If you're driving to Parakaunui Falls from the Kaka Point direction, you'll come across a signposted turnoff that doesn't match Google Maps. It's best to follow the road signs, as Google tends to send you along a gravel road and adds quite a bit of extra driving. Rainbow Reach turned out to be one of the entrances to the Kepler Track. The view in photo three was taken from the suspension bridge, and we saw plenty of hikers passing through. The trees along the shore of Lake Te Anau are incredibly beautiful. When the sun comes out, the leaves seem to glow with golden light, making the whole lakeside sparkle.
Purakaunui Falls
1 photo
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap
20m
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Purakaunui Falls
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Purakaunui Falls famous?
Purakaunui Falls is one of New Zealand's most photographed waterfalls, famous for its distinctive three-tiered cascade through lush native forest. It gained international recognition as a filming location for 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' and appears on numerous New Zealand tourism materials and postcards.
Can you swim at Purakaunui Falls?
No — not suitable for swimming due to shallow pools and rocky terrain. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Purakaunui Falls?
Dogs are permitted on-leash on the track. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Purakaunui Falls free? Do you need a permit?
Free — no entry fee or permit required to visit Purakaunui Falls. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Purakaunui Falls?
Free parking is available at the trailhead car park, with space for approximately 10-15 vehicles. The walk to the falls begins directly from the car park. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Purakaunui Falls?
About 200 meters / 10 minutes return from the car park to the viewing platform. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Purakaunui Falls hike difficulty
Easy — short gravel and boardwalk track with gentle descent, a few steps, and a viewing platform at the falls. Suitable for most fitness levels. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Purakaunui Falls?
Year-round access, but spring and early summer (Oct–Dec) offer lush greenery and good flow after winter rains. Autumn (Mar–May) also beautiful with fall colors. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Purakaunui Falls
From the car park, follow the well-maintained gravel path and boardwalk through native podocarp forest. The track descends gently with some steps. After about 100 meters, you'll reach a viewing platform that offers an excellent frontal view of the three-tiered waterfall. The track is clearly marked and maintained by DOC (Department of Conservation).
Purakaunui Falls official website
Attractions near Purakaunui Falls
- •Matai Falls — 10-minute walk to a scenic waterfall, 15 minutes north of Purakaunui Falls
- •Nugget Point Lighthouse — iconic lighthouse with fur seal colony viewing, 45 mins south
- •Owaka township — small service town with cafes and supplies, 10 minutes drive
- •Cannibal Bay — beach known for sea lion sightings, 20 minutes drive
- •Cathedral Caves — stunning sea caves accessible at low tide, 35 minutes south (check tide times)
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
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