The beauty of hiking in New Zealand lies in the variety of waterfall tracks in Canterbury that offer unique and scenic trails to explore. There are plenty of mountain tracks to climb up but hidden throughout are also easier waterfall tracks. I wouldn’t say Canterbury is home to the most amazing waterfalls like the Catlins or some of those in the North Island, but it’s nice switching things up on the trail.
This post explores 8 short waterfall tracks in Canterbury. I’ve included a brief information for each but be sure to check the Department of Conservation’s website to keep up to date on any track closures.
Ryde Falls
Ryde Falls was my first waterfall track in Canterbury that I did when I first came to New Zealand at the beginning of 2017. As a complete newbie to anything that wasn’t flat, this track was fantastic and I have found myself going back when I want a shorter easier hike. There are a few sections going up and down, but they do not last long and each time there is a lengthy recovery period of flat track.
I didn’t realize it but this is a very popular track in the Selwyn district. I started earlier at 8:30 in the morning but when I got back to the car park there were at least 15 vehicles there and I passed even more people on the track.
The great thing though about getting to Ryde Falls is that there are a couple of options for length and difficulty depending on how you’re feeling. The easiest route is to start is at the View Hill car park and continue on the Wharfedale/Ryde Falls track. You can do this track as an in and back taking about 2.5 to 3 hours return and 6 km in total. The track is well-formed at the beginning and in some places turns to a rooted path. It was fairly easy to navigate with only a few short steep sections.
Important things to note: bring bug spray for the sandlies at the waterfall. This track can also get quite muddy so I recommend wearing hiking boots.
View Hill to Ryde Falls: ~80 meter gain | 6 km return | 2.5-3 hour return
The only real downside to this option is that to get to the car park you need to cross a ford and there are 4 or 5 gates to open and close. If there’s not much water, the ford is doable to cross in a small car but if there’s been a lot of rain, I wouldn’t risk it. A 4WD is advised.
The other option is still starting from the View Hill car park but taking the link track to form a loop track to Ryde Falls. This is one I have done recently and it took approximately 2.5 hours and was undulating. My favourite part of this track was the beautiful fern ‘field’s alongside the track.
View Hill to Ryde Falls via Link track loop: ~80 meter gain | 6 km return | 2.5-3 hour return
How to get there: Turn off SH72 onto Woodstock Road. Follow this for 10 km then turn into Ingrams Road, then left on to Limeworks Road, which becomes Perhams Road. There is a sign indicating to turn off to get to the start of the Wharfedale Track where the View Hill car park is located.
The last option would be to start from Cooper’s Creek car park which I haven’t done yet. This is a longer track taking closer to 5-6 hours and 14 km.
Coopers Creek to Ryde Falls: ~80 meter gain | 14 km return | 5.5-7hour return
How to get there: Turn off SH72 onto Woodside Road. Follow this for 7 km, then turn into Mountain Road. Coopers Creek car park is at the end of that road.
Washpen Falls
~280 meter gain | 6.4 km return | 1.5-2 hour return
Washpen Falls is one of the most diverse waterfall tracks in Canterbury. I’ve also included this one in my top beginner hikes in Canterbury post because frankly it’s just such a good one to do and one you don’t want to miss. The track is a loop track with all sorts of variety throughout. From walking through the forest, caves, alpine scrub, and along a ridge you won’t get bored. This one has a lot more sections of undulating track but is still quite easy to navigate.
The first part of the track starts through native bush climbing upwards before leveling off and reaching ‘the top’. This is where you get the best views over the Canterbury plains. It is a great spot for a bite to eat and to take photos.
This track is one of the few that has a fee. Reason for this is that it is on private land. The owners do a lot of track maintenance and upkeep so it’s accessible and safe for visitors. You’ll see how great the track conditions are when you go! The fees are $10 for adults, $5 for kids.
How to get there
Turn onto Washpen Falls Road off of State highway 77. There is a large mailbox at the end of the road. Follow the road to the end where you’ll see plenty of space to park.
Devils Punchbowl
103 meter gain |1.8 km return | 45 mins- 1 hour return
The Devil’s Punchbowl waterfall is located in Arthurs Pass National Park and stands at 131 meteres tall. One of the most straightforward waterfall tracks in Canterbury with the biggest waterfall. The track has well-maintained paths, wooden staircases, and is a steady incline through lush beech forest before reaching a wooden viewing platform.
