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Are you looking for the absolute best waterfalls on the South Island? I’m a sucker for an impressive waterfall, and New Zealand is full of them! After exploring nearly every corner of this island, I’ve found a lot of gorgeous falls.
Some waterfalls are quite famous, such as Purakaunui Falls in the Catlins or Bowen Falls in Milford Sound. But I’ve also found some hidden gems, those that are off-the-beaten-path, and waterfalls that make you work for the views!
Whether you have multiple days to chase waterfalls or want to find some impressive cascading views right off the road, I’ve got you covered!
BEST South Island Waterfalls
1. Thunder Creek Falls
Thunder Creek Falls is extra special to me, not only because it’s incredibly beautiful, but because it was the first South Island waterfall I ever laid eyes on! It certainly set the bar high, 28 meters (92 feet) high to be exact.
The waterfall is impressive because of its height and also knowing it’s fed by one single stream of water. The water comes from glacier melt and drops into the Haast River and its force will surprise you.
The path to reach Thunder Creek Falls is short and flat, just a 5-minute walk from the parking lot. It’s one of the most accessible waterfalls on the South Island, which I think is great so everyone can enjoy its natural beauty! This also means that it can get pretty crowded by mid-day, so I recommend coming in the early morning or late afternoon. Be sure to bring bug spray as well or else you’ll get eaten alive by sandflies here!
The waterfall is located in Mount Aspiring National Park, just 1.5 hours north of Wanaka. It’s a fantastic stop if you’re embarking on a South Island road trip, such as going from Wanaka to Franz Josef.
2. Hundred Falls
The road to Milford Sound is full of unique natural beauty, and Hundred Falls is a perfect display of it! As you can guess from the name, it’s not just one waterfall but hundreds of tiny falls that trickle down a rocky area. It flows even more after a big rain!
You can find Hundred Falls as you pass through the Homer Tunnel on the drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound. It’s on your left, and there is a small viewing area so you can get out and enjoy the views up close. You only need about 5 minutes here, but it’s too beautiful to pass up entirely!
3. Devils Punchbowl Waterfall
Each waterfall on the South Island of New Zealand is a little different, and the Devil’s Punchbowl definitely likes to make a name for itself! The waterfall stands an astounding 131 meters (430 feet) high, the only thing devilish about it is its beauty.
The Devil’s Punchbowl Walking Track is in Arthur’s Pass National Park, in the Canterbury Region. It’s about two hours from Christchurch and one of the best stops on the route from Christchurch to Hokitika. You don’t have to work very hard to get to this waterfall, the track takes about 20 minutes each way and is short and relatively flat.
It hasn’t always been called the Devil’s Punchbowl, its Maori name is actually Te Tautea o Hinekakai. The name comes from the Ngai Tahu tribe’s ancestor, Hinekakai, who was a famous weaver. Maori weavers, Hinekakai included, would use mountain flax called wharariki to weave. The long white streams look very similar to wharariki, so it was named after the famous weaver!
The whole area is really stunning and I recommend coming early in the morning or in the evening. People can sometimes hear or see a kiwi bird, although they are pretty good at hiding so be on the lookout!
4. Stirling Falls
A visit to the South Island is not complete without exploring Milford Sound. This fiord is full of remote waterfalls that will knock your socks off – some can only be seen if you take a scenic flight or a nature cruise!
Stirling Falls is simply gorgeous and it’s only the second-highest waterfall in the Milford Sound. It stretches 151 meters (495 feet) in height, although the mountains behind it almost make the waterfall look small. You also might recognize the waterfall from the movie Wolverine when Hugh Jackman jumped off it! Pretty impressive jump, Hugh.
The only way to catch a glimpse of Stirling Falls is by taking a Milford Sound cruise. Or if you’re really fancy you can take a helicopter tour over the sound and see it from above. Even with this waterfall’s sheer force, boats and kayaks can go under the waterfall. But be warned, you will get wet with that ice-cold glacial water!
I personally saw Stirling Falls for the first time on this nature cruise and thought it was an excellent experience. It’s a smaller boat than other cruises of the fiord, so we were able to get nice and close to the waterfall. So close that we could actually taste the fresh glacial water by placing a glass at the nose of the boat to catch the spray from Stirling Falls!
