McLean Falls Walk
Catlins
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Marios Gavalas
Author And Researcher
Nau mai, haere mai
Nau mai, haere mai
I'm Marios, delivering the best of Aotearoa's nature walks to your device.
I've personally walked hundreds of New Zealand's tracks and spent months in libraries uncovering interesting information on New Zealand/Aotearoa. And you'll find a slice of that research on this page - enjoy!
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Photos
Information
McLean Falls Walk
1.5 km return | 40 minutes return
The main falls cascade approximately 15 metres over the steep headwall of the gully, then trickle over the terracettes formed from exposed layers of alternating mudstone and sandstone. The luxuriant fern growth takes advantage of the shaded location and the cool spray of the falls.
Walking Track
Access
McLean falls are well signposted along Rewcastle Road on the Southern Scenic Route between Chaslands and Papatowai. The unsealed road continues 3.5 km to the roadend carpark (with toilets).
Track
This well tended track was completed in 1998 with efforts from DoC and Kings High School.
It initially passes through an open section of forest with notable trees including Olearia ilicifolia (Maori Holly), with its spiky leaves. Interpretation plaques name prominent species.
As the track enters the gully the vegetation becomes denser and greener. Mosses and ferns occupy all available surfaces and the haunting contorted branches of fuchsia (kotukutuku) impart a redness. The Tautuku River echoes off the banded mudstone walls of the cleft, a sound amplified as you approach the falls. These drop in three main tiers, the larger two only visible after a brief steep zigzag climb.
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
DOC SouthlandCentral government organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Waikawa |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
Walking
Nearby
Reviews
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5.0/5
Hidden gem of a waterfall, easy 45 minute walk and very rewarding.
Can get right up beside the amazing falls.
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5.0/5
At the time of writing, these are my favorite falls in all of New Zealand.
After a beautiful, creekside walk, you arrive at truly enchanted place...like stepping back in time. Don't miss it! To better experience the beauty and magic of this place, avoid summer crowds by visiting very early in the morning, or late in the day. And be sure to enjoy the lower falls as well as the upper falls and pool.
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5.0/5
This would be one of my favourite walks in New Zealand!
Really easy trek to the most wonderful misty waterfall! And past that is a sweet path to the top!
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3.5/5
Very nice waterfall, but so very crowded that people were irritated when you wanted to take a picture.
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3.5/5
Nice park with many black swans and huge lake.
We went in autumn so there were beautiful colours due to the trees. The falls weren't the best. Not wild.
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5.0/5
Hidden gem of a waterfall, easy 45 minute walk and very rewarding.
Can get right up beside the amazing falls.
-
5.0/5
At the time of writing, these are my favorite falls in all of New Zealand.
After a beautiful, creekside walk, you arrive at truly enchanted place...like stepping back in time. Don't miss it! To better experience the beauty and magic of this place, avoid summer crowds by visiting very early in the morning, or late in the day. And be sure to enjoy the lower falls as well as the upper falls and pool.
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5.0/5
This would be one of my favourite walks in New Zealand!
Really easy trek to the most wonderful misty waterfall! And past that is a sweet path to the top!
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3.5/5
Very nice waterfall, but so very crowded that people were irritated when you wanted to take a picture.
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3.5/5
Nice park with many black swans and huge lake.
We went in autumn so there were beautiful colours due to the trees. The falls weren't the best. Not wild.
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5.0/5
You walk 3km through really nice rainforest and then you see the 100m high waterfall on five steps.
In the afternoon, the sun is shining on the highest step which makes it even more beautiful.
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4.0/5
A very nice and easy walk.
A very nice and easy walk. Around 25 minutes return.
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4.5/5
Great short walk, with hugely impressive and somewhat unexpected waterfall cascades.
Very scenic rainforest walk.
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4.5/5
Was short but the most beautiful waterfall which we've ever seen (including Australia, China and Cuba).
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4.0/5
Beautiful walk through stunning native bush to beautiful double falls.
Well worth the 40 minute walk.
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4.5/5
A lovely 20 minute wooded walk down to some pretty big falls, a must for photos.
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5.0/5
A uphill walk to the falls but worth it - very impressive falls and there is a v.
steep walkway to the top of the falls for the more adventurous and fit!
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4.5/5
Lovely falls and a very pleasant walk.
The gravel road in is a bit nerve-racking in a large vehicle with some very steep corners towards the end. Toilets at the start of the walk.
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5.0/5
Beautiful falls - you will find it through a great walk (not too long) through NZ forest!
Visit the cafe at the campground at the entrance - The Whistling Frog - excellent food and wonderful staff.
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4.0/5
The highest weterfall (we've heard), quite nice place for relaxing and climbing a little bit.
