Fantail Falls is approximately a 2hrs' drive away from Christchurch, or about 25-30 minutes' from Akaroa centre. The road surface is un-sealed for the last 5.5km.

From Akaroa head north along SH75, then turn right to Long Bay Rd and follow it all way up the hill, then downhill past the main Hinewai Reserve entrance. A few hundreds meters past the main entrance, the road turns to a gravel one. It’s a typical New Zealand winding road, hence please take extra care. 4WD recommended in a wet day! There are 2 options for parking the car. First one, the main car park (click on link in description) is located a hundred meters after the bridge over the Narbey Stream. It's a big car park with a long drop toilet and an information stand (the park maps are available here). The second car park (recommended when the stream is high) is located next to the bridge.

From the parking cross the stream (wet shoes crossing). Alternatively, park on the second car park and cross the stream via the bridge, them follow the stream downstream. The track, very well signposted, was quite damaged during the recent flooding, hence it’s narrow at some parts, and could be a little muddy. After 20 minutes of gentle uphill walk you’ll reach the waterfall. It used to be easy to reach the base of the falls, but not anymore. The children must be supervised all the time!

Return either via the same route, or continue walking uphill till you reach the main road, then follow the road downhill. Total walking time is 40-50 minutes. The track is relatively easy. Fantail Falls quite often has little or no water at all during summer.

Best time to visit - after a decent rain, or during late Autumn, Winter, early Spring. We’ve been there a few times, and each time it was rather a disappointment, until the recent rains!