This nature cruise was so much fun and not only let me see Stirling Falls up close but also Milford Sound! It’s well worth the $145 price tag.
Book this nature cruise in advance here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.
Related Read: If you’re a thrill seeker, check out my list of the top adventure activities in Queenstown!
5. Bowen Falls
While you’re in Milford Sound, I have just one more can’t-miss waterfall! While Stirling Falls is an impressive height, it’s not even the record holder. Bowen Falls (often referred to as Lady Bowen Falls) holds the title of the largest waterfall in Milford Sound at 162 meters (531 feet)!
Similar to the previous waterfall, you can only see Bowen Falls by boat or plane. It’s a stunning sight to see with its power and astounding size. It also plays an important role by producing electricity and is the main water source for people who reside in this area.
There is a walking track to reach the falls, but it’s currently closed. You can check here for updates! The best way to get as close to Bowen Falls as possible is by taking this Milford Sound scenic cruise. You’ll see this waterfall, Sinbad Gully, Mitre Peak, and cruise along the Tasman Sea coast. This is one of the highest-rated cruises in Milford Sound with over 1,000 5-star reviews and is $145 NZD.
Book this top-rated tour here, before it sells out!
And if you need help getting to Milford Sound, this 4-hour tour takes you on a scenic helicopter flight from Queenstown to the fiord! It also includes landing on a glacier and a 2-hour boat cruise through the sound. This is where you can experience the iconic “glacial facial” by sailing so close to Bowen Falls that you get sprayed with water!
It’s super impressive to see Bowen Falls from a helicopter too. This tour is a bit pricey at $1,330 NZD, but it will be an experience to remember!
This tour has “reserve now, pay later” options when you book in advance here!
Why I Book Tours on Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! I almost always book all of my tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here!
6. McLean Falls
The Catlins region has some impressive waterfalls, you could spend a week road-tripping through here just gazing at them all! But my personal favorite is McLean Falls. It is 22 meters (72 feet) high, but what really gets me is the lush forest and moss-covered rocks that surround it. The falls are rather sprawling because it’s made up of multiple waterfalls – it’s seriously beautiful!
McLean Falls is about two hours from Dunedin, and it’s often a stop on the drive from Dunedin to Invercargill. The path to the waterfall is a short and sweet 20-minute walk on a flat trail, it’s suitable for the whole family. I thought this was a great spot for photos, and the forest is simply magical! You can walk really close to the falls for even better views, just follow the trail to the right.
The secret’s out about how beautiful McLean Falls is, so it can be quite busy. Come early in the day and you’re more likely to find some peace and quiet.
7. Koropuku Falls
Koropuku Falls is yet another gorgeous waterfall in the Catlins region. I love this waterfall because it’s not as popular as McLean Falls, so my partner and I had the whole area to ourselves the last time we visited!
I was surprised to learn that this waterfall is one of the least known in the Catlins, but it’s easily the most beautiful one. Koropuku Falls isn’t listed on any official tourism maps for the Catlins, so visitors typically don’t know it’s here. I only found it by accident, and I’m sure glad I did!
Because it’s off the beaten path, the actual walking path reflects that! It’s developed and maintained by locals (not the DOC like most tracks in the region) and so the terrain is a bit more rugged.
Koropuku Falls are 10 meters (32 feet) high. The area is so quiet and untouched that you really feel like you’re out in the middle of nowhere. If you love the outdoors like I do, this will be a special waterfall to explore. It will only take about 10-15 minutes to get to the falls, and the parking lot is a bit of a challenge to find. You can add this Google Maps location to your map and keep an eye out for the small parking lot on the side of the road.
The trail is marked by a plain wooden sign with white writing on it, rather than the official DOC signs you might be used to seeing. The bush walk is incredibly scenic, and I love tramping through the forest to reach the waterfall. Just be careful as the trail can get slippery!
8. Waipohatu Falls
Waipohatu Falls is another Catlins waterfall, about a 2.5-hour drive from Dunedin. This is a 2-for-1 deal because Waipohatu Falls is two different waterfalls about 2 minutes apart, Pouriwai Falls and Punehu Falls.
