
Large carpark, popular with locals
Not far, you can also find the Rere slide (natural rock formation to slide) - Access
Very easy access from the carpark.
Large grassy area and toilets. - Dimensions
10m high (33ft)
20m wide (66ft) - Notes
This is such a fun waterfall, it is not tall and not with rebounds, but it is a beautiful wall of water, like a giant shower.
You can admire it from the front or get to the side. You can have a blast getting under it! - If you can't travel yet, you can enjoy it at home with this jigsaw puzzle:
#3 - Mc Lean Falls
- Location
South Island, East Coast, in the Catlins
Dunedin to Mc Lean Falls = 2h drive
Large carpark - Access
Last 3km are on a gravel road
25min walk on a maintained path to the waterfall. It is uphill to the falls with 80 stairs and a few rocks to climb.
Some climbing to get to the rock where you see people on the picture above.
Toilets at the carpark - Dimensions
22m high (72ft) - Notes
It is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in New Zealand with different sections and cascades.
Plus the walk to get there is already enchanting with another waterfall called The Chute.
#4 - Devil's Punchbowl
- Location
South Island, at Arthur's pass
Greymouth to Devil's punchbowl = 1h15 drive
Large carpark - Access
You can already see it from the distance if you don't want to climb. Just walk 200m from the carpark.
Otherwise, to reach the viewing platform you have to climb 232 stairs up then 91 down and then 69 up.
Plan 1h for the return walk
Near the village of Arthur's Pass, can be included in your South Island itinerary (see my suggestions) - Dimensions
131m high (430ft) - Notes
You will climb through lush forest and be rewarded with this impressive straight drop in a cut in the mountain.
I really enjoy the angle we have from the platform being able to admire it entirely.
#5 - Bridal Veil Falls
- Location
North island, West coast, near Raglan
Rotorua to Bridal Veil Falls = 2h20 drive
Small carpark - Access
Easy well maintained path to the top of the waterfall with 2 viewing platforms (10min walk)
Plus 261 stairs to get to the base of the waterfall with a viewing bridge
Toilets at the beginning of the walk - Dimensions
55m high (180ft) - Notes
This is really an enchanting waterfall, especially because of the lush native coastal forest surrounding it.
The path is really well done with explanation and 4 different viewing platforms total.
See more photos in my article - If you can't travel yet, you can enjoy it at home with this jigsaw puzzle:
About the New Zealand waterfalls
How many waterfalls in New Zealand?
It seems that the LINZ (Land Information New Zealand) has listed 249 named waterfalls.
But if really depends on what you call a waterfall... Definition varies.
Plus you have some drop that are seasonal and depending on the rain... So maybe around 1500 can really be seen.
Where are the waterfalls in New Zealand?
There is no specific area that has more waterfalls.
You can find them at every corner of both islands. North Island NZ waterfalls are mostly created by volcanic activity while South Island falls ares mostly from glaciers.
There is no better choice of North Island vs South island for the waterfalls. There are more in South island but they are out of the way. The most touristic ones are in North Island. There are some beautiful ones on both (if you need help choosing, see my article comparing North and South islands)
You can find maps including all the waterfalls listed in this article in my Digital Guide that simplifies the planning of your road trip:
Plan your perfect trip to New Zealand!
- 12 easy-to-plan Maps
- 200 scenic locations in NZ
- Tips to plan + make the most of your time
- 285+ large photos to decide where to go
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
The highest waterfalls in New Zealand?
Like with the number of waterfalls, it depends on the definition...
- Everyone agrees that Sutherland Falls is a waterfall and at 580m (1903ft) is used to be considered the highest one.
- However if you count the drop, then Browne falls in Doubtful sound is the tallest at 836m (2743ft). If accepted as a waterfall, it is the 9th highest in the World. But people argue that it cascade and does not fall as a single drop (but nor does Sutherland)...
Wildly accepted highest waterfall in New Zealand - Sutherland Falls
- Location
South Island, West coast, near Milford Sound - Access
Not easy to access - it can be seen only:
- by hiking the day Milford track
- by taking a scenic flight - such as this one - Dimensions
580m high (1903ft)
Wairere Falls - Highest waterfall in North Island?
