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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: -46.60345, 169.01904. 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
- 6.5 km loop
- Walking time
- 3 hours
- Track grade
- Advanced
- 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
This is a rugged tramping track through rainforest up to two waterfalls. This track connects to Forest Walk Track.
This DOC directory entry covers Waipohatu Waterfalls Track 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: 6.5 km loop
- Walking time: 3 hours
- DOC grade: Advanced
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
This track is connected to the Forest Walk which brings you out at a second car park area where you can choose to progress to the Waipohatu Waterfalls Track.
The waterfall track climbs through stunning rain forest up to two breath-taking falls and back down through the bush to the picnic area.
Getting there
From SH1 in Invercargill travel 70 km south-west for approximately one hour. Follow Southern Scenic Route, Fortrose-Otara Road and Otara-Haldane Road to Tokanui-Haldane Road in Tokanui.
Continue on Tokanui-Haldane Road. Drive to Waipohatu Road. Follow gravel road for 1 km into the carpark.
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.