Pouriwai Falls is the upper waterfall, standing 10 meters (32 feet) high. Below it is Punehu Falls, known as the lower falls, and this one is 7 meters (23 feet) tall and much, much wider. I was more impressed by the lower falls because of the way they cascade over the rocks.
Best of all, there were no other people here when I visited! That’s pretty rare at scenic waterfalls on the South Island, so this was such a treat.
I also enjoyed these waterfalls because it takes about 2-3 hours to complete the Waipohatu Waterfalls Loop Track. I’m always up for a long hike with scenic views, and the lush green forest and cascading waterfalls made this one amazing. The trail is a bit rugged but is being worked on, so it’s a bit of an off-the-beaten-path sort of adventure – my favorite!
9. Purakaunui Falls
One of New Zealand’s most famous waterfalls is Purakaunui Falls! It’s so famous that it was even on a nationwide postage stamp, and it’s frequently on postcards and calendars. Some say it puts the Otago region on the map, but I think it’s one of the many beautiful waterfalls around here.
Parakaunui Falls sits along the Parakaunui River and is a three-tiered waterfall that cascades from level to level. It stretches 20 meters (65 feet) in height but it looks much bigger because of the layers and width.
Getting to Purakaunui Falls is pretty easy, it’s a 15-minute drive from Owaka or 1.5 hours from Dunedin. I love that it’s accessible for anyone, including strollers and wheelchairs, up to the top viewing platform. After that, the trail turns to gravel (but is flat) and is a short 10-minute walk along the river to the lower viewpoint. The lower viewpoint gives the best views of the falls, as you can see how big they are from below!
Since these falls are somewhat famous, it can get rather busy during the summer or by mid-day. I recommend going in the morning, as that’s when I’ve found the least amount of people here.
10. Routeburn Falls
Many of the waterfalls on this list are easy to get to via a short walk or just pulling off the road. However, if you like to work for your views and be rewarded with a stunning waterfall viewpoint at the end of your trek – Routeburn Falls will give you just that!
Routeburn Falls is located along the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. This trail goes from Glenorchy to Te Anau and takes about 3 days to cover 32 kilometers (20 miles) of alpine terrain. After tackling this multi-day trek for myself, I can tell you just how remarkable the landscape is, and how hard the climb is too!
You can still see Routeburn Falls on a rather long day hike. But, if you’re an avid hiker and want to chase New Zealand’s greatest sights on your trip, the Routeburn Track and Routeburn Falls are the perfect place to do so.
Routeburn Falls is a cascading waterfall, quite large and impressive. The cascades are about 20-30 meters (65-98 feet) high and they are large with a stunning landscape surrounding them! The falls are only about a 5-minute walk from the Routeburn Falls Hut, one of the stops along the Great Walk.
To reach Routeburn Falls in a single-day hike, start at the Routeburn Shelter near Glenorchy. I recommend getting an early start, as the hike will take about 6-8 hours and the parking lot can get pretty busy here. The initial 1-1.5 hours isn’t too difficult, you have a steady slight incline until you reach the Routeburn Flats Hut.
Then you’ll hike another 1.5 hours or so to reach the Routeburn Falls Hut, which is the more intense part of the hike! From here, the waterfall is just about a 5-minute walk off the main trail, and it’s well signposted. This hike is 19.6 kilometers return (12.1 miles) and is rated as intermediate.
For more information on the Routeburn Track and its day hikes, read my guide here!
11. Trident Creek Falls
If the Franz Josef Glacier is on your South Island itinerary, you can easily stop by Trident Creek Falls along the way. Since this is a glacier region, waterfalls are plentiful – Trident Creek Falls is 35 meters (115 feet) tall! It’s a segmented waterfall, so rocks split up the stream, and this one is three-pronged like a trident.
This waterfall is just 10 minutes from Franz Josef Village or 1 hour and 45 minutes from Hokitika. This waterfall is actually on the familiar Franz Josef Glacier Walk! You’ll find the waterfall on your right, about 30 minutes from the start. There are barricades in this area, so be respectful of these, but you can still get pretty close for photos!
And since you’re already on the trail, walk another 15 minutes to reach the Franz Josef Glacier viewing platform! There is no short supply of views on this trail.
