Wainui Falls Track

Just 20 mins drive east from Beau Vista Pohara is a very popular and beautiful short walk leading to the stunning Wainui Falls in the Abel Tasman National Park. This well-maintained DOC walk follows the Wainui river through cool lush forest to the impressive 20-metre Wainui Falls (66 feet) – the largest waterfall in the Nelson-Golden Bay area. It is well worth a visit.

Walk length:  Under 2km each way. Time 1-1½ hours round-trip.

Difficulty: Easy – moderate

Track condition: Mostly a wide gravel path. Obstacles include: two cattle stops and one shallow ford crossing near the entrance (you can easily rock hop to keep feet dry), a narrow steep handrail section, an easy swing bridge, and a few steps.

Look for: Lush native forest with nikau, ponga, vines, ferns, rata, orchids and more. Fresh clear water over granite bedrock. You may see native fish and birds, including paradise ducks (pūtangitangi), blue ducks (whio), pukeko, tomtits (miromiro), robins (kakaruwai), fantails (pīwakawaka), tui, bellbirds (korimako), and more.

Directions: Follow Abel Tasman Drive east to Wainui, after 15-20 mins turn right onto the gravel road signposted to Wainui Falls. Park by the DOC toilets and walk from there.

Parking:  Good parking area by the DOC toilets

Scroll down for photos of this beautiful walk.

Clear emerald water and quartz sand. Perfect for a refreshing dip in summer.

Wide easy path for most of the way.

Lush native canopy of nikau palms, ponga and more.

Look for native New Zealand orchids (above) and rata (below).

The narrow steep section with handrails and lovely bush views.

The swing bridge crossing.

Mini waterfall and pools before the big Wainui Falls.

The path follows along the Wainui stream.

The 20-metre Wainui Falls (66 feet) – the largest waterfall in the Nelson-Golden Bay area. It looks much bigger when you're there in person. It is even more impressive after a decent rainfall - the spray will get you quite soaked. Well worth visiting in wet weather.

Of course you don't have to stick to the path. There are lots of pools to explore amongst the boulders. :)