New Zealand is known for its magnificent beauty. The abundant natural beauty makes this country one of the most picturesque places in the world. Here, you’ll find coastline, lakes, countryside and national parks some of the richest places when it comes to rich flora and fauna.
New Zealand’s waterfalls are also included in these beautiful places. While most of them are seasonal, some are also permanent, which can be visited at any time of the year! Take a look at the country’s top waterfalls, from majestically tall to smaller funky falls, to amazing splashing beauties, and much more!
Breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls in New Zealand
New Zealand is full of natural wonders and one of the most breathtaking wonders created by nature is waterfalls. And when you are in New Zealand, you must visit some of its waterfalls.
1. Sugar Falls
2. Bridal Veil Falls
3. Devil’s Punchbowl Falls
4. Purakaunui Falls
5. See the waterfall
6. Thunder Creek Falls
7. Morocco Falls
8. Sterling Falls
9. Sutherland Falls
10. Tawai Falls
11. McLean Falls
12. Waterfalls
13. Bowen Falls
14. Whangarei Falls
15. Running Falls
1. Sugar Falls
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Standing at a height of 11 meters, Huka Falls claims to be the best waterfall in New Zealand. Like a picture from a fairy tale, this waterfall is a stunning picture, surrounded by lush green forest, with bright turquoise waters cascading towards the earth. Some of the activities you can enjoy here include sailing, hiking, biking and photographing.
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2. Bridal Veil Falls
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Falling from a height of 55 metres, the Bridal Veil Falls is situated amidst shores covered with soft sandstone and other rocks. The waterfall also offers a track for hiking and is also accessible by wheelchair.
3. Devil’s Punchbowl Falls
Located in the beech forests, Devil’s Punchbowl Falls is a waterfall that falls from a height of 131 meters. Claiming to be one of the best walks in New Zealand, a walk along this waterfall is quite an exhilarating experience.
4. Purakaunui Falls
One of New Zealand’s most beautiful three-tiered waterfalls, Purakaunui Falls is popular for being at the top of New Zealand’s travel postcards. It is situated on the Southern Scenic Route which is frequented by tourists.
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5. See the waterfall
Another multi-tiered waterfall, this one also has three tiers. KiteKite Falls is located near Auckland which makes it popular among tourists. There is a small pond at the top of the first level from where water flows into the larger pond. It is a beautiful place to sit and contemplate.
6. Thunder Creek Falls
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A large stream of water flowing out of the mountains, Thunder Creek Falls is aptly named. It is a gem hidden in the glacial beauty of the country. Standing at a height of 96 metres, it is often included in lists of must-see waterfalls in New Zealand.
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7. Morocco Falls
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A remarkable addition to the country’s collection of waterfalls, Marocopa Falls is like a treat after an easy task. A quiet peaceful walk leads to this amazing view, which is definitely worth a few clicks. There are some caves here that you can visit. Artists and photographers often visit here, you can even go here for a day picnic!
8. Sterling Falls
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Bursting into the famous Milford Sound, Stirling Falls falls from a height of 155 meters into a beautiful pool. There is a cruise along this ford which makes the view of the waterfall even more spectacular. There are few permanent waterfalls and this is one of them!
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9. Sutherland Falls
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Sutherland Falls, which has long held the reputation of being New Zealand’s tallest waterfall, still retains that aura of grandeur even today. From Lake Quill, 580 meters high, this waterfall flows through cracks in the rocky cliffs into a bright blue pool!
10. Tawai Falls
Perfectly matching the mesmerizing scene from The Hobbit, Tawhai Falls makes for a beautiful picture to capture. The waterfall is located in Tongariro National Park, and the trail leading to it makes for a spectacular drive. So, visit here in the morning to see the sun shining in the blue waters.
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11. McLean Falls
One of New Zealand’s most spectacular waterfalls, McLean Falls features a winding path surrounded by a variety of shrubs and plants. Located deep in Catlins Forest Park, this waterfall adds a bit of charm to the Tautuku River.
12. Vary Falls
Wairere Falls is renowned for being the tallest waterfall in the North Island at a height of 153 metres. Situated on the Kaimai Range, this two-tiered beauty is best for a tiring, yet rejuvenating trek.
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13. Bowen Falls
With a misty gurgling sound in Milford Sound, Bowen Falls takes a boat ride and a short walk to provide you with the ultimate beauty. At 162 metres, it may not be the tallest, but it is truly spectacular to behold. Miter Peak is also visible from this place.
14. Whangarei Falls
The 26 meter high Whangarei Falls is stunning to say the least. The waterfall falls over a cliff into a large pool of aqua-green water. The ferns, bushes and other plants on the banks make for quite a beautiful picture to look at!
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15. Running Falls
With a height of only 5 meters, Rere Falls is famous for its spectacular width, which is approximately 20 meters. The sheet of water flows at a steady pace, creating the most amazing flowing sound. The shore can be quite slippery, but the path to it is safe and fun!
If you’re on a waterfall hunting adventure in New Zealand, this list will come in handy! And apart from the above mentioned amazing sites, there are some more waterfalls worth visiting. Some of them are Rere Rockslide, Mount Damper Falls, Humboldt Falls, Owharoa Falls and Taranaki Falls.
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Visit any of these with a picnic basket, or set out early in the morning to make the most of this New Zealand adventure.
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