Giant Gate Falls

Waterfall Remote waterfall in Southland's rugged wilderness

Main image
Giant Gate Falls
-44.7053, 167.8525

How to Get to Giant Gate Falls #

Giant Gate Falls is in Southland Region and is best accessed via regional roads and forest tracks. The nearest service towns provide staging for longer hikes; check Department of Conservation resources for track conditions and access points.

Tips for Visiting Giant Gate Falls #

  • This waterfall is in remote Southland backcountry - plan logistics carefully and inform someone of travel plans.
  • Weather can change quickly in southern New Zealand; carry waterproof layers and proper boots.
  • If visiting during colder months expect snow and ice on tracks; crampons or microspikes may be required.

Best Time to Visit Giant Gate Falls #

Best in New Zealand summer for track access and milder conditions; shoulder seasons offer quieter visits but variable weather.

Summer
December-February · 10-20°C
Hiking access is easiest; long daylight hours aid exploration.
Autumn
March-May · 5-15°C
Colours shift and the light is often clear; fewer hikers on trails.

Weather & Climate near Giant Gate Falls #

Climate

Giant Gate Falls's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 2°C to 19°C. Heavy rainfall (3145 mm/year), wettest in December.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
19°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Heavy rain (344 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 19°

Weather

344 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (149 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 19°

Weather

149 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Heavy rain (206 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

206 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Heavy rain (294 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

294 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Heavy rain (302 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

302 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (250 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

250 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (175 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

175 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (262 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

262 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Heavy rain (345 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

345 mm
Rainfall
6.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy

October

October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Heavy rain (265 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
14°

Weather

265 mm
Rainfall
6.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy

November

November is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (184 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

184 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (369 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
10° 18°

Weather

369 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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