Wainui Falls
Waterfall Popular waterfall accessed via short rainforest walk
A short walk through coastal bush leads to a cascade and deep pools near Nelson; visitors come for easy day hikes, swimming, photography and native forest with nikau palms.
Wainui Falls is a waterfall in the Nelson region of New Zealand, located within native bush near the Abel Tasman area and close to the settlement of Marahau. The falls are notable for a roughly 20-metre drop into a pool and a short, accessible walking track.
A well-formed walking track leads to a viewing platform above the pool; the return walk from the Wainui car park typically takes about 20 minutes each way. The site is used for short walks, photography and seasonal swimming at the pool below the falls.
The falls sit within native coastal forest and have been a local walking destination for decades, with the track and viewing infrastructure maintained for visitor access. There are no large built structures at the site beyond the track and platform.
Wainui Falls lies near the small settlement of Marahau on the edge of Abel Tasman country, about 55 to 60 km north of Nelson city by road. The site is accessed from the Wainui car park off the local road network and is set in lowland coastal bush above the Wainui stream.
- Track length: The track from the Wainui car park to the falls is a short, well-formed walk taking about 20 minutes each way and is suitable for most walkers.
- Height and pool: The waterfall drops roughly 20 metres into a small pool that is popular for photos and short swims in summer.
How to Get to Wainui Falls #
The trackhead is accessed from the Wainui Falls carpark off Wainui Bay Road, roughly 25-35 minutes’ drive from Nelson city depending on exact route. Follow DOC signage to the parking area; the walk to the falls typically takes 30-60 minutes return depending on pace.
Tips for Visiting Wainui Falls #
- The Wainui Falls walk is short but includes steps and a swing-bridge - fail-safe footwear helps.
- Arrive early in summer to avoid buses and campervans that use the carpark as a day-trip base.
Best Time to Visit Wainui Falls #
Summer for easiest access and warm swims nearby; spring for quieter walks and vivid foliage.
Weather & Climate near Wainui Falls #
Wainui Falls's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 3°C to 21°C. Abundant rainfall (1888 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (138 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (152 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (184 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (212 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (203 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (166 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (193 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (150 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm).
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