Rata Falls is roughly a 2-hours' drive away from Christchurch, or just a 25-minutes drive away from Geraldine. The road surface is sealed, only last 150m is an unsealed road.

From Geraldine travel north along SH-79 for 5km, slide left onto Inland Scenic Road (72) immediately after a bridge over the Orari River. Follow this road until you reach Arundel, then follow left onto Bridge St, then right onto Ferry Rd and follow it for the next 7.5km. Slide right onto Peel Forest Rd and stay on it for the next 1.7km, then turn left onto Blandswood Rd. In 1.8km turn right onto Lookout Rd which is un-sealed road. There is a car park, 150m from beginning of the road, to your left. There are tracks' sign and a long drop toilet there.

The track begins on Lookout Rd, a few hundred meters up the road. Tracks to Emily Falls and Rata Falls start at the same place and share the track for the first 15-20 minutes, then the track to Rata Falls branches from the main track, take the right branch which leads to the Rata Stream, crosses the stream and follow the Rata Stream (up-stream) until reaches the waterfall. Proper boots are required. 

Rata Falls is he better of Emily, Rata and Acland Falls.

Return via the same route, total walking time is 2hrs.