Title: Purakaunui Falls in Purakaunui | Expedia.co.uk [Purakaunui Falls Hotels](https://expedia.co.uk/Purakaunui-Falls-Hotels.0-l6113124-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Purakaunui](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Purakaunui.d6353152.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Purakaunui Falls Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Purakaunui-Falls.d6113124.Car-Hire-Guide)[Purakaunui Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Purakaunui.d6353152.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Purakaunui Falls ![Purakaunui Falls featuring forest scenes, a cascade and a river or creek](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113124/a935c1c8-b9dd-46b5-a9d1-6a31eea2f92c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Purakaunui Falls featuring forest scenes, a cascade and a river or creek](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113124/a935c1c8-b9dd-46b5-a9d1-6a31eea2f92c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Purakaunui Falls which includes forest scenes and a waterfall](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113124/ba532283-d80c-4289-a0f1-37793eb4e667.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Purakaunui Falls which includes forest scenes, a river or creek and a cascade](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113124/56dc2ec0-e055-4126-b39b-b0a57a39b463.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Purakaunui Falls featuring forest scenes and a waterfall](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113124/bf251910-785b-46f7-b035-b28f57c6a163.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Purakaunui Falls Activities [Purakaunui travel guide](https://expedia.co.uk/Purakaunui.dx6353152) --- --- #### Visit the Catlins’ most famous waterfalls to see why it has adorned postcards and postage stamps for decades. Rising to national fame in the mid 1970s following its use on the New Zealand postage stamp, Purakaunui Falls have remained among the most photographed waterfalls in the country ever since. Today, the waterfalls attract thousands of visitors annually. Come to see its three tiered cascades, photograph its 20-metre (66-foot) drop and make use of the relatively short walk to reach the falls. With a viewing platform that is accessible by wheelchair, Purakaunui Falls offer a fantastic waterfall experience for visitors of all ages and hiking ability. Take the short detour from the Chaslands Highway, one of the most impressive and unpopulated stretches of the South Island’s famous Southern Scenic Route, to reach the car park for Purakaunui Falls. Those visiting the falls in summer will find a busy car park and a number of families picnicking in the designated picnic area. Bring a packed lunch to enjoy with views of the dense forest of the Catlins Forest Park. Embark on the short walk from the car park to reach the falls in just 10 minutes. Look for a series of signs to learn about the flora and fauna of the region. The Catlins Forest Park includes a dense temperate rainforest and provides a home for a number of rare species of bird, including yellowhead and the New Zealand parakeet. An accessible viewing platform provides great photo opportunities of the three-tiered waterfall. Continue down the designated path for a view of the falls from their base, where you can see the terraces of the falls and watch as the river continues behind you. Reach Parakaunui Falls in just 15 minutes by car from Owaka. A car park provides free off-road parking. Find toilets adjacent to the picnic area. The falls have no fee to visit and they can be seen every day of the year. ### Popular places to visit ![Matai Falls featuring forests and a cascade](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113126/28fa8d6e-3fd3-43c4-acd1-6a5f82dbc860.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Matai Falls 4.5/5(2 reviews) Take a drive on the Southern Scenic Route to embark on a walk through regenerating forest that leads to two of the Catlins’ most photogenic falls. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Matai-Falls-Caberfeidh.d6113126.Attraction) ![Owaka which includes rocky coastline, a bay or harbour and surf](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113122/a22a1db7-e84c-4ef4-9ac6-eaf0faca1048.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Jack's Blowhole See the powerful natural feature named after a Māori chief by following a short trail on a private sheep farm. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Jacks-Blowhole-Hinahina.d6113122.Attraction) ![Cannibal Bay Beach showing surf, a sandy beach and rugged coastline](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113120/4d129666-4557-4bfd-8d9e-6a6901d14603.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Cannibal Bay Beach Cross rolling fields and dense macrocarpa forest to reach this isolated bay, home to hollow waves and a colony of sea lions. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cannibal-Bay-Beach-Otago.d6113120.Attraction) ![McLean Falls showing forests, a river or creek and a cascade](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113130/1d596548-86cf-4671-9f36-6b905bbcc297.