It’s important to note that you can’t actually get on the glacier on this trail. You’ll need a guided tour to do that, like this Franz Josef helicopter hiking tour. You’ll take a helicopter ride to the top of the glacier, land, and then spend time hiking on the glacier! This was one of my top experiences on the South Island, the views were incredible and our guide took care of all the details, so we could simply enjoy.
This experience is $713 NZD, so while it’s quite expensive, it is one of the most memorable things you can do in New Zealand – trust me.
Book this epic heli hike here with flexible cancellation and payment options!
Related Read: This isn’t the only beautiful spot to see from the sky, here are the best places to take a helicopter tour in New Zealand for even more amazing views!
12. Lake Marian Falls
Lake Marian is one of the most popular stops on the road to Milford Sound, with its emerald waters and mountainous backdrop. The Lake Marian Track is a challenging hike, 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) with steep elevation gain.
But, I have good news for you – you don’t have to embark on the challenging part to find the waterfall! The Lake Marian Waterfall is only a 10-minute walk from the car park on a flat and easy trail. You’ll cross the river over a swinging bridge, take in the gorgeous forest landscape, and soon reach the waterfall.
Lake Marian Waterfall is actually a series of waterfalls, and they are more cascades than a stark drop. I love this waterfall because the scenery around it is so gorgeous, the waterfalls look picturesque.
I also really enjoy the Lake Marian Track and starting off with a scenic waterfall is a great way to begin a hike if you ask me. So whether you stop by just to see the waterfall or continue hiking the entire trail, I think seeing the Lake Marian Waterfall is a must!
13. Fantail Falls
Fantail Falls is another popular stop on the drive to Franz Josef from Wanaka or from Queenstown. The parking lot is just off the main road, and you can reach the waterfalls in a short 2-minute walk. Fantail Falls sits right on the Haast River where you can gawk at the 23-meter (75-foot) waterfall towering above.
I love stopping here for a picnic lunch or to stretch my legs on a road trip. It’s a quick stop but it’s worth it – there’s no such thing as a bad view in Mount Aspiring National Park.
If you’re up for a challenge and have extra time, you can actually hike from Fantail Falls to the Brewster Hut on a multi-day trek. This follows the Brewster Track, which is an advanced-level hike and is only recommended for experienced hikers. It takes about 4-5 hours to hike up to the hut, and you’ll have to cross the Haast River by foot as there is no bridge. Then climb through the forest before you reach the Brewster Hut, perched high in the mountains.
Spending the night in the Brewster Hut is an amazing reward, as the views are out of this world up here! You must reserve the hut in advance on the DOC website here. It’s $45 NZD per night and the hut can only accommodate 12 people, so be sure to book your spot before it fills up.
Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in New Zealand
Let’s face it, you’re going to need wheels to get around New Zealand. Although a small country, buses between destinations are infrequent and expensive. Plus, some of the best experiences you can have in NZ are on road trips!
You have three options when it comes to getting wheels in New Zealand; a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:
- Car – A normal car is the cheapest rental vehicle you can get in New Zealand. It’ll get you around to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels or Airbnbs during your travels (no camping.) The easiest place to rent a car in New Zealand is on Discover Cars where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
- Campervan – A Campervan is a large van that has a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what most budget travelers use for traveling around New Zealand since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here. Alternatively, you can easily compare all campervans available in NZ on Motorhome Republic here.
- Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting New Zealand. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. Alternatively, you can use Motorhome Republic to search all motorhomes in NZ. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in New Zealand!
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: I’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for my readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, I currently use and recommend SafetyWing. I’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had my back when I needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference I’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. I’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum and you get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped me out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given me peace of mind. Read my full review on if you should get travel insurance in NZ for more info!
Thanks for reading!
Whether you can visit all 13 waterfalls on this list, or just hit a few, I know you’ll be impressed with these views! No matter how much time I spend in New Zealand, I’m always blown away by the natural beauty. Even with the impressive mountain peaks, centuries-old glaciers, and rare wildlife – I think I love waterfalls the most!
If you found this blog helpful, be sure to explore my other New Zealand articles. I have traveled through the North and South Islands and love sharing my experiences with fellow travelers. Here are a few related reads that can help you plan your next New Zealand adventure! Cheers!
20 BEST Stops on the Drive from Christchurch to Milford Sound