8 Must See Waterfalls in the South Island of New Zealand

If you love waterfalls, you’re going to have a lot of stops to make in the South Island. They’re everywhere, from huge waterfalls like Thunder Creek Falls that you can see from the side of the road, to smaller ones like Wye Creek that you can reach with a short walk.

After travelling around the South Island, I’ve realised I’m always on the lookout for waterfalls. I like that they’re all so different. Some are huge and impossible to miss, while others are tucked away and take a bit more effort to find.

I’ve stopped at a lot of waterfalls during my travels around the South Island, and these are the ones that have stood out to me the most.

So, if you’re driving the West Coast, heading to Milford Sound or exploring around Queenstown, these are the South Island waterfalls I’d recommend adding to your trip.

The sun sets behind the hills bringing a shadow over The Devils Punchbowl Waterfall in Arthurs pass on the South Island of New Zealand.

Best Waterfalls in the South Island

1. Devil’s Punchbowl Falls

I’d wanted to visit Devil’s Punchbowl Falls for ages, so I was pretty excited when I finally got to see it while travelling through Arthur’s Pass. It definitely lived up to my expectations and is easily one of the most impressive waterfalls I’ve seen in the South Island.

Standing almost directly underneath it gives you a much better idea of its size, and I don’t think photos really do it justice.

The walk to the falls takes around an hour return, or a little longer if you’re walking from the nearby DOC campground like we did. There are around 400 stairs, along with some uphill and downhill sections, but because the walk isn’t overly long, I didn’t find it too difficult.

A tall waterfall cascades down a steep rocky cliff surrounded by dense native forest in New Zealand. The rugged mountain landscape showcases the dramatic scenery of South Island waterfalls.

Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall plunges down a tall, rugged rock face surrounded by dense native forest in Arthur’s Pass, New Zealand.

One of my favourite views is actually from the bridge near the start of the track, where you get your first glimpse of the waterfall through the trees.

I also walked the unofficial track from the main lookout up to the base, and I actually preferred this view to the main viewing platform. If you decide to head up there, keep in mind that it’s an unmaintained track, so you’re doing it at your own risk.

If you’re driving through Arthur’s Pass, I’d definitely make the stop here. There is a decent climb involved, but I thought it was well worth it once I got to the waterfall.

The base of Devils Punchbowl waterfall in the South Island as water crashes down.

2. Wishbone Falls

Wishbone Falls is one of the prettiest waterfalls I’ve come across in the South Island. This waterfall is in Mt Aspiring National Park an hours drive from Wānaka.

It’s quite different from the big waterfalls you’ll find along the West Coast, with the water flowing down several channels rather than dropping straight over a cliff.

There’s also a clear pool at the bottom, which makes it a nice spot to hang around for a while. If you’re visiting on a warm summer day and don’t mind cold water, you can also swim here.

The walk to the falls is short and easy, taking just a few minutes across farmland with a couple of fence crossings along the way. It doesn’t take long, but getting there feels like a little adventure in itself.

A women stands at the base of Wishbone Falls near Wānaka in the South Island of New Zealand.

Water crashes down the falls as a person stands and watches with enjoyment.

When we had a day off in Queenstown, we decided to make the drive out to Wishbone Falls. We packed some lunch and had a picnic beside the waterfall. It wasn’t quite warm enough for a swim when we went, but if we’d visited in the middle of summer, I definitely would’ve jumped in.

Because it is a bit further out, I’d combine this with something else nearby rather than driving out just for the waterfall. There are plenty of walks around Mount Aspiring National Park, including the Rob Roy Glacier Track, so you could easily make a day of it.

It might not be the biggest waterfall in the South Island, but I really liked this one and would happily go back.

Two people standing at the base of Wishbone Falls waterfall in New Zealand's South Island.

3. Thunder Creek Falls

At 28 metres tall, Thunder Creek Falls is one of the tallest roadside waterfalls you’ll come across in the South Island. It drops straight down the rock face into the Haast River, and after some decent rain, there’s a lot of water coming down.

This is one of my go-to stops when I’m driving the Haast Pass between Wānaka and Franz Josef. It’s really easy to get to, so I always think it’s worth pulling over.

From the car park, it’s less than a five-minute walk through the bush to the river, where you get a view of the waterfall across the water.

Water falling into the pool at the bottom of Thunder Creek falls along the Haast Pass in the South Island.

I think the setting is what makes this stop so good. You’ve got the waterfall on one side, the bright blue Haast River in front of you and native bush all around.

If you’re driving the Haast Pass, this is a stop I’d make every time. It only takes a few minutes and you don’t have to go out of your way to see it.

A man looking at Thunder Creek falls from the Lookout.

4. Fantail Falls

Fantail Falls looks quite different from Thunder Creek Falls. I really like how the water runs down the rock face rather than dropping straight down, which gives it a completely different look.

It isn’t the biggest waterfall around, but I think it’s one of the prettiest along the Haast Pass.

Person standing and looking at Fantail Falls from across the river.

Water falls in all directions at Fantail Falls in the South Island of New Zealand.

From the car park, it’s just a short and easy walk through the bush to the riverbed. Depending on the river level, you can usually walk across the rocks for a closer look at the waterfall.

I like being able to walk around the riverbed rather than just looking at it from one spot. You can see the waterfall from a few different angles, and it only takes a few minutes to explore around.

I always stop here when I’m driving the Haast Pass. It’s only a short drive from Thunder Creek Falls, so I’d definitely visit both while you’re in the area.

