Wainui Falls

 

Wainui Falls

One of the most impressive and beautiful waterfalls in Abel Tasman National Park, Wainui Falls is located on the Wainui River and reached by a gorgeous 1-hour return walk. An unforgettable walk through the forest, a suspension bridge, and unique surroundings make this magnificent waterfall one of New Zealand Must See Waterfalls.

Driving and walking conditions

GPS of the view point: S 40° 50.922' E 172° 55.701'
Parking: Wainui Falls Rd, Tata Beach
Vehicle type: All vehicle types Track type: Walking track
Road type: State HW Return track duration: 1hr 

Waterfall parameters

Waterfall height: 20m Type of the waterfall: Horsetail

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐⭐
GPS:          S 40° 50.922' E 172° 55.701'
Parking:     Wainui Falls Rd, Tata Beach
Access:     1hr  return walk


Walking and driving instructions

 

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).


Waterfalls nearby

Salisbury Falls

Rating:       ⭐⭐
Access:     10min return walk
Driving:   68.4 km (1 hour 7 mins)

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Bark Bay Falls

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐
Access:     20min return walk
Driving:   77.5 km (1 hour 26 mins)

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Cascade Falls

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐
Access:     2hrs  return walk
Driving:   77.5 km (1 hour 26 mins)

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Falls River Falls

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐
Access:     3hrs 30min return walk
Driving:   77.5 km (1 hour 25 mins)

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Photo Gallery

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