Matai Falls, 97-meter waterfall in Catlins Forest Park, New Zealand.
The waterfall drops over a rectangular rocky ledge surrounded by podocarp trees and native broadleaf forests in the Clutha District coastal area.
The construction of sealed roads in the late 1990s increased access to Matai Falls while maintaining the natural character of this South Island location.
The Department of Conservation manages this natural site within the Catlins region, preserving its environment for future generations to experience.
Visitors can reach the waterfall through a 1.6-kilometer round trip walk from the designated parking area on the Southern Scenic Route.
A connecting path leads to the nearby Horseshoe Falls, creating a dual waterfall experience within the same forest environment.
Location: Clutha District
Elevation above the sea: 97 m
GPS coordinates: -46.50308,169.48918
Latest update: March 12, 2025 12:22
New Zealand provides photographic subjects ranging from the Southern Alps to sand beaches on both coastlines. The landscape includes thermal springs in Rotorua, glaciers like Franz Josef and Tasman, and fjords in Fiordland. Mount Cook dominates the alpine region while the Coromandel Peninsula holds beaches including Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing traverses volcanic terrain and Mount Taranaki rises above Taranaki. Coastal formations like the Moeraki Boulders, Split Apple Rock and Nugget Point demonstrate geological variety. Natural waterfalls including Purakaunui Falls and Whangarei Falls sit among native forests. Cultural sites complement the natural geography. The Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata displays the film location from the Tolkien adaptation. Larnach Castle near Dunedin represents colonial architecture. Te Puia and Wai-O-Tapu demonstrate geothermal activity with geysers and colored pools. Waitomo Caves contains glowworm caverns. Lake Tekapo offers clear night skies for stargazing. Viewpoints like Roy's Peak near Wanaka and Queenstown Hill sit above lake landscapes. Remote regions including Cape Reinga at the northern tip and Cape Palliser in the Wairarapa show different coastal environments. The Forgotten World Highway crosses historic mountain country on the North Island.
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