Top Things to do in South Island
Top 10 Waterfalls in South Island, New Zealand
Discover the best top things to do in South Island, New Zealand including Wainui Falls Track, Whispering Falls, Washpen Falls, Purakaunui Falls Walk, McLean Falls Walk, Purakaunui Falls, McLean Falls, Dorothy Falls, Thunder Creek Falls, Humboldt Falls.
Restaurants in South Island
1. Wainui Falls Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 178 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By ChristchurchStewarts - Christchurch, New Zealand
A lovely walk in , with a lot of shade on a sunny day, through predominantly native bush to a beautiful waterful. Great for a family pursuit as not difficult.
2. Whispering Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By AlyshaV711 - Nelson, New Zealand
Such a lovely walk. Takes about an hour each way with moderate walking, great for the family and dogs too. One river crossing and a couple of small slips but other than those it's a perfect walk. Little muddy when walking up from the waterfalls to the top picnic area but worth it. Take your togs for a swim in the river and/or under the waterfall. There is one big bridge, one medium bridge and a couple of small ones. Take some snacks, nuts, fruits etc and plenty of water.
3. Washpen Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By 871fionah
Loved this! A solid hike with wonderful and varied scenery - bush, birds, waterfalls , widescape views. 2 hours and moderate fitness needed.
4. Purakaunui Falls Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By Weetbix7 - Wellington, New Zealand
These waterfalls are definitely worth the detour off the main road for. There is amble parking then a 10min walk into the falls. The path is wide and well maintained. There are glimpses of smaller versions of the falls as you walk along the path until you get to the main falls. Good view once you get there.
5. McLean Falls Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By jimontour99 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Well worth it, just 15-20 minutes each way. Nice forest easy gradient. Gravel road to get there, toilets at end.
6. Purakaunui Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By Gabslabs - Marton, New Zealand
Loved this commandingly beautiful waterfall just a short forest walk from the roadside carpark. The sound of it roaring as you stroll through the beautiful native bush precedes the majesty of it's three tier cascading fall. It was drizzling lightly but this only added to the ethereal experience. There were only two other vehicles in the carpark when we visited. Had the place virtually to ourselves. Magic!
7. McLean Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
Reviewed By chimayred - Durham, United States
A beautiful falls, easy to find the parking lot (which has a bathroom facility); about a 15-20 minute walk in, a bit strenuous toward the end. STairs are there but are dirt so they were very muddy. I’m not quite as stable as I used to be so I recommend a walking stick. BUt worth it. Really worth it. Much more attractive than the otherwise attractive Purakaunui falls....one of the nicer “small” falls I’ve seen.
8. Dorothy Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By MagicRoundabout365 - Queenstown, New Zealand
Amazing Falls - best seen after a rain fall though, we had a huge dumping of rain and it was great to see the full force of Mother Nature in action, the fall was powerful and fabulous to see - easy to find - can even be see from the drive over the bridge - there is a walk on the opposite side of the road to do too - there is a parking area. Would recommend if you are passing and it has rained - a lovey road to cycle to the falls if you like biking.
9. Thunder Creek Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 197 reviews
Reviewed By mikelalv - Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
As the other two left me a bit indifferent, I definitely enjoyed the sight of this waterfall! It’s right by the road, easy walk down to it, picturesque and lovely! You must stop if driving past!
10. Humboldt Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By dennish835
Visited the falls on a trip to Milford Sound. After spending three weeks in New Zealand, I''m embarrassed to admit that eventually you become numb to all the extraordinardy sights because there are too many to remember. Obviously, that doesn't stop you from enjoying them as they come into view. My wife and I can't even recount all the fantastic sights that we encountered, but that's a good problem to have.
