Purakaunui Falls
Waterfall Picturesque three-tiered waterfall in New Zealand's Catlins
Tiered waterfall in New Zealand’s Catlins reachable by a short forest walk; prized for close viewing platforms and frequent photographic compositions.
Purakaunui Falls are a multi-tiered cascade in the Catlins area of southern New Zealand’s Otago region, set in native forest and known for a horseshoe-shaped arrangement of falls and pools.
The falls are notable for their layered sandstone and rock ledges with water dropping into an emerald pool; the total drop spans several tiers. A short walk on a maintained track from the car park brings visitors to a built viewing platform close to the main fall.
The falls are a natural tourist attraction rather than a constructed site and are popular for photography and short bush walks.
The falls lie within the Catlins coastal district of southern Otago, accessible by road from nearby small towns in the region and situated in native forest typical of the area.
- Access and facilities: A short, well-formed track and viewing platform lead from the car park to the main viewpoint, making the falls accessible to most visitors.
- Best time to visit: Best photographed after periods of rain when flow through all tiers is strongest.
How to Get to Purakaunui Falls #
From Owaka or the Catlins Highway, follow signs to Purakaunui Falls and use the small carpark on Purakaunui Road; the walking track to the viewing platform is an easy 10-15 minute stroll.
Tips for Visiting Purakaunui Falls #
- Go at dawn or late afternoon for the best light; the falls are especially photogenic when the autumn leaves change
- The walking track from the carpark to the falls is short (about 10-15 minutes) and well-formed - suitable for families
- Combine with a drive through the Catlins coastal circuit for a full-day outing
Best Time to Visit Purakaunui Falls #
Accessible year-round; spring through autumn offers milder weather and better trail conditions.
Weather & Climate near Purakaunui Falls #
Purakaunui Falls's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 2°C to 19°C. Abundant rainfall (1034 mm/year), wettest in May.
January
January is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm) and breezy conditions.
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February
February is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (110 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and breezy conditions.
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