Purakaunui Falls Walk
Catlins
Your Nature Guide
Marios Gavalas
Author And Researcher
Nau mai, haere mai
Nau mai, haere mai
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Photos
Information
Purakaunui Falls Walk
1 km return | 20 minutes return
The Pūrākaunui Falls is one of Otago’s iconic, most-photographed sights. The track through mature forest is suitable for wheelchair users to the top viewing platform.
These much photographed falls split into many minor cascades over two tiers. The wide bluff is framed with vegetation , making a picturesque setting.
Walking Track
Access
10 km east of Maclennan, Purakanui Falls are signposted to the right along Waikoata Valley Road (unsealed). After 4 km turn left into Purakanui Falls Road and the start of the track is 200 metres further on, opposite a large parking bay with toilets and picnic benches.
Track
The metalled track weaves through a mixed forest of silver beech and podocarps, with some species highlighted by labels.
A lookout above the falls doesn’t really do them justice. It’s only when you descend to the viewing platform at stream level that they come into their own.
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
DOC OtagoCentral government organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Owaka |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
Walking
Nearby
Reviews
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5.0/5
Probably the most beautiful waterfall we have seen in the South Island.
Nice and easy to walk there.
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3.0/5
Nice, but we have seen a lot of waterfalls in our time in New Zealand and this one is far from the best.
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4.5/5
A short walk through forest in a scenic reserve which is absolutely magical.
The vegetation is wonderful with lots of ferns and tree ferns, and even on a wet day were entranced. well worth a stop - it will only take less than half an hour.
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4.5/5
We visited a number of waterfalls whilst driving through the beautiful Catlins area.
Short walks to the stunning waterfalls, lovely area to drive through.
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5.0/5
Impressive falls and great little walk within the forest.
You arrive very close to the falls. Worth it!
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3.5/5
Expected to be impressed, but the falls were just average, and the water was quite muddy.
Not very pretty or picturesque when we visited. On the other hand, McLean Falls were utterly magical! Like stepping back in time…
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5.0/5
Probably the most beautiful waterfall we have seen in the South Island.
Nice and easy to walk there.
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3.0/5
Nice, but we have seen a lot of waterfalls in our time in New Zealand and this one is far from the best.
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5.0/5
Impressive falls and great little walk within the forest.
You arrive very close to the falls. Worth it!
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4.5/5
We visited a number of waterfalls whilst driving through the beautiful Catlins area.
Short walks to the stunning waterfalls, lovely area to drive through.
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4.5/5
A short walk through forest in a scenic reserve which is absolutely magical.
The vegetation is wonderful with lots of ferns and tree ferns, and even on a wet day were entranced. well worth a stop - it will only take less than half an hour.
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3.5/5
Expected to be impressed, but the falls were just average, and the water was quite muddy.
Not very pretty or picturesque when we visited. On the other hand, McLean Falls were utterly magical! Like stepping back in time…
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5.0/5
Short walk to the falls.
They are really beautiful, especially when the creek has a lot of water. On the way to the falls you go through a native rainforest. We can recommend it!
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5.0/5
All the free walks are very nice and very well maintained.
Bridges and walkways are with lots of care and very respectfully built. Toilets at the starting point are always cool and with paper and soap.
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4.5/5
The walk through the bush is really nice especially on a hot day.
The waterfall was not that spectacular on that day but worth the one hour return walk.
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4.5/5
A beautiful temperate rainforest walk to a nice wide waterfall.
I preferred McLean Falls but loved this too.
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5.0/5
These were the most photographic falls I got to see in New Zealand.
It was a nice and peaceful spot and I would recommend everyone to stop there.
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4.0/5
Very pleasent small waterfall with short walk in beautiful forest only 8 points because of the bad, unsealed road to get there.
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5.0/5
Gorgeous.
Short but beautiful waterfalls. Perfect for photographs! Slow the shuttle speed!
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