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 at a Glance#

Address: Wishbone Falls, Otago, New Zealand

Hours: Open access year-round

Admission: 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.

Air Quality: AQI 25 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
19°
Warmest Month
-2°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - 9° - 19° 14° 98 mm - - 4.2 m/s - -
February - 8° - 19° 14° 93 mm - - 3.9 m/s - -
March - 7° - 17° 12° 130 mm - - 3.8 m/s - -
April - 4° - 13° 7° 125 mm - - 3.8 m/s - -
May - 1° - 9° 2° 148 mm - - 3.7 m/s - -
June - -2° - 5° -2° 87 mm - - 3.2 m/s - -
July - -2° - 5° -2° 102 mm - - 3.0 m/s - -
August - -1° - 7° 3° 233 mm - - 3.4 m/s - -
September - 1° - 10° 3° 258 mm - - 4.0 m/s - -
October - 4° - 13° 6° 96 mm - - 4.3 m/s - -
November - 5° - 15° 10° 99 mm - - 4.2 m/s - -
December - 7° - 18° 12° 193 mm - - 4.0 m/s - -