Wishbone Falls

Waterfall Remote waterfall in Otago high country

Waterfall in Otago on New Zealand’s South Island; hikers and photographers visit for forested cascades and backcountry walking routes.

Wishbone Falls
Wishbone Falls, Otago, New Zealand
-44.4984, 168.7601
Open access year-round
Free (public access)

How to Get to Wishbone Falls #

Access is via marked trails from nearby car parks in Otago. Distances and difficulty vary-consult local Department of Conservation maps and trail reports before setting out.

Tips for Visiting Wishbone Falls #

  • Trail to the falls can be muddy-waterproof boots help and trekking poles can stabilize descents.
  • Visit early in the morning to avoid day hikers and to catch the falls in soft light.
  • Nearby alpine huts can serve as bases for multi-day trips in good weather.

Best Time to Visit Wishbone Falls #

Summer months provide the most reliable access for hiking and safer trail conditions.

Summer
Dec-Feb · 10-20°C
Best hiking conditions and access to high-country tracks.
Spring
Sep-Nov · 5-15°C
Snowmelt increases flow but trails can be muddy.
Autumn
Mar-May · 5-15°C
Crisp weather and fewer trampers on the tracks.

Weather & Climate near Wishbone Falls #

Climate

Wishbone 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 (1662 mm/year), wettest in September.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
19°
Warmest Month
-2°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
19°

Weather

98 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
19°

Weather

93 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

130 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

125 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

148 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°

Weather

87 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°

Weather

102 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (233 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

233 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (258 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°

Weather

258 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

99 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (193 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

193 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

Nearby Attractions to Wishbone Falls