Best Bushwalks & Waterfalls In New Zealand

Take The Plunge: Bridal Veil Falls is a 55m waterfall cascading into a large rock pool on the Pakoka River in the Waikato.

There's something so Kiwi about working up a sweat by walking or running through native bush with a pack full of swimming gear on your back, hearing bird calls and arriving at a foaming waterfall tumbling down into a still swimming hole. Yep, bushwalks and waterfalls go together like bread and cheese in New Zealand. That's why we've traversed the country from the top of the North Island to the tip of the South Island to get the lowdown from the locals on the best spots to get back to nature and enjoy a wee dip under some of the most pristine waterfalls. And if you're in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch - here's some more great ideas of where to go bush and check out some cascading falls. 

Plus if you've got a favourite bush walk or waterfall you love, why not share your recommendation for it on Localist?

I have been visiting Raglan my whole life but had never been to these falls until last weekend. Man, had I been missing out! It felt so bizarre driving through farms and the country side to then stop and walk to such a visually stunning waterfall that seems to just pop up out of nowhere. The view from below is just as stunning, if not more sore. 10 points if you can spot the goats munching along the grassy embankment at the bottom.

I love this walk so much. Not only is it pretty easy going, but the view and the swim at the the base of the falls at the end of the walk is absolutely phenomenal, as is the scenery as you walk. It's only 1.8km, so it's not hard going, but it's still so nice to get out in nature and explore a bit.

The beautiful waterfall located on the outskirts of Tikipunga has it all. A beautiful view from the lookout at the top reveals a spectacular swimming hole down the bottom which seems so much higher than 26 meters. I’ve even seen people jumping in from the top! If jumping from tremendous heights isn’t your cup of tea there are two equally wonderful bush tracks that lead to the bottom. I love picnics at the bottom on a warm summers day - PERFECT!

Okere Falls is best-known for being an adventure sports spot where you can try your hand at white water rafting, kayaking or sledging; but it is also a great bush walk. The main walk is easy and follows the river taking in multiple small falls, finishing at the trout pools, a popular fishing spot. There are also a few other highlights in the area such as the old power station, Tutea’s Cave and Hinemoa’s Steps. Also, don’t forget to grab a coffee and treat at the famed Okere Falls Store and Cafe; one of my favourite Rotorua spots.

This waterfall is very close to the border of the Manawatu-Whanganui region, but luckily Taranaki has managed to snag this beauty! I believe it’s one of the tallest waterfalls in the North Island at 74 metres high, and it’s also been put on New Zealands must see waterfall list, so it is definitely worth the trip! The walking track to get to the waterfall is about a 40 minute easy walk on a gravel road with plenty of interesting foliage on the way!

Accessed by a shingle road the diverse walk takes you across farmland, under beautiful sandstone bluffs and through lowland forest to the Boundary Stream Scenic Reserve and onto a breath-taking 58-metre waterfall cascading down to a swimmable pool below. It’s well-worth the one and half return journey and while you’re in this idyllic bush-clad spot take advantage of the picnic table to rest and listen to the birdsong. It’s a refreshing change from the Hawke’s Bay barren landscape of brown hills and one of the few places you can truly appreciate what the area once looked like.

Just half an hour out of Wellington is hands down the most impressive waterfall in the area! A half an hour, moderate intensity hike will get you there, but the views are worth every minute. The waterfall itself has been altered by the dam construction, making it appear more man-made, but that doesn't detract from it's stunning beauty!

I love this South Canterbury gorge for its trekking, camping and beautiful green open spaces (great for a picnic!). I also love this gorge for its waterfalls and swimming holes. Not a bad place to spend your time at all!

Love this space and leave no trace because honestly this is one of the coolest waterfalls in New Zealand that I've ever discovered. It's a huge, cascading, frothy, foamy natural wonder and just 10 minutes walk from the car. Go swimming if you dare but in this part of the country, the rivers are freezing. Always a good way to wake up!

I'm an avid hiker and bush walker and Milford Track is at the very top of my must-do list for the summer. The reason I want to spend four days walking in the wilderness of Fiordland National Park is because Milford Track is home to the tallest waterfall in New Zealand and so of its most pristine lakes. There's also lots of opportunity to trek through tussock-filled high country at the beginning of the walk. And once you get to the end in Te Anau, don't miss a delicious feed of good old fish and chips from the Te Anau Dairy. It's the place the locals love.

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