Waterfalls in New Zealand - Pure Kiwi Bliss
Waterfalls are everyone’s favorite. Their popularity and the amount of tourism dollars spent prove it. Some countries even use them to boost their economies. While many have tried to figure out why we love waterfalls, there’s no denying that most of us would do anything for them.
As a country known for stunning natural beauty, New Zealand has many waterfalls to complement its already impressive collection of natural attractions. Located in the roaring 40s (between 40 and 50 degrees south latitude), it rains a lot and the rain comes from all directions - the Tasman Sea, South Pacific Ocean, and Southern Ocean. The Maori name for the land, Aotearoa, means “land of the long white cloud,” so its wet climate wasn’t overlooked either. Waterfalls are plentiful in the country, and they make for a great excuse to see it while experiencing its amazing scenery.
Waterfalls in New Zealand come in all shapes and sizes. You’ve got short, stocky ones like Huka Falls and majestic drop-down-the-mountain ones like Sutherland Falls. There are classically rectangular ones like Marokopa Falls, as well as graceful and elegantly tall ones like Bridal Veil Falls near Raglan. Even alluring ones like the multi-tiered Purakaunui Falls won’t overwhelm you with their height but mesmerize you with their character. There’s something special about every waterfall, no matter how you look at it. They’re all different and you could spend a lifetime visiting them.
In both the North and South Islands, the waterfalls give you a chance to see some of New Zealand’s best natural scenery - both on and off the beaten path. They’re in Northland, on the Coromandel Peninsula, and in Tongariro National Park’s thermal and volcanic wonderlands. They’re also found in mythical fiords like the Milford and Doubtful Sounds, the snowy expanses of the Southern Alps, and even the windswept Catlins Forest. New Zealand is tailor-made for self-driving tours, so you can choose which waterfalls to visit and where to see them.