- Location
North Island, East Coast, east of Tauranga
Rotorua to Wairere falls = 1h drive - Access
45 min through native forest to the viewpoint
45 extra minutes to the top of the waterfalls - Dimensions
153m high (502ft) - Notes
2 stage waterfall, probably the highest in North Island (it depends again how you define waterfalls)
Waterfalls in the New Zealand Fjords
Many New Zealand waterfalls drop vertically from hundreds of meter along the wall of the fjords.
Cruising in the middle and getting close to them is very impressive.
Some of the most famous include:
- Waterfalls in Milford Sound
- Stirling Falls (151m - 495ft)- the most photographed (all cruise get close) - can be seen in the distance from the Milford shore - photo below
- Lady Elizabeth Bowen falls (162m - 531ft) - can be seen by cruise or from land
- Four sisters - visible only by cruise during rainy days - Waterfalls in Doubtful Sound - they are less permanent
- Browne falls 836m (2743ft) - as I wrote earlier, depending on the definition for waterfalls
- Helena Falls (50m - 164ft) - to be see by cruise
- Lady Alice Falls (200 or 280m - 656 or 919ft)
Below is a selection of pictures from those fjords:
Stirling waterfall New Zealand
Other waterfalls - NZ North Island
Huka Falls
- Location
North Island, North of Taupo
Taupo to Huka falls = 10min drive - Access
There is a viewing platform on one side to see from above.
Or you can walk near it, to see and listen to the rush of water. - Dimensions / notes
This is not your typical waterfall.
It is a place where the Waikato rivers that is 100m wide (382ft) enters a shallow ravine. The high volume rushes in a tight area.
It is quite impressive and loud!
Dawson Falls
- Location
North island, West Coast, on the slope of Mt Taranaki
New Plymouth to Dawson falls = 1h drive
Large parking at the visitor center - Access
After 400m on the road, you enter a path in the forest - 104stairs down to the viewing platform + 91 stairs down to the bottom of the waterfall
Toilets at the carpark - Dimensions
18m high (59ft) - Notes
Nice views from the platform and the bottom.
My favorite part is getting up-close to admire the moss growing on the rock around it
Whangarei Falls
- Location
North island, North of Auckland, in Whangarei
Auckland to Whangarei falls = 2h10 drive
Carpark - Access
Very well maintained path - 30min loop
37 steps to platform and 101 stairs down to the river - path to close the loop with a gravel track
Toilets at the carpark - Dimensions
26m high (85ft) - Notes
The path is really well organised with viewing platforms from many different angles (both sides, up and down)
Would be even more impressive with higher level of water.
Rainbow Falls
- Location
North island, North of Paihia (bay of islands)
Paihia to Rainbow falls = 25min drive
Large carpark - Access
Easy path to top view and down to the water - Plan 30min or longer if you swim
Make sure you clean your shoes as advised
Toilets at carpark - Dimensions
27m high (23ft) - Notes
Lush forest surrounded this drop and large pool. You can admire it from different angle and walk along the river.
With a higher amount of water and the sun in the right position, you can see rainbows.
Taranaki Falls
- Location
North island, in the Tongariro National park (careful nowhere near Mont Taranaki)
Hike departs from Whakapapa
Taupo to Whakapapa = 1h15 drive - Access
2h loop hike - Generally flat - Steep staircase in the middle
Not much shade
Toilets in the village - Dimensions
20m high (66ft) - Notes
Beautiful walk with views of the volcanic cones and Mt Ruapehu
It leads you to the edge of a lava flow where you can see the waterfall.
Second waterfall below Taranaki (Cascade Falls)
See more photos on my article on the Taranaki Falls walk
Haruru Falls
- Location
North Island, Paihia (Bay of islands) - Access
Couple of min walk from carpark or you can do the long walk for the Waitangi treaty ground
No toilets - Dimensions
5m tall (16ft) and around 12m/15m wide (40ft/49ft) depending on water level - Notes
Easy access from town (short drive) and you can walk right to the edge
Piroa Falls
- Location
North Island, East coast, close to road 1
Few parking spaces - Access
6km of unsealed road (quite bumpy).
