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 at a Glance#
Address: Purakaunui Falls car park, Purakaunui Road, Catlins, Otago, New Zealand
Website: https://www.doc.govt.nz/
Hours: Open year-round (daylight hours recommended)
Admission: Free
About Purakaunui Falls#
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 9° - 19° | 14° | 105 mm | - | - | 7.8 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 9° - 19° | 14° | 63 mm | - | - | 6.2 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 8° - 17° | 13° | 85 mm | - | - | 6.1 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 6° - 15° | 11° | 89 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 4° - 12° | 5° | 110 mm | - | - | 5.7 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 2° - 10° | 2° | 98 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 2° - 9° | 2° | 90 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 2° - 11° | 3° | 61 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 4° - 13° | 5° | 64 mm | - | - | 5.7 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 5° - 14° | 7° | 89 mm | - | - | 7.2 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 7° - 16° | 11° | 79 mm | - | - | 7.5 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 8° - 17° | 13° | 101 mm | - | - | 7.2 m/s | - | - |
