# Wainui Falls

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Waterfall in Tasman, New Zealand

Wainui Falls Interactive map of Wainui Falls Location Wainui Bay, Tasman, New Zealand. Type Horsetail[2] Total height 20 metres (66 ft)[2][3][4][5] Watercourse Wainui River

**Wainui Falls** is a 20-metre (66 ft) waterfall in [Wainui Bay](/source/Wainui_Bay), in the [Tasman](/source/Tasman_District) region of [New Zealand](/source/New_Zealand).[2][3] The waterfall is part of the [Wainui River](/source/Wainui_River_(Tasman)) and cascades over [granite](/source/Granite) bedrock into a deep pool at its base.[3][6] It is the largest and most accessible waterfall in the [Abel Tasman National Park](/source/Abel_Tasman_National_Park) and the [Nelson](/source/Nelson%2C_New_Zealand)-[Golden Bay](/source/Golden_Bay_%2F_Mohua) area, and can be reached via the short Wainui Falls Track.[2][7][8] The track is popular as a day walk among tourists, and while the waters of the Wainui River can be too cold for swimming much of the year, the [plunge pool](/source/Plunge_pool) is a favoured swimming hole in the summer months.[7][9]

## Location

The falls are located up the valley from Wainui Bay, within the Abel Tasman National Park.[1][6] The nearest town is [Tākaka](/source/T%C4%81kaka), a 20-kilometre (12 mi) drive away,[6] and the nearest city is [Nelson](/source/Nelson%2C_New_Zealand), around a 2.5 hours' drive.[2]

## Wainui Falls Track

The waterfall can be reached via the Wainui Falls Track, a 3.4 km (2.1 mi) round-trip bush walk that follows the Wainui River up to the waterfall.[6] The track is accessed via a carpark at the end of Wainui Falls Rd, 300 m (980 ft) from the main road (Abel Tasman Drive).[1] A cafe and toilets are available at the carpark area.[7] The track takes about 1 to 1.5 hours round-trip.[2][6]

The track meanders through a native forest of [ferns](/source/Ferns), [nīkau palms](/source/N%C4%ABkau), and [rātā trees](/source/Metrosideros_umbellata).[4][6] Giant carnivorous land snails of the genus *[Powelliphanta](/source/Powelliphanta)*, among the largest land snails in the world, can sometimes be found on the forest floor near the track.[6]

The waterfall has been a popular sightseeing destination since at least the early 20th century.[4][10] Older locals report that "in the early days" when people used to drive out to the track in [Ford Model Ts](/source/Ford_Model_T), the track was very steep and that it was common for trampers to fall in the river.[4]

The track was closed for maintenance in 2015 for several months while the track was re-engineered and a new 10-person-capacity [suspension bridge](/source/Suspension_bridge) was built to replace the old suspension bridge, which was a one-at-a-time crossing and could result in significant queues during summer months.[4] The bridge crosses the Wainui River above large granite blocks and tumbled logs that pile up after winter floods.[4][6] While some locals lamented that the track had lost a bit of its charm and feeling of danger (with regards to the old bridge), they also commented that it was a huge benefit that the track was now more accessible to everyone.[4] The track is maintained by the New Zealand [Department of Conservation](/source/Department_of_Conservation_(New_Zealand)).[4][6]

## In Māori mythology

In the [mythology](/source/M%C4%81ori_mythology) of the local Tākaka [Māori](/source/M%C4%81ori_people), a *[taniwha](/source/Taniwha)* (water guardian) called Ngārara Huarau terrorises a local village, who eventually retaliate by killing the monster. Upon the *taniwha's* death, its severed tail lands in the pool at the base of Wainui Falls. The rocks downstream from the falls have rusty red-brown staining that the story attributes to the seepage of blood from the tail.[11]

## Gallery

		- Sightseers visiting Wainui Falls, late 1800s or early 1900s. From the Tyree Collection.

		- Sightseers in the Wainui River and another small waterfall visible from the Wainui Falls Track (not Wainui Falls).[12] Late 1800s or early 1900s. From the Tyree Collection.

