Wainui Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Abel Tasman National Park. The falls are reached via a short easy trail through spectacular native forest, with glorious views of the boulder strewn river. If you’re walking on a warm day - or are up for a more icy plunge - there are numerous spots for wild swimming along the way, including at the base of the falls if the water isn’t too powerful.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Wainui Falls Track, one of Abel Tasman’s must do’s.
Wainui Falls Track
The stats
Distance: 3.5km return
Elevation: 75m
Difficulty: Easy
The Wainui Falls Track is an easy walk with excellent trail conditions throughout. It’s not totally flat, but any uphill sections are very gradual.
The trail took us 30 minutes on the way as we stopped for lots of photos, and around 25 minutes on the way back.
Starting the trail: along the river
The walk begins heading along the gravel road past fields full of cute pukekos. After 270m you’ll turn off the road and into the bush. From here, the path narrows and follows the spectacular crystal clear river.
There are several paths which lead directly down into the water where you’ll find lots of places to take a cooling dip.
The river is full of giant granite boulders and backed by dense rainforest, giving it wild jungle vibes despite being such a short easy walk from the car park.
The trail then crosses over a wooden bridge with pretty cascades on either side, looking down into the water from here really shows off the clarity.
The final stretch towards the falls
Roughly 800m into the trail you’ll begin to head gradually uphill, it’s very gentle and the path is well graded, making it easy.
The river will now be far below you and there are some great views from the narrow path which hugs the cliff side. The forest starts to feel more tropical with nikau palms, huge trees covered in epiphytes and giant tree ferns.
You’ll start passing larger cascades, some are more like mini waterfalls if you’re walking after heavy rain!
It’s absolutely beautiful and the well maintained path allows you to really relax and soak it all up.
You’ll soon (1.3km into the trail) reach a swing bridge over the river, which is both fun and scenic, with terrific views down into several sets of particularly large cascades.
Just 400m from the swing bridge and after a little more gentle climbing you’ll reach Wainui Falls.
Arriving at Wainui Falls
You’ll hear the waterfall and feel the spray before you turn the corner and actually see it.
It’s an incredible sight, the water thunders between a chasm in the swirling granite walls and into a large pool at the base.
We were lucky to visit when there was huge flow, but it did rule out the pool for swimming. You’ll definitely want to avoid taking a dip when the water level is high and current fast - there’ll be other safe spots further along the river if this is the case.
It’s a lovely spot to sit and relax on the rocks, just watch out if you’re clambering around after rain because they become very slick.
Just before you reach Wanui Falls you’ll see another little path down to the left which leads into the lower part of the river.
It looks like there used to be an official trail but now it’s gone into disrepair. You can still get down easily enough, just go carefully as there is one short slippery patch.
This is another good access point for a dip, providing that the flow of the river is not too strong - which it could be if the falls are roaring.
Heading back
The walk back to the car park is easy, it’s all either flat or gently downhill and you’ll probably be a lot quicker without so many photo stops!
It took us around 25 minutes and is a lovely leisurely end to one of Abel Tasman’s best short walks.
Getting to Wainui Falls
The closest town to Wainui Falls is Takaka, around 20km and a 25 minute drive away. It’s roughly a two hour drive from Nelson.
The last 400m of the road is gravel and very narrow. It’s quite open though, so you shouldn’t have to pass anyone as you can see all the way down the road and into the car park, so any other cars should just wait.
The road is in great condition but the middle section has a slight build up of gravel, so just watch the underside of your car if you’re in something with very low clearance.
Facilities at Wainui Falls
There is a long drop toilet at the car park, but otherwise no facilities at all. Please pack all your rubbish out with you.
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