Wainui Falls is roughly a 2.5 hours' drive away from Nelson or 30 minutes from Takaka. The road surface is always sealed, apart from the last 400m which is a gravel road leading to the waterfall's parking. 

From Takaka travel east on Abel Tasman Dr for 21km, then turn right into Wainui Falls Rd (well signposted). There is a carpark at the end of Wainui Falls Rd with toilets, but without a picnic area. Road access beyond the carpark is strictly on foot.

A walking 1-hour' return Wainui Falls Track starts from the carpark and passes through the private land, then jumps into the forest (part of Abel Tasman National Park). There is a nice bench in the middle of the track where you can relax and listen to the birds.

The first part of the track is an enjoyable walk, though requires a couple of easy creek's crossings (could be wet-shoes after a heavy rain). 10 minutes before the track ends, you need to cross the river via a suspension bridge (Maximum load 1 person), then the track goes along the landslide zones. Be very careful here! Children must be supervised.

The track leads you to the waterfall's lookout where you can sit on a large granite boulder and enjoy the views. Return via the same track.

One more, less powerful and impressive waterfall is accessible from the lookout as well. Make your own way to the river bed and on the left you'll see a smaller waterfall (check last two photos in the Gallery below).