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Hiking

Wainui Falls: a bush and waterfall walk in Golden Bay

ReGear

Plan Wainui Falls in Golden Bay: a 3.4 km return walk with a suspension bridge, river scenery and important advice for wet weather.

Wainui Falls flowing through a forested gorge in Golden Bay.

Wainui Falls is a good choice when you want a proper bush walk without committing to a full day. The river, granite boulders and suspension bridge give you plenty to enjoy before the waterfall comes into view.

Quick facts

  • About 3.4 km return on the same track; allow one hour plus stops.
  • Easy to intermediate walking, with climbing and unfenced drops.
  • Start at Wainui Bay, about 20 km from Tākaka.
  • No dogs. Choose a dry day.

Getting to the start

Find the signed car park around 300 m beyond the Wainui River road bridge. Sort your footwear and water before leaving the car.

Location and route maps

Open either image for a closer look. Orange highlights show DOC’s mapped track; north is up.

Regional aerial map locating Wainui Falls northeast of Takaka.
Wainui Falls mapped walking track highlighted orange on actual LINZ aerial imagery, with the entrance marked and north up.

DOC route information and official map

What the walk is like

  1. Cross the short farmland approach and the unbridged stream at normal flow.
  2. Continue into nīkau, rātā and fern forest, climbing alongside the river and granite boulders.
  3. Cross the suspension bridge and continue to the waterfall viewpoint.
  4. Enjoy the falls from the track, then retrace your steps.

Effort and conditions

Rocks near the waterfall are steep and slippery. Keep children within arm’s reach and stay on the track.

Avoid this walk during or immediately after heavy rain. The stream crossing and lookout can flood, and rockfall risk increases.

What I would bring

I would bring grippy walking shoes, a rain jacket, water and a small snack. A spare pair of socks in the car is useful if the stepping stones leave your feet wet. Keep your phone and car key inside a dry bag.

Before heading back

Add time for photos and a slower group. Use toilets before heading to the start and bring your own drinking water; plan this as a self-contained outing.

Read next: How to read the weather before a New Zealand hike.

Sources and photo credits

Sources checked 30 September 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: Wainui Falls, Tasman, New Zealand.jpg — Michal Klajban. CC BY 4.0. Resized for display.