Fantail Falls

Fantail Falls is a waterfall in Mount Aspiring National Park that cascades down a rocky cliff and spreads into a fan-like shape. The water flows into the clear waters of the Haast River below, creating a focal point where creek and river meet.

A hydroelectric power plant once operated at the base of the falls during the 1930s to provide electricity for nearby road construction projects. This industrial use is now gone, and the site has returned to its natural state.

The surrounding forest displays native New Zealand trees and ferns that create the backdrop for the falls. Visitors walking through this woodland can see how the landscape has remained largely unchanged for generations.

The falls are reached by a short walk from State Highway 6, with clear signs pointing the way from the parking area. The ground near the base can be wet and slippery depending on weather conditions, so sturdy footwear is advisable.

The waterfall takes its name from the distinctive fan shape the water forms as it descends the rocky face. This shape results from how the water hits and spreads across the rock surface during its fall.