McLean Falls Walk

A GOBLIN'S LAIR AND A BREATHTAKING WATERFALL

24 JANUARY 2024

Is THIS it?! (Disappointment At Its Finest)

I need to start by saying that this is the most beautiful waterfall we have seen on our travels across New Zealand. I don't say this lightly as there are some incredible waterfalls we have visited, such as Whangarei Falls in Northland, Devils Punchbowl Falls in Arthurs Pass and Purakaunui Falls just south of the McLean Falls (which we visited straight after our visit here). I think what impressed me so much, was a mixture of the sheer volume of water being pumped down the falls, as well the shape of it across the rocks... and I sum it up into one word = IMPRESSIVE!

The McLean Falls are in the Catlins, in south Otago in the South Island of New Zealand. The Catlins are well known for their impressive waterfalls, so there was no stopping us from visiting as many as we could!

The walk to the falls was chiiiiiilly (brrrr!) as it was winter and no light or warmth had any hope of making it through the forest! The track was fairly and easy, mostly flat gravel before we hit a few stairs and hills and it's a 40-minute return (2.1km) track that offers an impressive view, for very little work. I loved the forest, especially the twisty tree branches covered in moss reminded me of the 'goblin forest' in Taranaki, where we walked to the Dawson Falls.

We followed alongside the Tautuku River for a while until we came to 'the chute', where we could see a chasm from higher up on the path. It wasn't too exciting and Bella did as "IS THIS IT? IS THIS WHAT WE WALKED IN THE COLD FOR?". I don't blame her, if I had walked all this way and saw that, I would have been bitterly disappointed too! Luckily the waterfall was A LOT more impressive than the chasm!

I do as much research on a place as possible, before we make a plan to go, so I can see whether it's worth going or not. I like to use Google Maps, zone in on an area and see what's around, and usually people have posted images of the place. I also just Google places and see what images I can find on Google, blogs and places like All Trails or Trip Advisor. This gives me a rough idea of what to expect, but you can never see the full picture of a place, which is why I love to include as many images as possible on our blog, to give you, our dear readers, a great idea of what to expect... or if you're just reading the blog to see our travels then I hope all the images and stories make you feel like you have come along with us!

Flapping Around Like An Eejit

It's safe to say, Bella was very impressed when we finally made it to the waterfall we had come to see... and so were we! I had seen it in pictures but I don't think pictures or videos ever show you the true beauty of a place. The waterfall is 22 metres high and it sure is a beauty!

I was excited to try out some long exposure shots on my DSLR and I was so happy with how they turned out! The best part was there was no harsh sunlight on the waterfall (the perk of going in winter, I suppose), which meant I was able to do 5 - 10 second exposures to get the shots below. I have realised that when taking photos of waterfalls, if any sunlight is on them, there's just no chance of getting a good shot as the image will be 'blown out' and will just be one big white piece of water.

There are a few waterfalls I have managed to capture with long exposure, like the Purakaunui Falls and the Coal Creek Falls in Greymouth. I tried with the Devils Punchbowl Falls in Arthurs Pass, but unfortunately the sun was on them, so it was a no go!

Lath graciously accepted being my subject/model for the images.... buuuut who the heck thought it was a good idea to wear a camo jacket?! He couldn't hear me over the roar of the water, so I probably looked like a complete eejit waving my arms around in big gestures, telling him to take his jacket off or to unzip it so I could see the bright orange lining!

The girls wanted to head up the rocks with Lath, but there was just so much water at the time we went, it wouldn't have been safe for them to go. I have seen pictures of kids on there before, but there was waaaay less water. So we hung out and had some lunch before heading back to the car and onto our next adventures (Purakaunui Falls and watching the penguins come in at sunset in Roaring Bay - spoiler alert, they never came!).

Know Before You Go

The track takes 40 minutes return and is 2.1kms in total
Dogs are allowed on leash here
There are toilets at the carpark
The track is a mixture of flat gravel, stairs and hills (it's not difficult)
The end of the trail has a big slip. Make sure not to stop between the signs warning about falling rocks
This is the perfect waterfall to take long exposure photos (mine were beterr 5 - 10 seconds)
There are some areas where young kids will need their hands held, as it drops off
The track can get slippery after rain (even in summer)

How To Get To The McLean Falls In The Catlins

McLean Falls are 1 hour south of Kaka Point, down Rewcastle Road, off the Southern Scenic Route. Rewcastle Road is a 3km gravel road and you feel like you're heading into the middle of nowhere, but you're in the right spot!

Click here for the location on Google Maps.

Conclusion

A short 20-minute walk leads you to one of New Zealand's most gorgeous waterfalls. The trail weaves through this mystical forest that feels straight out of a fantasy world, with branches and tree roots twirling around, adding a touch of magic. It's a quick and enchanting adventure you won't want to miss! It's high on my list of places to photograph in New Zealand and it's the perfect waterfall to take long exposure shots of.