This track offers great views for a smaller effort. It’s a great place to stop if you’re passing through Arthurs Pass and need a leg stretch or if you’re just in the mood for some easy exploring.
How to get there
The car park to the falls is right off the highway in the town of Arthurs Pass. There are signs and it would be difficult to miss it.
Newton’s waterfall
Newton’s Waterfall in Akaroa is a hidden gem just a short walk from the town center. This easy 10–15 minute return track leads through lush native bush to a small waterfall. The peaceful setting, surrounded by birdsong and greenery, makes it a perfect quick escape into nature.
It’s important to know that it is possible in dryer years there’s not much too this waterfall. If you can, go after a good rainfall or in the fall and winter months where there’s likely to be more rainfall.
If you park at the end of the road the walk to the falls is only about 15-20 minutes. You can walk to it from town though extending your walk. The road that the beginning of the track is located on is steep so there’s options for however long you want to walk.
How to get there:
Head down Rue Jolie until you reach an intersection with Aylmers Valley Rd. Turn left onto Aylmers Valley Rd and follow it till its end. There is a car park at the end of the road with a track sign. Alternatively, park at the beginning of Aylmers Valley Road and walk up.
Acland, Emily and Rata Falls
There are 3 waterfalls in Peel Forest, Rata, Acland and Emily Falls. All three are a relaxing escape into nature with tracks through lush native bush.
Acland Falls: 80 meter gain | 1 km return | 45 mins- 1 hour return
Acland Falls is the easiest one to get to and the easiest to photograph. There are a few steeper parts at the beginning of the track before descending down to the falls but overall is an easy family friendly waterfall track.
How to get there
Turn onto Bridge Street from Highway 72 (Inland Scenic route) then turn right onto Pratt Street. This then turns into Peel Forest road. Follow the road and stay right to get onto Rangitata Gorge Road. The start for the tracks will be on the left hand side of the road. There are places to park but no toilets.
Rata Falls: 140 meter gain |3 km return | 1.5-2 hour return
Emily and Rata Falls start on the same track but then split at the fork. To reach Rata Falls, take the right branch which leads to the Rata Stream. Cross the stream and follow it upstream until it reaches the waterfall. This is the most impressive waterfall out of the three.
Emily Falls: 90 meter gain | 2 km return | 1 hour return
To reach Emily Falls, follow the left-hand branch, which descends downhill, then continues along the riverbed for about 200 meters before climbing up the hillside. Emily Falls is tucked within a gorge, making it partially obscured and challenging to photograph.
How to get there
Turn onto Bridge Street from Highway 72 (Inland Scenic route) then turn right onto Ferry Rd and follow it for the next 7.5km. Turn right onto Peel Forest Rd, then turn left onto Blandswood Road. Turn right onto Lookout Road (unsealed) and there is a car park on your left with tracks signs.
Sharplin Falls
~88 meter gain |2.6 km return | 45 mins- 1 hour return
The Sharplin Falls Track, nestled in the foothills of Mount Somers in Mid Canterbury is a family friendly easy hike through lush native beech forest. The well-maintained gravel path features gentle inclines, making it accessible for beginners and those seeking a leisurely walk.
There are two bridges to cross along the trails giving beautiful views along the river and the surrounding mountain landscapes. The area is rich in native flora and fauna, with opportunities to spot bird species such as piwakawaka (fantail), kererū (wood pigeon), and the miromiro (tomtit). The track finishes at a viewing platform with a picnic table overlooking Sharplin Falls.
Originally closed in 2017 due to earthquake damage, the track was reopened in 2023 after extensive restoration efforts led by the Mt Somers Walkway Society. Their dedication involved countless volunteer hours and community fundraising, resulting in a safe and enjoyable trail that highlights the natural beauty of the region.
How to get there
The track is located in the Sharplin Falls Reserve on Flynn’s Road, Staveley. Turn off Highway 72 at Staveley, pass the cafe on Boyd’s road and turn onto Flynn’s Road. Follow that road to the end which takes you to the carpark.
Other waterfalls around New Zealand
Coal Creek Falls in Hokitika
There are certainly more around the country. My other favourites include Coal Creek Falls on the west coast and McLean Falls in the Catlins.
