Wishbone Falls: A Short Waterfall Walk Near Wānaka

Wishbone Falls is a split waterfall in the Matukituki Valley, about an hour from Wānaka. The walk to the base is short and easy, taking around 20–30 minutes return, and there’s a pool at the bottom where you can swim in summer.

I think Wishbone Falls is worth visiting if you’re looking for a waterfall near Wānaka and don’t mind heading out into the Matukituki Valley. It’s an easy walk, you can get right up to the base of the falls, and you can easily combine it with other things in the area, including the Rob Roy Glacier Track.

I first found Wishbone Falls when I was living in Queenstown and looking for a waterfall to visit for the day. There aren’t many waterfalls close to Queenstown that are easy to get to, so we decided to make a little day trip out to Wānaka and check it out. I’ve been back a few times since, and it’s still one of my favourite waterfalls to visit around Wānaka.

Two women standing on a rock at the bottom of Wishbone falls with the water falling behind them.

Wishbone Falls Information

Distance: Around 600 m return
Time: Around 20–30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Matukituki Valley, near Wānaka
Parking: Grassy area beside the road
Cost: Free
Swimming: Yes, there is a pool at the base of the waterfall

What is Wishbone Falls like?

Wishbone Falls is a split waterfall, with the water coming down in two main sections over the rock. This is where the name comes from, as the shape looks a bit like a wishbone.

It’s not the biggest waterfall you’ll see around the South Island, but you can get right up to the base, which makes it more interesting than just stopping at a roadside viewpoint.

There’s also a pool at the bottom of the falls, which you can swim in during the warmer months. I’d probably describe the water as refreshing in the same way I’d describe jumping into an ice bath as refreshing, though. It’s cold.

The setting is also a big part of the visit. You’re right in the Matukituki Valley, so the waterfall is surrounded by mountains and farmland rather than being tucked away in a forest.

The view from the grassy paddock with the waterfall falling over the cliffs.

How to get to Wishbone Falls

Wishbone Falls is around an hour from Wānaka, in the Matukituki Valley.

From Wānaka, follow Wānaka–Mount Aspiring Road towards the valley. The road starts out sealed but becomes unsealed as you head further in, so expect a slower drive towards the waterfall.

I’d give yourself plenty of time for the drive rather than thinking of Wishbone Falls as a quick trip from Wānaka. The road is part of the experience, and there are plenty of places to stop along the way.

Conditions can also change after heavy rain, so check the road conditions before you head out. The unsealed road and creek crossings further into the valley can be affected by weather.

After 49 kilometres you will see the waterfall to your left.

Where to park for Wishbone Falls

There isn’t a big designated car park for Wishbone Falls.

You park on the side of the road in a grassy area where there is space to pull over. Just make sure you’re properly off the road and aren’t blocking any gates or access.

From here, you’ll see the track that heads across the grass towards the waterfall.

The walk to Wishbone Falls

The walk is short and easy, taking around 20-30 minutes return.

From the parking area, you follow the track across private land towards the base of Wishbone Falls. It’s not a marked DOC track in the way some of the bigger walks around Wānaka are, so this is something to keep in mind when you visit.

Because the track crosses private land, be respectful while you’re there. Stick to the track, leave gates as you find them and give any livestock plenty of space.

The walk itself isn’t difficult, but the ground can be uneven as you get closer to the waterfall. I’d wear proper shoes rather than turning up in jandals, especially if it has been raining.

The nice thing is that you don’t have to walk for ages before you get there. After a short walk, you’ll reach the base of the waterfall and can spend some time looking around or having a swim.

Woman standing on a rock below wishbone falls looking up at the water falling around her.

Woman looking at the water falling down the rocks and into the pool below

Can you swim at Wishbone Falls?

There is a pool at the base of Wishbone Falls and you can swim in it.

I’d save this for a warm day because the water is very cold. I’ve seen people swimming here, but it’s definitely not a casual little dip where you’ll want to spend an hour in the water.

The rocks around the waterfall can also be slippery, so take care when you’re walking around the pool. Conditions can change after rain too, so I wouldn’t get in if the water is running high or looking rough.

If you’re not interested in swimming, the pool is still a nice place to sit for a while and have a look at the waterfall.

Is Wishbone Falls worth visiting?

I think Wishbone Falls is worth adding to your day if you’re already heading into the Matukituki Valley.

I wouldn’t drive from Wānaka just to spend 20 minutes at the waterfall. There are other places around Wānaka where you could spend the day, and the drive into the valley takes a bit of time.

But if you’re planning to explore this part of the area anyway, it’s an easy extra stop.

That’s how I’d recommend doing it. When I first visited, we came from Queenstown and made a full day out of the trip. We packed lunch, stopped at the waterfall and explored more of the area rather than treating it as the only thing we were going to see.

It also makes a good option if you’ve already got a bigger walk planned and want something easy to finish the day with.

Two women sitting and eating food on the edge of the stream with the waterfall behind them.

What else can you do near Wishbone Falls?

Rob Roy Glacier Track

Rob Roy Glacier is probably the easiest thing to combine with Wishbone Falls.

The track takes you further into the Matukituki Valley and is a much bigger walk, so you can spend most of the day hiking and then stop at Wishbone Falls afterwards.

If you’re planning to do both, I’d allow most of the day rather than trying to squeeze them into a couple of hours.

Explore the Matukituki Valley

You don’t have to have another big hike planned either.

The drive into the Matukituki Valley is worth doing for the day, especially if you haven’t explored this part of the Wānaka area before. There are plenty of places to stop, take a break and enjoy the views.

Woman standing on the edge of the pool at the bottom of the waterfall.

A short waterfall stop in the Matukituki Valley

Wishbone Falls is a good example of the sort of place I like adding to a New Zealand road trip. It isn’t a huge hike and I wouldn’t make the drive out here just for the waterfall, but it’s an easy stop if you’re already exploring the Matukituki Valley.

I originally found it because I was looking for a waterfall to visit from Queenstown, and turning it into a day trip ended up being a much better option than simply driving out and back.

If you’re heading into the valley from Wānaka, keep an eye out for the grassy parking area and add the short walk to your day. And if you’re feeling brave, bring your togs for a very cold swim at the bottom.