15min return track with 80 stairs to the waterholes where you can swim and the waterfall. - Dimensions
20m high (66ft) - Notes
I love how the flow is straight at the top and cascading at the bottom.
Plus you are standing in the narrow gorge cut by the river.
Because of the gravel road, it is out of the touristic path
Planning to rent a car in New Zealand? Check out the local company Snap Rentals
I selected it myself and paid my rental in full.
- They are not at the airport itself, but they come to pick you up and drop you off
- They were very nice and responsive, the car was in perfect condition.
- In addition, they have all-inclusive insurance packages with AAA roadside assistance, which means I didn't have to worry (I think it's worth the price)
Other NZ waterfalls - South Island
Purakaunui falls
- Location
South Island, East coast, in the Catlins
Dunedin to Purakaunui = 1h35 drive - Access
600m of gravel road, large carpark
20min return walk - 50 small stairs
Toilets at carpark - Dimensions
15m high (49ft) - Notes
A well maintained easy path through beed forest to an elegant 3 tier waterfall. It is often considered postcard-perfect.
Better after rain
Wainui falls
- Location
South Island, in the Abel Tasman National Park
Nelson to Wainui falls = 2h drive
Large carpark - Access
Last 350m are gravel roads
Easy path through the forest along the river (with a few stairs and a suspension bridge).
Plan 1h return (including photo time)
Toilets and café at carpark - Dimensions
20m high (66ft) - Notes
Enchanting walk in the National park to this small but charming waterfall surrounded by moss.
Maruia falls
- Location
South Island, middle of nowhere
Picton to Maruia falls = 2h40 drive
Large carpark - Access
Easy access to the top and 5min walk to the base
Toilets at carpark - Dimensions
10m high (33ft) - Notes
I would not do a detour to see it, but if you are driving on Road 6, this is a great stop to get some fresh air and see the rushing water over the old river bank (changes happened because of an earthquake triggered landslide in 1929).
Franz Josef
- Location
South Island, west Coast, along the walk to the Franz Josef glacier
Large carpark but very popular - Access
You can't miss them as you walk to the glacier viewing platform (1h30 return)
Easy path
Toilets at carpark - Notes
The Franz Josef glacier walk was one of my favorite in New Zealand. You see forest, a large valley, a glacier, and several waterfalls. Those 2 are really by the walk and I like how they are on each side of the rock.
Thunder Creek Falls
- Location
South Island, West Coast - on the drive between Wanaka and the West Coast
Several waterfalls to see along the way - From Makarora tourist center to Haast village: 1h drive 78km (48mi) - Access
Just a few minutes easy walk to this beautiful drop between the trees
No toilets - Dimensions
96m high (315ft) - Notes
This was my favorite waterfall along this drive : quite a high drop with the river flowing at the bottom
Roaring Billy Falls
- Location
South Island, West Coast - on the drive between Wanaka and the West Coast
Several waterfalls to see along the way - From Makarora tourist center to Haast village: 1h drive 78km (48mi) - Access
Plan 30min return - Nice walk in the forest and some walking in river bed
No toilets - Notes
A series of small cascade best seen after heavy rain
Fantail Falls
- Location
South Island, West Coast - on the drive between Wanaka and the West Coast
Several waterfalls to see along the way - From Makarora tourist center to Haast village: 1h drive 78km (48mi) - Access
Just a couple of minutes to see the waterfall from across the river
No toilets - Dimensions
23m high (75ft) - Notes
The name is so appropriate. The flow really looks like the tail of a Fantail bird.
Falls Creek
- Location
South Island, West Coast - On the road to Milford Sound
Also known as Christie falls - Access
Milford sound has many waterfalls, but this one is right by the side of the road.
You park after driving next to the falls on your way to Milford - 200m walk - Dimensions
15m high (49 ft) - Notes
Rushing waterfall - a quick stop to enjoy the scenery as you drive to Milford Sound.
Planning a road trip? Check out my Digital Guide:
Plan your perfect trip to New Zealand!
- 12 easy-to-plan Maps
- 200 scenic locations in NZ
- Tips to plan + make the most of your time
- 285+ large photos to decide where to go
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
Want to see more of NEW ZEALAND?
Which ones are inspiring you?
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
Leave a Reply