Incredible New Zealand South Island Waterfalls You Don’t Want to Miss

New Zealand is full of incredible waterfalls! In fact, it’s pretty insane, 1,500 on the South Island alone that have been marked on maps. Clearly, there’s no way to visit them all in one trip, perhaps not even a lifetime. However, the ones I saw on my eight-day road trip, I believe you cannot miss!

This amazing 131-meter (429.79 feet) waterfall can be found inside Arthur’s Pass National Park! To get to it, you’ll need to walk up the Arthur’s Pass Walking Trail, which includes around 150 steps and is a 2 km (1.24 mile) round trip.

You’ll need moderate fitness for this walk and climb. I’m not in the best shape (working on it) and did have to stop for breath before reaching the main viewing platform. In all honesty, I was also moving pretty quickly to try to beat a tour group behind me. If unable to make it to the top, you can also view the falls from a bridge lower on the path. Just be mindful of foot traffic, as the bridge is narrow and others will pass through to continue up the trail.

Once at the top, it is stunning! If you’re more adventurous, there is an unpaved climb further up the mountain. You’ll see signs before getting to the main viewpoint. I did not continue up this path, but it is an option.

Roaring Billy is a 30-meter (98.43 feet) cascade waterfall that, while beautiful on its own, is not the only fascinating part of this site. To get to the waterfall, you need to walk down a green, tree-laden path that feels like you’re in a fairytale.

The walk from the car park is about 1 km (0.62 miles) and is not wheelchair friendly. The water in the river is an unbelievable shade of blue, and the contrast between the white rocks, the water, and the fall is absolutely stunning.

Thunder Creek Falls is a 28-meter (92 feet) waterfall that cascades into the Haast River. To get there, you need to walk from the car park about 200 (656 feet) meters to a viewing platform. The walk is filled with native silver beech and kāmahi forest! Once you reach the falls, there is a set of stairs you can go down if you’re able.

It can be quite rocky, so watch your footing! However, if you can get closer, it’s an absolutely beautiful view.