Purakaunui Falls Walk — Attraction in South Island

This is one of the easiest walks you will do in NZ - around about 10 minutes from the car parks down a mostly flat, easy track, with just a short switchback and a few flights of stairs at the end. It's so easy we saw a few couples carying prams to the base of the falls. The falls are a small cascade, and there's a good viewing platform at the base for easy photographs. The walk is lovely - under shade the whole way, following the river. There's a decent sized car park at the start, with toilets, and the day we were there, a coffee van. For the last few klms the road is gravel and there are a few options to get here - about 10-15 minutes from the Catlins lake end, or 5-10 minutes from the turn off closer to Chaslands, or do it as part of a loop on a...

A pretty, well-maintained walk - NB wheelchair accessible only to the top viewing platform, from which one can't see much, especially if sitting in a chair. The last section of the track has a somewhat slippery slope and some steps which could be negotiated with a stick or someone's arm to lean on if you're a little unsteady on your feet. A handrail would be nice - drop your donation in the box at the start of the track and maybe DoC can install one 😁The lower platform faces the waterfall and there is standing room for a few. Visited mid-morning,...

I almost turned back when I saw how far I was going to have to drive on a gravel road in my compact car to get here, but I am so glad that I didn't! My car ended up doing fine, just had to take things slow. The actual walk to the falls is beautiful and only takes about 10 minutes or so with picture stops. I've seen countless waterfalls around the world, but this one stood out. The way the water cascades down multiple rock levels and fans out is beautiful. So if you are questioning whether or not it is worth the trip, my answer is yes. Go see...