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Hiking

Thunder Creek Falls: an easy stop on the Haast Highway

ReGear

Find Thunder Creek Falls on SH6: a 200 m return walk to a 28 m waterfall viewpoint, with parking, toilet information and actual aerial maps.

Thunder Creek Falls dropping through native forest beside the Haast River.

At a glance

  • Distance: 200 m return.
  • Walking time: about 5 minutes, plus viewing time.
  • Track: sealed, easy walking to a viewing platform.
  • Highlight: the 28 m waterfall across the Haast River.

Find the start

The signed car park is on SH6, about 50 km south of Haast township. Park fully off the highway and use the walking entrance. This is a road-trip stop you return from in the same direction, so no shuttle is needed.

Follow the route

  1. Enter the forest. Follow the short sealed path through kāmahi and silver beech.
  2. Stop at the platform. Look across the Haast River to the falls on the far side. The viewing platform is the destination.
  3. Walk back to the car park. Return on the same path; keep children with you as you approach the road.

Location and route maps

The wider map places the walk in its region; the closer map highlights the track in orange. Tap either map to enlarge it. Open DOC’s official track page and map for current notices.

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

Effort and facilities

The short distance makes this a useful break from driving. It gives you a waterfall view without committing to a longer bush walk. Keep to the path and platform rather than trying to cross the river for a closer photograph.

The nearest toilets listed by DOC are at Pleasant Flat Campsite, about 5 km north on SH6. Plan that stop separately. Take your own drinking water.

What I would bring

I would keep a rain jacket and grippy shoes handy in the car, rather than digging through luggage at each stop. Carry your camera or phone securely and take any valuables with you. A short walk is still nicer when you are dressed for rain.

Before you go

No dogs. Drone flying on conservation land requires a permit. Check the track notice and road conditions before setting out on the Haast Highway, especially after heavy rain. Allow viewing time without rushing the rest of your drive.

Read next: Organise your walking pack.

Sources and photo credits

Sources checked 5 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: NZ - Thunder Creek Falls (2015).jpg — Genet ( Diskussion ). CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized for display.