		- Falls in full flow, 2015

## See also

- [List of waterfalls](/source/List_of_waterfalls)

- [List of waterfalls in New Zealand](/source/List_of_waterfalls_in_New_Zealand)

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-NZtopo_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-NZtopo_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-NZtopo_1-2) ["NZTopoMap – Wainui Falls, Tasman"](http://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap/nz41296/Wainui-Falls/Tasman). *topomap.co.nz*. 15 November 2017. Retrieved 8 January 2018.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-WaterfallsNZ_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-WaterfallsNZ_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-WaterfallsNZ_2-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-WaterfallsNZ_2-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-WaterfallsNZ_2-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-WaterfallsNZ_2-5) ["Wainui Falls"](http://waterfalls.co.nz/waterfalls-by-region/224-new-zealand-waterfalls/south-island/tasman/abel-tasman-national-park/254-wainui-falls). *Waterfalls.co.nz*. Retrieved 9 January 2018.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-WOWF_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-WOWF_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-WOWF_3-2) Cheng, Johnny. ["Wainui Falls"](https://www.world-of-waterfalls.com/new-zealand-wainui-falls.html). *World of Waterfalls*. Retrieved 9 January 2018.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-GB_Weekly_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-GB_Weekly_4-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-GB_Weekly_4-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-GB_Weekly_4-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-GB_Weekly_4-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-GB_Weekly_4-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-GB_Weekly_4-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-GB_Weekly_4-7) Richards, Jo (30 October 2015). ["Wainui Falls track re-opens"](https://web.archive.org/web/20180108175057/http://www.gbweekly.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/2015_gbweekly30october.pdf) (PDF). *Golden Bay Weekly*. Archived from [the original](http://www.gbweekly.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/2015_gbweekly30october.pdf) (PDF) on 8 January 2018. Retrieved 9 January 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Janssen, Peter (2010). [*1001 Best Things to See and Do in New Zealand*](https://books.google.com/books?id=oq_vC80Tzc4C) (Second ed.). Auckland New Zealand: Hachette New Zealand Ltd. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781869712341](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781869712341).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-DOC_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-DOC_6-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-DOC_6-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-DOC_6-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-DOC_6-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-DOC_6-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-DOC_6-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-DOC_6-7) [***i***](#cite_ref-DOC_6-8) ["Wainui Falls Track"](http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/nelson-tasman/places/abel-tasman-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/wainui-falls-track/). *doc.govt.nz*. Retrieved 9 January 2018.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-seethesouthisland_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-seethesouthisland_7-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-seethesouthisland_7-2) Algie, Jon (9 May 2017). ["Hiking to Wainui Falls, Abel Tasman National Park"](https://seethesouthisland.com/hiking-wainui-falls-abel-tasman-national-park-new-zealand/). *seethesouthisland.com*. Retrieved 9 January 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** DK Travel (2002). [*DK Eyewitness Travel Guide New Zealand*](https://books.google.com/books?id=3UFgCwAAQBAJ) (2016 ed.). London: Dorling Kindersley Ltd. p. 218. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780241263242](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780241263242).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Kirkpatrick, Russell (2011). [*Walks to Waterfalls: 100 New Zealand Waterfalls*](https://books.google.com/books?id=FjViXwAACAAJ). David Bateman. p. 86. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781869538064](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781869538064). The plunge pool is popular with swimmers in the summer, who refresh themselves after their 20-minute diversion.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["NEWS OF THE DAY"](https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TC19160128.2.25). *The Colonist*. 28 January 1916. Retrieved 10 January 2018. In view of the forthcoming show and races (says our Takaka correspondent) the hotels and boarding-houses are extending their sleeping accommodation in all manner of ways to cope with the expected influx of visitors to our green and fertile valley. Those who have arrived already are charmed with the trip over, and equally charmed with everything they have seen here. The Babu Springs, Rawhiti Caves, Tarakoehe and its cement works, Pohara Beach, Wainui Falls and Handcock's falls, have all received record attention during the past week. Every steamer, every car, brings a fresh load of sightseers and pleasure seekers, and still they come.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Mythology_11-0)** [Mitchell, Hilary](/source/Hilary_Mitchell); [Mitchell, John](/source/John_Mitchell_(historian)) (2004). [*History of Māori of Nelson and Marlborough*](https://books.google.com/books?id=mFb8fALKJuIC&q=isbn:1869690877). Wellington New Zealand: Huia Publishers. pp. 23–25. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1869690877](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1869690877).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-NZNationalParks_12-0)** ["Wainui Falls - Abel Tasman National Park"](http://www.nznationalparks.com/Abel-Tasman-National-Park/Abel-Tasman-National-Park-Wainui-Falls.html#15). *nznationalparks.com*. Retrieved 9 January 2018.

## External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Wainui Falls](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Wainui_Falls).

