Tucked away in the lush forest of The Catlins, we found ourselves at Purakaunui Falls
The Purakaunui Falls are a cascading three-tiered waterfall on the Purakaunui River, in The Catlins of the southern South Island of New Zealand.
Pūrākaunui Falls is one of those places that feels a little remote, but absolutely worth the detour. After driving along winding roads through the green bush and native forests of Southland, we arrived via Nugget Point.
From the car park, it’s an easy short track surrounded by ferns and native trees, and within minutes you reach a cascade of water tumbling gracefully in three tiers. It’s a peaceful, polished moment of nature – far enough from the crowds to feel like an escape.
As you can imagine, it’s a popular spot for photographers.
How to get to Purakaunui Falls
The falls sit about 17 km southwest of Ōwaka and roughly 5 km from where the Pūrākaunui River meets the Pacific Ocean. You can reach them via a short, easy 10-minute bush walk from a car park on Waikoato Valley / Pūrākaunui Falls Road, a gravel turn-off from the main Ōwaka–Invercargill road.
The site includes toilets and a picnic area, making it a great rest stop. It’s a well-marked detour on the Southern Scenic Route and a favourite stop for travellers exploring The Catlins — often featured in guides and visitor brochures.
A few tips for your visit
- Visit after rainfall if you want a stronger flow – the falls shine when the water is full.
- Wear sturdy, grippy shoes: even though the walk is short, the forest path can be damp and mossy.
- If you can, arrive early or later in the day to avoid the day-trip crowd.
- Bring a light rain-shell or jacket – The Catlins weather can shift, and the bush keeps things cool and misty.
- While the track is short, mobile coverage may be patchy in this part of The Catlins – so treat the time as offline, and just soak in the moment.