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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: -46.57162, 169.34898. 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
- 2.1 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 40 min return
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- Catlins coastal area
- Dog access
- Dogs on a leash only. 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 the spectacular McLean Falls though a variety of forest and shrub types.
This DOC directory entry covers McLean Falls Walk in Otago, within Catlins coastal 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: 2.1 km return via same track
- Walking time: 40 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
Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Once leaving the carpark you start your short journey through native bush that was once logged. The walk does go uphill slightly but it's still a gentle walk.
The last part of the track has had a large slip – don't stop between the rock fall signs.
The 22 metres tall waterfall is on the Tautuku river within the Catlins Conservation Park.
Getting there
Turn off Chaslands Highway onto Rewcastle Road 11.6 km south of Papatowai. It's a further 3 km to the car park.
The carpark is not suitable for large busses.
Know before you go
This track may have slips during heavy rain, wind or freeze-thaw.
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.
