McLean Falls Walk | The Catlins Waterfalls
McLean Falls Waterfall cascading down 22 metres.
Take the half hour return track to McLean Falls, one of the most well known Catlins Waterfalls. Cascading down over 22 metres of tiered mossy green rocks and surrounded by lush native forest, the McLean Falls Walk is not to be missed. A great option for families and beginners too.
In This Trail Guide:
McLean Falls Walk Map
Created by Mountain Mamas NZ - Image sourced from LINZ - Crown copyright ©
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Distance | 1.8 kilometers |
| Trail Type | Out-and-back |
| Elevation Gain | 70 meters |
| Time | 30 minutes |
| Family Friendliness | ★★★★★ |
| Pram Access | No |
| Dog Access | No |
| Trailhead Coordinates | 46°34'24.0"S 169°20'47.4"E |
Walking to McLean Falls
McLean Falls is easily one of the most well known Catlins Waterfalls, right up there with Purakaunui Falls of course. For good reason though, not only is it beautiful and massive— it’s also super easily accessible; only a half hour return walk to the falls. Thanks to this the walk can get pretty busy in peak tourist season, especially since it’s just 15 minutes away from the only cafe and holiday park in the Catlins: Whistling Frog Cafe & Holiday Park. At the carpark you’ll find plenty of parking though, as well as a few long drop toilets and a sink with running water. To start on the McLean Falls Walk, cross the wooden bridge heading into the trees.
The start of the Mclean Falls Walk, visible from the car park.
In the first 5 minutes of walking the trail splits into two directions, Tautuku Hut Track (4hrs return) to the left and McLean Falls Track to the right. Keep to the right and stay on the mostly gravel pathway. It’s nearly impossible to get lost on this walk as it’s very well marked and highly trafficked, making it super easy for kids to lead the way. The first half of your walk will be mostly flat with two small bridges to cross. Beneath both bridges is the Tautuku River, which is what feeds the waterfall you’ll soon see.
The Tautuku River flowing calmly and peacefully at the bottom of McLean Falls
Above you the trees block out almost all direct sunlight and create a warm green glow through the leaves. Thanks to all the nearby water and moisture in the air, the rocks and ground are covered in a beautiful vibrant green moss. As you follow the river, you’ll begin to climb up a few flights of stairs alongside a series of small waterfalls, which all flow down from McLean Falls.
While this is considered an easy walk, the short 10 minute climb up to the falls is likely to get you huffing and puffing. It’s quite steep in some places and can get a little slippery due to the muddy pools of water that collect on the stairs. It’s barely ten minutes of going uphill though, so with a bit of effort anyone could easily do it.
Most high edges are fenced off for safety, so I felt pretty comfortable letting my toddler walk a little bit ahead of us before the falls. There’s a risk of rockfall in the very last section before reaching the waterfall, so you have no choice but to keep pushing forward because no stopping is allowed here. It’s worth the push though because one of the best Catlins waterfalls you’ve ever seen is just around the corner.
A few more steps up and then you see it. The beautiful McLean Falls cascading down right alongside you. I dare you to stand in front of the water and feel how cold it is! There’s only a small section of flat rock for everyone to crowd around on while waiting to get their picture in front of the view, so I wouldn’t plan on spending too much time up there. Brave souls can climb up the rocks to the right and swim in the large pool of water that the main waterfall plunges down into. Since I was 6 months pregnant, I decided not to take the risk as the rocks to climb looked wet, slippery and mossy.
Down and to the left of the main view, you can see the water crashing down a very large drop. None of this is fenced off, so definitely don’t let any young children near the edges. I wouldn’t even encourage anyone to walk across the cascading tiers, because even though they look flat and easy to walk across, one slip and that water could easily sweep you down with it. Return back to the car park on the same track you followed in.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, the McLean Falls Walk is mostly safe and family friendly. The only risky area is at the very end directly next to the waterfall, where a steep dropoff is.
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No, dogs are not allowed on the McLean Falls Walk.
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There are 9 waterfalls to be seen along 7 different walks in the Catlins. McLean Falls, Purakaunui Falls, Matai & Horseshoe Falls, Punehu & Pouriwai Falls, Koropuku Falls, Barrs Falls and Niagara Falls.
How to Get to McLean Falls
From Invercargill (1hr 30min)
Head East on the Gorge Road - Invercargill Highway / Southern Scenic Route for about 70 km’s, then turn left onto the Chaslands Hwy. In 20km’s turn left on Rewcastle Road, following the signs for Mclean Falls. The dirt road leads you to the car park.
From Dunedin (2hr 15min)
Follow SH1 towards Balclutha in 80km’s, then turn left onto the Southern Scenic Rte. In 67 kilometers turn right onto Rewcastle Rd. The parking area for Mclean Falls is at the end of this gravel road.
Other Things To Do in The Catlins
Koropuku Falls Track:
0.6km | 35m | 25minPurakaunui Falls Walk:
0.6km | 20m | 15minTautuku Estuary Boardwalk:
1km | 25m | 15minTautuku Bay Nature Walk:
1.1km | 25m | 15minLake Wilkie Walk:
0.8km | 20min | 10minWaipohatu Waterfall Walk: (pictured)
6km | 200m | 2hr
Disclaimer: Please adventure at your own risk. The author of this article is not liable for any injuries or damage that may occur. It is up to the individual to determine their own capabilities and limits, and to thoroughly research before venturing into the great outdoors. Read our full Disclaimer.
