Mackay Falls Waterfall
Waterfall in Southland, scenic cascading drop
Accessible waterfall in Southland, New Zealand, reached by short forest walks through beech and rimu. Visitors picnic, photograph cascades and combine the stop with regional drives.
Mackay Falls at a Glance#
How to Get to Mackay Falls#
Located in Southland Region, Mackay Falls is reached by car via regional roads from nearby towns. Visitors should follow local signage and park at designated lay-bys, then walk a short distance on a track to the falls.
Tips for Visiting Mackay Falls#
- Walk the short track to the falls early in the morning for the best reflections and fewer midges.
- Check river levels before visiting; heavy rain upstream can change current strength dramatically.
- Combine with other short hikes in the Catlins region for a full day of waterfalls and coastal scenery.
Best Time to Visit Mackay Falls#
Visit in summer for easiest access and milder weather; autumn is quieter and still pleasant.
Weather & Climate near Mackay Falls#
Mackay Falls's climate is classified as Subpolar Oceanic - Subpolar Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -1°C to 17°C. Heavy rainfall (3873 mm/year), wettest in December.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 8° - 17° | 12° | 521 mm | - | - | 6.3 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 8° - 17° | 12° | 189 mm | - | - | 5.8 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 6° - 15° | 11° | 322 mm | - | - | 6.6 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 4° - 12° | 5° | 211 mm | - | - | 5.7 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 1° - 8° | 0° | 297 mm | - | - | 6.3 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | -1° - 6° | -2° | 186 mm | - | - | 5.7 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | -1° - 5° | -2° | 303 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | -1° - 7° | -1° | 237 mm | - | - | 5.6 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 1° - 9° | 0° | 279 mm | - | - | 8.2 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 3° - 11° | 2° | 387 mm | - | - | 7.8 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 4° - 13° | 5° | 205 mm | - | - | 7.1 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 6° - 15° | 11° | 736 mm | - | - | 6.3 m/s | - | - |
