Pūrākaunui Falls

Pūrākaunui Falls is one of the world’s most photographed waterfalls - and for good reason. The impressive triple-tiered cascade is one of the district's famed waterfalls and has even been featured on a New Zealand 10 cent postage stamp in 1976. There are two viewing platforms, allowing visitors the chance to get up close and personal with the magical display. 

The falls are a short wheelchair- and pushchair-friendly walk from the car park, through mature beech forest and podocarp, to the top viewing platform. The lower platform is accessible by stairs only, but offers the best view of the falls. Some photographers flock to the falls in April and May when the waterfall has a picturesque backdrop of autumn leaves.

Keep an eye out along the coastal road for signs to Pūrākaunui Falls. If you’re in a camper or tenting, the nearby Pūrākaunui Bay is home to a popular Department of Conservation (DOC) camp site.

Are you a waterfall chaser? Discover all of The Catlins waterfalls now.