Purakaunui Falls Walk | The Catlins Waterfalls
Hike to one of the most famous Catlins Waterfalls. The Purakaunui Falls Walk is a family favorite thanks to a super short distance and one impressive view. It’s so short my 1 year old walked it! Many kiwi photographers travel from around the country to capture this waterfall too.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Purakaunui Falls Walk is 0.6 kilometers, or about 0.4 miles long. It takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
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Purakaunui Falls is located in the Southern part of Otago, directly between the towns of Papatowai and Owaka. About a 1 hour and 45 minute drive from Invercargill or 1 hour and 35 minutes from Dunedin.
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Yes, dogs are allowed at Purakaunui Falls but they must be on a leash.
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You probably shouldn’t, no. It’s not deep enough to dip more than just your feet in the water anyways.
Trail Description
| Difficulty | Distance | Trail Type | Elevation Gain | Time | Family Friendly |
| Easy | 0.6 km | out-and-back | 20 m | 15 min | ★★★★★ |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Distance | 0.6 kilometers |
| Trail Type | out-and-back |
| Elevation Gain | 20 meters |
| Time | 15 minutes |
| Family Friendly | ★★★★★ |
This is as family friendly as it gets. Super accessible too, wheelchair accessible up to the first wooden viewpoint.
The trailhead is a large gravel lot featuring a few toilets, non potable water and a picnic area. The car park is large enough to fit at least 20 or 30 vehicles, but in the busy summer season expect it to fill up fast! Since this trail is so short and so popular, there’s usually a constant flow of traffic in and out of this area. The only time you’d be lucky enough to get this place all to yourself is on an early winter morning.
To find the trailhead, look towards the southwest end of the parking lot and across the highway. You’ll see a small clearing in the trees and the official DOC sign for the Purakaunui Falls Walk. Cross the road and begin your walk here. Don’t forget to look both ways before crossing! Overall, this track is very well signposted and straightforward the whole time, so it’s practically impossible to get lost.
Almost immediately after starting on the gravel path, you’ll begin to hear the sound of trickling water. For the first two minutes or so the trail follows alongside the Purakaunui River, before eventually crossing over to the right of the water. You cross via the wooden Purakaunui Bridge, which is completely flat and level.
Did you know? Rakau is the word for a stick in the Maori language and pu-rakau-nui translates to a big pile of wood or sticks.
Purakaunui Bridge crossing over the Purakaunui River.
Fun fact: the first half of this trail is wheelchair accessible! For the most part, it’s a relatively flat walk until you get to the very end. You do begin to ascend slightly after crossing the bridge. So honestly I’m not too sure I would want to take a wheelchair up there, you’d need some serious upper body strength. While it’s definitely doable, it might not be very enjoyable! Note: the track is wheelchair accessible only up to the first wooden viewing platform, which I talk about next.
Surrounded by ferns and lush greenery while walking the Purakaunui Falls Track.
Barely 5 minutes after crossing the bridge, you’ll find a wooden viewing platform to your left where you can see a section of the Purakaunui River crashing down below. This view feels quite insignificant compared to the more attractive waterfall we’re on our way to see, but still a neat little spot to catch your breath if needed.
Majority of the time you’ll be in the shade with just hints of sunlight peeking through. There’s a thick cover of bushy ferns and trees surrounding the path. At this point in the walk you’re a bit higher up so there’s a wooden railing to ensure of no accidental slips. From here you’re at most 1 minute from the waterfall.
Descend down a few steps and onto the wooden platform where this trail officially comes to an end. You’ll hear the sound of water crashing down on the rocks below you, before you turn to the left and lay your eyes on the famous Purakaunui Waterfall.
Wooden viewing platform directly in front of the Purakaunui Waterfall.
The Purakaunui Waterfall cascades down about 20 meters overall. Featured in many postcards, magazines and even on postage stamps around New Zealand. As you can see, this spot is quite a highly trafficked one so don’t be surprised if you have to wait awhile for a pic without any other people in it. As is the case with most Catlins Waterfalls, the falls look best after rain and when captured with long exposure. Though I’ve heard the water can appear a muddy brown color after super heavy rain. Many people go off the track and on to the rocks to the left in order to get a better angled photo. After taking your gram worthy photos, return back the way you came.
Purakaunui Waterfall, cascading down 20 meters,
My 1 year old (15 months to be exact) was able to walk most of the trail by himself! We stayed close by of course and held his hand near the river so he did not fall in. This is a super family friendly and toddler friendly trail: flat and straightforward with minimal tripping hazards. He was fascinated watching the water flow below on the bridge and boardwalk sections. We were overjoyed not having to carry him for once! A win win in our books.
Know Before You Go:
Bring sandfly repellent.
Leashed dogs are permitted.
We had Spark cell service at the trailhead and on parts of the walk.
How to Get to Purakaunui Falls
From Invercargill (1hr 45min)
From Invercargill, head Southeast and get on the Gorge Road-Invercargill Highway / Southern Scenic Route. About 70km of driving later you’ll turn left onto the Chaslands Highway, continuing further on the Southern Scenic Rte. 40km later and just a few minutes after passing the town of Papatowai, the highway turns into Puaho Road. Follow Puaho Road for 10km before pulling into the Purakaunui Falls Walk car park on the left. There’s 4km of well maintained gravel road here.
From Dunedin (1hr 35min)
Head South of Dunedin and begin on State Highway 1, taking the Southern Scenic Route to Balclutha. After about 125km of driving (just after passing Balclutha), turn left on High Street to stay on the Southern Scenic Rte. In 36 kilometers, turn left onto Purakaunui Falls Road. Stay on this road for 8.5km’s before pulling right into the signposted Purakaunui parking area.
Other Trails Near Purakaunui Falls
The Catlins area is filled with walks suitable for all experience levels. Especially waterfall walks!
McLean Falls Walk: 1.8km | 70m | 30min
Waipohatu Waterfall Loop Track: 6km | 200m | 2hrs
Nugget Point Lighthouse Walk: 1.8km | 100m | 45min
Jack’s Blowhole Walk: 2.7km | 120m | 1hr
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.