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### McLean Falls This two-part waterfall is the end-point of an easy walk through varied forest and bush land and one of the most impressive in the Catlins area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/McLean-Falls-Catlins-Forest-Park.d6113130.Attraction) ![Nugget Point Lighthouse showing rocky coastline](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113118/df0e6dd2-f725-43de-a73a-b8dd5e2f8471.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Nugget Point Lighthouse Sitting high above the water’s edge, this historic lighthouse has been a fixture of the Catlins for more than a century. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Nugget-Point-Lighthouse-Ahuriri-Flat.d6113118.Attraction) ![Kaka Point showing forests](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635146369083/7dd11869-7410-4c4f-bd46-881a2eaa1e68.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Kaka Point Scenic Reserve Explore the great outdoors at Kaka Point Scenic Reserve, a lovely green space in Kaka Point. While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Kaka-Point-Scenic-Reserve-Kaka-Point.d553248635146369083.Attraction) --- ## Top Hotel Deals ## Check availability on hotels close to Purakaunui Falls [Tonight ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6113124&startDate=2026-02-07&endDate=2026-02-08)[7 Feb - 8 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6113124&startDate=2026-02-07&endDate=2026-02-08) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6113124&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09)[8 Feb - 9 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6113124&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6113124&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026)[13 Feb - 15 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6113124&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026) ![Greenwood Homestead](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/114000000/113560000/113556600/113556503/e8b98fa5_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Greenwood Homestead Tarara Otago [](https://expedia.co.uk/Tarara-Hotels-Greenwood-Homestead.h113556503.Hotel-Information) ![Beresford Heights & Rise](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/115000000/114260000/114253300/114253242/3cc5e1b6_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Beresford Heights & Rise 361 Puketiro Rd Puketiro Otago [](https://expedia.co.uk/Puketiro-Hotels-Beresford-Heights.h114253242.Hotel-Information) ![Mohua Park - Catlins Eco Accommodation](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/17000000/16310000/16309200/16309142/c132fab0_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Mohua Park - Catlins Eco Accommodation 744 Catlins Valley Road, Owaka Tawanui ZQN [](https://expedia.co.uk/Tawanui-Hotels-Catlins-Mohua-Park.h16309142.Hotel-Information) ![Tram Track Retreat accommodation in Papatowai, The Catlins](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/111000000/110990000/110985000/110985000/7dde5477_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Tram Track Retreat accommodation in Papatowai, The Catlins Papatowai Otago [](https://expedia.co.uk/Papatowai-Hotels-Tram-Track-Retreat-Accommodation-In-Papatowai.h110985000.Hotel-Information) ![Surfinn Eco Cottage - Papatowai Cottage](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/38000000/38000000/37993800/37993701/4e6d39db_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Surfinn Eco Cottage - Papatowai Cottage Papatowai Otago [](https://expedia.co.uk/Papatowai-Hotels-Surfinn-Eco-Cottage-Papatowai-Cottage.h37993701.Hotel-Information) ![Hilltop Accommodation Catlins - Lodge](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/71000000/70420000/70419400/70419397/35bce592_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hilltop Accommodation Catlins - Lodge Papatowai Otago [](https://expedia.co.uk/Papatowai-Hotels-Hilltop-Accommodation-Catlins-Lodge.h70419397.Hotel-Information) ![Tranquility Tiny House by Tiny Away](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/101000000/100880000/100871700/100871633/w1024h681x0y0-2981392e_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Tranquility Tiny House by Tiny Away Owaka Otago [](https://expedia.co.uk/Owaka-Hotels-Tranquility-Tiny-House.h100871633.Hotel-Information) ![Catlins Lake Sanctuary](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/22000000/21240000/21233600/21233539/089eefa4_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Catlins Lake Sanctuary 193 Hina Hina Road Owaka [](https://expedia.co.uk/Owaka-Hotels-Catlins-Lake-Sanctuary.h21233539.Hotel-Information) ![3-Bedroom Family Cottage with Stunning Rural Views in The Catlins](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/120000000/119460000/119453100/119453049/9ec52706_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### 3-Bedroom Family Cottage with Stunning Rural Views in The Catlins Owaka [](https://expedia.co.uk/Owaka-Hotels-Catlins-Country-Cottage.h119453049.Hotel-Information) [See all 52 properties in Purakaunui Falls](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package®ionId=6113124) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. 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