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Hiking

McLean Falls: forest, cascades and a Catlins waterfall

ReGear

Plan McLean Falls in the Catlins: about 40 minutes return, a gently rising forest track, road access and the current rockfall-area precaution.

McLean Falls and its lower cascade surrounded by Catlins forest.

McLean Falls makes a satisfying short bush outing: follow the valley into forest, then enjoy the cascades and 22-metre waterfall on the Tautuku River.

On this page: Quick facts · Start · Maps · Route · What to bring

Quick facts

  • Allow about 40 minutes return, plus stops.
  • About 2 km return along DOC’s mapped track.
  • Gentle uphill walking, with a return on the same route.
  • The final section passes a signed rockfall area.

Getting to the start

Turn from the Chaslands Highway onto Rewcastle Road, 11.6 km south of Papatowai. Continue about 3 km to the car park. DOC says this access is unsuitable for large buses.

Location and route maps

Orange highlights follow DOC’s recorded track on real aerial imagery. Open either map for a closer look.

McLean Falls location relative to Papatowai on real aerial imagery, with north up.
McLean Falls mapped walking track highlighted orange on real aerial imagery, with its entrance marked and north up.

DOC track information and official map

What the walk is like

  1. Leave the car park on the signed falls track.
  2. Follow the gently rising path through forest that was once logged.
  3. Move through the signed rockfall area without stopping.
  4. Enjoy the waterfall from the track, then return the same way.

Effort and conditions

The main precaution is the large slip near the end. Do not stop between the rockfall signs. DOC warns that falls of rock are more likely in heavy rain, strong wind and freezing/thawing conditions.

What I would bring

I would take walking shoes with grip, a waterproof layer and drinking water. Keep your camera packed while moving through the signed hazard area and stop for photos somewhere clear of it.

Planning your return

Sort food, water and a toilet stop before the drive; do not rely on finding services at this rural start. Leave enough daylight for the walk and the road out.

More walks to compare

Sources and photo credits

Sources checked 1 October 2026.

Maps: LINZ Basemaps and imagery contributors, CC BY 4.0. Track geometry: Crown copyright, Department of Conservation, DOC Tracks dataset, CC BY 4.0. Location labels and route highlights added.

Photo: McLean Falls and cascade.jpg — Pseudopanax at English Wikipedia. Public domain. Resized for display.