Fantail Falls surrounded by dense native New Zealand bush.

5. Wilson Creek Chasm

Wilson Creek Chasm is probably the most different waterfall experience on this list. You don’t just pull over, take a photo and leave. Getting to the waterfall involves a bit more exploring, which is what made this one so memorable for me.

It isn’t an official tourist stop, but it has become much more well known through social media.

Getting there is part of the experience. You’ll need to park on the side of the road, climb down beside the bridge and then make your way upstream through the water to reach the chasm.

Water falls through the rocks at the secret South Island road side stop Wilson Creek Chasm.

The water is absolutely freezing, but once you’re surrounded by the rock walls and waterfalls, I found it easy to forget about the cold.

I liked this spot because it felt completely different from the other waterfalls I’d visited. You’re actually exploring your way into the chasm rather than standing at a viewing platform, so it feels more like an adventure.

Just be prepared to get your feet wet and take extra care because the rocks can be slippery.

As you’ll need to cross a stream, always check the weather and water conditions before heading in. Don’t enter if the current is too strong.

The view up the stream between the tall rock walls to the small waterfall.

Waterfalls over the rocks and down into the chasm.

6. Stirling Falls

Out of all the waterfalls I’ve seen in Milford Sound, Stirling Falls is the one I remember most.

It drops around 155 metres straight into the fiord, but what makes it really impressive is how close the boats get to the bottom of the waterfall.

Watching it from a distance is one thing, but being right underneath it is completely different.

Most boat cruises head right up to the base of the waterfall, so if you’re standing outside on the deck, there’s a good chance you’re going to get wet. The spray comes right over the boat, but getting soaked is part of the experience.

I wasn’t expecting us to get as close as we did, and seeing the waterfall above the boat really put its size into perspective. Photos can show you how tall it is, but they don’t really show you what it feels like to be sitting underneath it with all that water coming down.

If you’re visiting Milford Sound, I’d recommend doing a cruise so you can get up close to the waterfalls rather than just seeing them from shore.

The Stirling Falls waterfall stands tall in Milford Sound.

Looking up at Stirling Falls as the boat get right up underneath the Falls.

7. Bowen Falls

Bowen Falls is one of the first waterfalls you’ll notice when you arrive in Milford Sound. Unlike Stirling Falls, you don’t need to be on a boat to enjoy it.

You can see it from around the visitor terminal or take the easy foreshore walk for a few different views.

The waterfall runs down the mountainside before reaching the fiord, and there’s a lot of water coming down after heavy rain.

Bowen Falls surrounded by the tall mountains int he Milford Sound.

One thing I’ve learnt from visiting Milford Sound a few times is that I actually prefer going when it’s raining.

Most people hope for blue skies, but rain brings out hundreds of temporary waterfalls across the cliffs. Bowen Falls also gets much bigger, so the whole place looks completely different.

If you’re not planning on doing a cruise, Bowen Falls is still an easy one to see while you’re in Milford Sound. And if it has been raining, make sure you keep an eye out for all the other waterfalls that appear around the fiord too.

Water falls from Bowen Falls into the water of Milford Sound.

8. Wye Creek Waterfall

Wye Creek Waterfall is a small waterfall tucked further up one of my favourite short hikes in Queenstown. Most people come to Wye Creek for the lookout over Lake Wakatipu, but if you keep walking past the viewpoint, there’s a waterfall waiting further up the track.

It takes around an hour to reach the waterfall, so it’s not just a quick walk from the lookout. The waterfall itself isn’t huge, but I really like the fact that you get this extra little spot at the end of the track. By the time you reach it, you’ve already had some great views along the way, so it feels like a nice extra to the walk.

Water falls through the rocks at the Waterfall at Wye Creek near Queenstown.

Woman standing on the old dam looking at the water falling around her.

I first came to Wye Creek for the views, and that’s still my favourite part of the hike. But once I found out there was a waterfall further up, I started making the extra walk whenever I came back. I think it’s easy to miss because the lookout is the main attraction and a lot of people turn around once they get there.

The waterfall sits up near the old dam, with the water running down through the rocks and bush. It’s a much smaller waterfall than some of the others on this list, but I like that it’s tucked away from the main lookout and gives you another reason to keep going.

If you’re already planning to do the Wye Creek Track, I’d definitely continue up to the waterfall. Give yourself around an hour to get there, and you’ll get the lookout along the way as well.

For me, the waterfall is what makes an already good short hike feel like there’s a little bit more to discover.

The view of the lake and the mountains at the waterfalls flows down the rocks.

Which is the Best South Island Waterfall?

There are plenty of waterfalls to see around the South Island, and they’re all quite different.

Some, like Devil’s Punchbowl Falls and Thunder Creek Falls, are impressive because of their size. Others, like Wishbone Falls and Wye Creek, are smaller but take you somewhere a little different.

After travelling around the South Island, I’ve found that some of my favourite waterfalls have been the ones I didn’t originally plan to stop at. Sometimes it’s a roadside sign, a short detour or simply deciding to walk a little further that leads you somewhere worth seeing.

If I had to pick just one, I’d probably go with Devil’s Punchbowl Falls. The size and power of the waterfall really stood out to me, and I thought the walk was worth doing.

But if you’re doing a South Island road trip, I’d try to fit in a few different ones. You don’t need to visit every waterfall on this list, so you can pick the ones that fit your route.