Maruia Falls Waterfall
Broad waterfall on Maruia River, roadside attraction
A roadside waterfall in New Zealand's Nelson Region reached by a short walk; visitors stop for views, photography and nearby forest trails.
Maruia Falls at a Glance#
Address: Maruia Falls viewing area, State Highway 7, near Springs Junction, South Island, New Zealand
Hours: Open 24 hours (outdoor natural site)
Admission: Free
How to Get to Maruia Falls#
Maruia Falls has a small roadside car park and viewing platform on State Highway 7, approximately 10-20 minutes’ drive from Springs Junction. The site is easily reached by car; the walk from the car park to the platform is short and well-formed.
Tips for Visiting Maruia Falls#
- There is a short viewing track from the State Highway pull-off - very easy access but slippery after rain, so watch footwear.
- The falls were created by a major seismic event in 1929 - pause on the platform and look at the angular boulders that still bear the imprint of that upheaval.
- Combine a visit with a drive along State Highway 7; the falls make a nice stop between Lewis Pass and Springs Junction.
Best Time to Visit Maruia Falls#
Because Maruia Falls is roadside and short to access, timing is more about avoiding other travellers than about weather - early mornings are best for solitude.
Weather & Climate near Maruia Falls#
Maruia Falls's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 1°C to 21°C. Abundant rainfall (1894 mm/year), wettest in May.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 11° - 21° | 16° | 121 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 11° - 21° | 16° | 83 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 10° - 19° | 14° | 139 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 7° - 16° | 12° | 180 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 4° - 12° | 6° | 201 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 2° - 10° | 2° | 173 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 1° - 9° | 2° | 165 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 2° - 11° | 3° | 143 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 4° - 13° | 6° | 167 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 6° - 15° | 11° | 177 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 8° - 17° | 13° | 196 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 10° - 19° | 14° | 149 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |