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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -41.85889, 172.25294. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 250 m return via same track
- Walking time
- 10 min return
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- Murchison area
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Walk to a waterfall created following the 1929 Murchison earthquake. It's not safe to swim here.
This DOC directory entry covers Maruia Falls Track in Tasman, within Murchison area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 250 m return via same track
- Walking time: 10 min return
- DOC grade: Easiest
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
From the car park, the track descends to the Maruia River bank. From here there is an excellent viewpoint of the falls, which were created following the 1929 earthquake.
Return via the same track.
Getting there
The track is accessed from SH65, 23 km south of Murchison.
Know before you go
Keep to the track
Do not climb over the barrier above the falls – it is for your safety. Lives have been lost.
It's not safe to swim here
People have drowned when swimming here. Do not enter the water above or below the falls. There is no safe swimming at Maruia Falls.
Wasps and sandflies
Wasps can be a nuisance, particularly from December until April. Carry antihistamine if you are allergic to their stings.
Sandflies: The presence of biting sandflies can detract from your experience in Murchison, especially during the summer months. The problem can be easily remedied by coating exposed skin with a good quality insect repellent.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
