McLean Falls

McLean Falls is the highest waterfall in the Catlins at around twenty-two metres, and unlike Purakaunui it is not a single photogenic tier but a sequence: the track follows the Tautuku River up a fern-walled gorge past cascades and a lower fall, then climbs a set of steps to the main drop, which comes down a steep rock face in two stages with a broad spread at the bottom. The walk is about forty minutes return, and the honest note is that it climbs steadily and has more steps than the Catlins' other falls - people who have done Purakaunui first sometimes expect the same stroll. The forest is dense podocarp and tree fern, wet and mossy year round because this coast gets consistent rain. It is on the same day loop as Cathedral Caves and Curio Bay, and since the caves are tide-locked, the falls are usually the thing done while waiting for the tide.

What you actually see

• The main drop - around twenty-two metres in two stages.
• The fern gorge - the track up the Tautuku River past cascades.
• The lower fall - on the way up, before the steps.
• The wet podocarp forest - moss and tree fern throughout.

When to go

October to April; heavier after rain. It pairs naturally with Cathedral Caves - do the falls while waiting for the cave tide window.

Honest expectations

It climbs steadily with a lot of steps - harder than the other Catlins falls. The track is often muddy and the rocks slippery. Access road partly unsealed. Sandflies in the gorge.

Nearby

Cathedral Caves and Curio Bay are south; Purakaunui Falls is north.