Who Doesn’t Like a Good Waterfall?
We don’t know why, but rapids and water falling from a height makes us humans rather thrilled! With that in mind, we devised this list of some of the most wonderful waterfalls in New Zealand.
Of course, with some many waterfalls across the country, it’s a tough task to feature only a few. The great thing about many of the waterfalls in New Zealand is that they are easy to access just off the side of many of New Zealand’s main state highways. Check the list below for some of the most stunning waterfalls in New Zealand.
If mind-blowing land formations are your thing, visit our pages 22 Stunning Beaches in New Zealand and 11 Mind-Blowing Lakes in New Zealand. And as you can tell from our titles, we are fond of adjectives.
1. Sutherland Falls
New Zealand’s tallest waterfall can be seen on Milford Sound scenic flights and from the Milford Track.
Location: Fiordland National Park, South Island
© almassengale on Flickr2. Huka Falls
The Waikato River squeezes more than 220,000 litres (58,118 gallons) per second where the river suddenly narrows.
Location: Taupo, North Island
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Purakaunui Falls
Like a wedding cake, Purakaunui Falls are three tiers of splendour!
Location: The Catlins, South Island
© Oren Rozen on Wikipedia4. Kitekite Falls
Another wedding cake waterfall. Enjoy from the Kitekite bush walk then get up close to the base of the falls.
Location: Waitakere, Auckland, North Island
© russellstreet on Flickr5. Stirling Falls
One of the most photographed falls in NZ, you can go right up to the base of the falls via a Milford Sound cruise.
Location: Milford Sound, South Island
© NZPocketGuide.com6. Bridal Veil Falls
A no-nonsense waterfall named after a bridal veil because it looks like a bridal veil. You can get great views from platforms near the top of the falls and several platforms on the way down on the Bridal Veil Falls Walk.
Location: Near Raglan, Waikato, North Island
© NZPocketGuide.com7. Devil’s Punchbowl Falls
A short Devil’s Punchbowl walk allows you to get different perspectives around the 131m (430ft) falls.
Location: Arthur’s Pass National Park, South Island
© Pexels8. Rere Falls
It is worth taking a break at Rere Falls on the way to Gisborne. It’s impossible to not take a good picture!
Location: Near Gisborne, North Island
© NZPocketGuide.com9. Rere Rockslide
Almost a waterfall… This is worth a mention because once armed with a boogie board or a lilo, you can use it as a waterslide! It is nearby to Rere Waterfall (obviously).
Location: Near Gisborne, North Island
© NZPocketGuide.com10. Tawhai Falls
A.k.a Gollum’s Pool. This was a filming location for The Lord of the Rings, where Faramir and his archers are watching Gollum fish. Check out the other LOTRs locations in our article: 11 Lord of the Rings Locations You Can’t Miss in New Zealand.
Location: Tongariro National Park, North Island
© NZPocketGuide.com11. Thunder Creek Falls
This waterfall is simply awesome because you can take pictures like this:
Location: Haast Pass, South Island
© NZPocketGuide.com12. McLean Falls
Another stunning waterfall on the Catlins Coast, McLean Falls has multiple tiers of beauty. See where to find it at 18 Amazing Attractions You Can’t Miss in The Catlins.
Location: The Catlins, South Island
© NZPocketGuide.comMore About Natural Attractions and Waterfalls in New Zealand
- 22 Stunning Beaches in New Zealand
- 21 Crazy Rock Formations in New Zealand
- 21 Mind Blowing Lakes in New Zealand
Finally, if you’re feeling inspired to plan the perfect trip, be sure to bookmark The Best Travel Guide to New Zealand.
