Explore two easily accessible waterfalls stemming from the Matai Stream in The Catlins.
Visiting Matai Falls in the Catlins is a worthwhile stop on any Catlins road trip. This waterfall actually caught me by surprise, having missed it on my research of the area and only spotting the waterfall sign spontaneously on the side of the road.
I was double-surprised to find out that there are actually two waterfalls at this location; Matai Falls and Horseshoe Falls. These are two separate levels of the same stream, but both are worthy of a quick visit.
How to Get to Matai & Horseshoe Falls
The Matai Falls carpark is located located in Table Hill Scenic Reserve on the Papatowai Highway. The carpark is approximately halfway between Papatowai and Owaka.
Location: Matai Falls Car Park
You won't have any trouble finding the waterfall as the signs for the car park are well-marked.
If you're coming from Owaka, (or Dunedin) I'd recommend also taking the short detour to Purakaunaui Falls, which is only 15-20 minutes away.
Walking to the Waterfalls
- Distance: 1.2 km return
- Walk Difficulty: Very Easy
After leaving our car in the car park, we were in for a fairly short 10-minute walk through a beautiful native podocarp and broadleaf forest.
The track is very well maintained and accessible for every fitness level.
After walking for a few minutes, you'll come to a junction where you can continue straight or turn left.
Turning left will take you to the lower waterfall; Matai Falls, and continuing on will lead to the top waterfall; Horseshoe Falls. Both tracks are short and easy to access.
Tip: This walk is dog-friendly.
Get Clean Drinking Water on Your Hike
I take the Grayl GeoPress Purifier Bottle on every hike and use it as my go-to source for filtering water all over the world. I've even used it to drink tap water in India!
Compare how the GeoPress stacks up against the best water bottle filters on the market.
Reaching Matai Falls
Waterfall Height: 10 m
The first waterfall is Matai Falls, a 10 m, plunging waterfall in a small clearing. There is a small wooden viewing platform where you can get a good glimpse of the waterfall and snap some shots.
Although it's not technically on the track, I detoured off to get a glimpse of Matai Falls from above by walking through some shrubs and down to the stream.
However, if you do this, make sure to be careful as the rocks are very slippery and the waterfall drop is steep.
Getting to Horseshoe Falls
Waterfall Height: 10 m
Following the right track, you can continue a short ascent to the upper waterfall level; Horseshoe Falls.
In my opinion, Horseshoe Falls was more impressive than the lower Matai Falls. Although they're both beautiful waterfalls, Horseshoe Falls was surrounded by trickling streams from all sides.
The waterfall itself is not huge, its stream is wide and gentle, which makes it fun to photograph.
After walking down the stream a bit further I was also able to get some nice light looking back up at Horseshoe Falls.
I hope you found this guide to Matai Falls and Horseshoe Falls helpful.
If you're looking for more waterfalls or adventures to be had in the Catlins, make sure to check out the list of free guides below, or read this blog for a full list of things to do in the Catlins.
- 36 Amazing Places to Visit in the South Island - my most comprehensive travel guide that is useful to help you find the best places to visit on your trip to the South Island
- Top Things to Do in Queenstown: Explore Queenstown's top hikes, epic adrenaline activities, and hidden gems.
- South Island's Best Hikes: I hiked over 50 trails in New Zealand. Here's my curated list of the most breathtaking hikes across New Zealand's South Island.
- Arthur's Pass Travel Guide: Dive into the heart of Arthur's Pass with my guide to the best places to visit.
- Best Mount Cook National Park Hikes: A hiking guide to the most scenic trails beneath Mount Cook.
- Best Views of Mount Cook: Discover the top spots to witness New Zealand's Aoraki peak in all its glory.
- Epic Things to do at Milford Sound: Explore 21 unique ideas get inspired to visit Milford Sound!
- Catlins' Hidden Gems: Uncover the Catlins' best-kept secrets, from waterfalls to wild coastlines.
- Accommodation Resources: Plan where to stay in Queenstown and discover the amazing Tekapo Lake Hotels.
