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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: -44.03743, 169.36620. 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
- 200 m return via same track
- Walking time
- 5 min return
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- Mount Aspiring National Park
- 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
A short bush walk to a viewing platform showcasing the 28 m high Thunder Creek Falls.
This DOC directory entry covers Thunder Creek Falls in Otago, within Mount Aspiring National Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 200 m return via same track
- Walking time: 5 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.
Predator control for Mt Aspiring National Park; First published on 16 September 2025. Last reviewed on 6 October 2026.
Lower platform closed at Thunder Creek Falls; First published on 9 June 2026. Last reviewed on 31 August 2026.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
An easy walk on a sealed track that passes through kāmahi and silver beech forest to a viewing platform above the Haast River. It has great views of the spectacular, 28 m high Thunder Creek Falls on the other side.
Getting there
The car park for Thunder Creek Falls is located on the Haast Highway (SH6), 50 km south of Haast township.
Know before you go
The nearest toilet facilities are located at the Pleasant Flat Campsite, 5 km north along SH6.
No visitor centre in Makarora
Contact the Awarua/Haast or Tititea/Mount Aspiring National Park visitor centres instead.
No drones
Flying a drone without a permit is strictly prohibited.
Drone use on conservation land
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.
