Falls River Falls

 

Falls River Falls

Stunning waterfall and huge swimming holes are found at the end of Falls River track which branches off from the Abel Tasman Great Walk.

Driving and walking conditions

GPS of the view point: S 40° 55' 38.3592" E 173° 1' 20.5392"
Parking: Abel Tasman Carpark, Harvey Road, Marahau
Vehicle type: All vehicle types Track type: Tramping track
Road type: Sealed Return track duration: 3hrs 30min

Waterfall parameters

Waterfall height: 7m Type of the waterfall: Cascade

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐
GPS:          S 40° 55' 38.3592" E 173° 1' 20.5392"
Parking:     Abel Tasman Carpark, Harvey Road, Marahau
Access:     3hrs 30min return walk


Walking and driving instructions

 

Falls River Falls is the less visited waterfall which is located in Abel Tasman National Park. There are not many tourists who walk this side track, hence if you are looking for a quiet place to enjoy a waterfall - look no further! There are two ways to get to the falls.

1. Take a water taxi from either Marahau, or Kaiteriteri, or Totaranui to either Torrent Bay or to Anchorage Bay. The easiest way is to arrive to Torrent Bay, and depart from Anchorage. There are all sorts of facilities available at the bays, including picnic tables, drinking water and flushing toilets. From the drop off area (Torrent) walk along the main track towards Anchorage. Walk through the campsite, and after roughly 10 minutes of walking cross the Tregidca Creek via a foot bridge, then immediately turn right onto a well-signposted side track. This track is completely different from the main great walk. First part of the trail is a steep uphill section, which might be muddy and slippery after a rain. Take extra care. The next section comes very close to the edge of the hill - kids must be always supervised. The last part is a typical New Zealand track with uphill and downhill sections. After roughly 25-30 minutes of walking you arrive at the track’s junction. Cascade Falls, signposted, is to your right. It is just 2 minutes downhill walk from here to the falls base.
From the Cascade Falls climb back to the track’s junction, then walk another 30-50 minutes. This part is again pretty much a NZ typical track with uphill, downhill and muddy sections. There are some fallen trees along the walk. The waterfall is found at the end of the side track. There is a huge swimming holes there and an absolutely stunning waterfall with cascades. Make sure you’ve got plenty of time to enjoy your swimming here!

According to the signs (please refer to the Gallery), there is the Upper Waterfall there - unmarked trail, difficult terrain. We didn't try to find it, and have no additional information about it.

Return via the same route (2,5-3 hours total walking time back to the main track, then just 30 minutes to Anchorage during low tides, or 1-1,5 hours during high tides).

2. If you walk the whole Abel Tasman Great walk, or doing a day trip from Bark Bay to Anchorage, the side track is found 20-25 minutes past Torrent Bay. It is well-signposted, you won’t miss it.


Waterfalls nearby

Cascade Falls

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐
Access:     2hrs  return walk
Driving:   1 m (1 min)

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Bark Bay Falls

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐
Access:     20min return walk
Driving:   1 m (1 min)

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Wainui Falls

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Access:     1hr  return walk
Driving:   77.5 km (1 hour 27 mins)

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Salisbury Falls

Rating:       ⭐⭐
Access:     10min return walk
Driving:   108 km (1 hour 48 mins)

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