Rai Falls is roughly a 1-hour’ drive away from either Nelson or Picton. The road surface is always sealed.

From Nelson head east on the SH-6 for 53 km. There is an un-official car park on either SH-6, or at the end of Rai Falls Rd. From the main highway turn left into Rai Falls Rd (a gravel road) and follow it for the next 100m. There are no facilities there.

If you leave your car on the SH6 then walk 5-minutes along the Rai Falls road. There is no official lookout platform there. The waterfall is seen from the road – just find the best spot to take a photo.

Despite the fact that the waterfall is marked on the official TOPO maps as Rai Falls, honestly it's more a rapid rather than a waterfall. Nevertheless, it’s a nice spot to stop, enjoy and stretch your legs.