- [Department of Conservation](http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/nelson-tasman/places/abel-tasman-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/wainui-falls-track/)

- [NZNationalParks](http://www.nznationalparks.com/Abel-Tasman-National-Park/Abel-Tasman-National-Park-Wainui-Falls.html#15)

- [Tripadvisor](https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/Attractions-g776842-Activities-Abel_Tasman_National_Park_Nelson_Tasman_Region_South_Island.html)

v t e Abel Tasman National Park Bays and beaches Awaroa Inlet Golden Bay / Mohua Tasman Bay / Te Tai-o-Aorere Tinline Bay Rākauroa / Torrent Bay Tōtaranui Wainui Bay Caves Harwoods Hole Islands Armchair Island Ballon Rock Fisherman Island Motuareronui / Adele Island Tata Islands Tonga Island Rivers Awapoto River Awaroa River Falls River Mārahau River Simonet Creek Torrent River Wainui River Wainui Falls Structures Abel Tasman Monument Walking tracks Abel Tasman Coast Track Abel Tasman Inland Track Related reserves Tonga Island Marine Reserve

v t e Tasman District, New Zealand Seat: Richmond Populated places Golden Bay / Mohua Aorere Bainham Clifton Collingwood East Tākaka Ferntown Ligar Bay Motupipi Onekaka Pākawau Parapara Patons Rock Pōhara Port Pūponga Pūponga Rockville Seaford Tākaka Tarakohe Tata Beach Upper Tākaka Waikato Waitapu Motueka Brooklyn Kaiteriteri Lower Moutere Mārahau Motueka Riwaka Moutere-Waimea Brightwater Bronte Dovedale Mahana Māpua Ngātīmoti Ruby Bay Tasman Upper Moutere Wakefield Woodstock Richmond Aniseed Valley Appleby Hope Richmond Lakes-Murchison Murchison Rotoroa Saint Arnaud Tapawera Tophouse Geographic features Buller River Dun Mountain–Maitai terrane Hope Saddle Lee River Mārahau River Maungakura / Red Hill Newton River Ngārua Caves Roding River Sams Creek Tākaka River Waimea Plains Waimea River Golden Bay / Mohua Appos Creek Archway Islands Cape Farewell Cobb Reservoir Druggans Dam Dry River Farewell Spit Harwoods Hole Lake Killarney Lightband Gully North-west Nelson Forest Park Rawhiti Cave Slateford Tākaka Hill Tata Islands Te Waikoropupū Springs Wainui Bay Whanganui Inlet Wharariki Beach Abel Tasman National Park Armchair Island Awapoto River Awaroa River Ballon Rock Falls River Fisherman Island Motuareronui / Adele Island Simonet Creek Torrent Bay Tata Islands Tinline Bay Tonga Island Torrent River Tōtaranui Wainui River Falls Tasman Bay Bell Island Best Island Moturoa / Rabbit Island Tokangawhā / Split Apple Rock Waimea Inlet Kahurangi National Park Brown River Bulmer Cavern Ellis Basin cave system Kahurangi Point Lake Matiri Mount Arthur Mount Burnett Mount Owen Nettlebed Cave Wharepapa / Arthur Range Nelson Lakes National Park Braeburn Range Lake Rotoiti Lake Rotoroa Maniniaro / Angelus Peak Mount Franklin Pourangahau / Mount Robert Rotomairewhenua / Blue Lake Rotopōhueroa / Lake Constance Sabine Valley Saint Arnaud Range Spenser Mountains Facilities and attractions Abel Tasman National Park Coast Track Inland Track Monument Appleby railway station Brightwater railway station Cobb Power Station Ferntown Bridge Gowanbridge railway station Heaphy Track Hope railway station Karamea Aerodrome Kawatiri railway station Langford Store Memorial Park Milnthorpe Model Motueka Aerodrome Moutere Inn Mussel Inn Nelson Lakes National Park Onekaka Ironworks Onekaka Power Station Onekaka Wharf and tramline Proposals for a road through North-west Nelson Pupu Hydro Power Scheme Richmond railway station RNZAF Dip Flat Rutherford memorial Stafford Place St Michael's Church Stoke railway station Tākaka Aerodrome Tākaka Pioneers' Memorial Takaka Tramway Great Taste Trail Tonga Island Marine Reserve Tophouse Tour de Vineyards Wai-iti Dark Sky Park Wangapeka Track Westhaven (Te Tai Tapu) Marine Reserve Wharariki Ecosanctuary Administration Historic Nelson Province (1853–1876) Collingwood County (1877–1956) Waimea County (1877–1989) Richmond Borough (1891–1989 · mayor) Motueka Borough (1900–1989) Takaka County (1904–1956) Murchison County (1909–1965) Golden Bay County (1956–1989) Nelson-Marlborough Regional Council (1989–1992) Current Council Mayor Organisations Golden Bay Air Golden Bay-Motueka Rugby Union New Zealand Energy Richmond Athletic FC Talley's Group Schools Collingwood Area School Golden Bay High School Motueka High School Waimea College Waimea Intermediate

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Wainui Falls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wainui_Falls) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wainui_Falls?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.