McLean Falls, Waterfall in Catlins Conservation Park, New Zealand.
McLean Falls is a waterfall on the Tautuku River that cascades down in two separate stages, dropping roughly 22 meters in total. The water flows through a forested ravine, with native trees framing both the upper and lower sections of the falls.
The falls take their name from Doug McLean, an early settler who spent time bathing in these waters during the colonial period. The site became known over time as a destination where people sought out the river and its natural surroundings.
The area around the falls holds meaning for those interested in native forest ecosystems, where Rimu, Kamahi, and podocarp trees create layered canopies above the river. Walking through these woods, visitors sense how important intact forests are to understanding New Zealand's natural identity.
You can reach the falls by walking for about 40 minutes from the car park, crossing a footbridge and climbing stairs along the way. The path is straightforward and leads to viewing points for both levels of the waterfall.
Duckaday Creek joins the river just below the main falls, adding a layer to the hydrology that most visitors overlook. This meeting point shapes how the water flows further downstream in this part of the Catlins.
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