Fantail Falls are located approximately a 2-hour drive from Christchurch, or about 25 to 30 minutes from central Akaroa. The final 5.5 kilometres of the route are on an unsealed gravel road.

From Akaroa, head north on State Highway 75, then turn right onto Long Bay Road. Follow the road as it climbs uphill and then descends past the main entrance to Hinewai Reserve. A few hundred meters beyond this point, the road transitions to gravel. As the road is narrow and winding—typical of rural New Zealand—please drive carefully. A 4WD vehicle is recommended in wet conditions.

There are two parking options. The main car park is located about 100 meters after the Narbey Stream bridge and includes a long-drop toilet and an information board with maps. If the stream is high, it is advisable to use the secondary car park, situated directly beside the bridge.

To reach the falls, you can either cross the stream on foot (expect to get your shoes wet), or, if using the second car park, cross via the bridge and follow the stream downstream. The walking track is clearly signposted but was damaged in recent flooding, so it is narrow and potentially muddy in places. A gentle uphill walk of about 20 minutes leads to the waterfall. Reaching the base of the falls used to be easy, but this is no longer the case. Children should be supervised at all times.

You can return via the same path, or continue uphill to the main road and follow it back downhill to your vehicle. The entire walk typically takes 40 to 50 minutes and is relatively easy. Note that during the summer, the waterfall may have very little or no water at all.

The best time to visit is after significant rainfall, or during late autumn, winter, or early spring. We’ve visited several times and were often disappointed—until the recent rains brought the falls back to life.