Exploring McLean Falls in the Catlins
McLean Falls, located on the Tautuku River in the Catlins, is a captivating destination on the Southern Scenic Route. This multi-level waterfall, standing at 22 metres, is a highlight of the area and a wonderful rainforest experience for those who make the short walk.
Walking to the Falls
From the car park and the end of Rewcastle Road, a 20-minute walk through a regenerating forest takes you to the waterfall. The track is easy and gravelled, slightly uphill but manageable for most people.
Along the way, you'll encounter smaller waterfalls, including one known as The Chute. Near the end of the track, a sign warns against stopping due to the risk of rockfalls, but a safe viewing platform is located just beyond this point.
Forest Flora
The regenerating forest surrounding the track is rich with unique plant life. Early on, you might spot the hakeke, or tree daisy, which is rare on forest tracks and blooms with small daisy flowers in early summer. The colourful horopito, with its green and red leaves, adds vibrancy to the forest margins. You can even taste its spicy, pepper-like flavour by chewing on the leaves. As you progress, the forest transitions into a typical Catlins rainforest, featuring large kōtukutuku (fuchsia trees) and twisted kamahi, all draped in moss and lichen.
Historical Insights
Along the track, you will find an obituary for Alexander McLean, after whom the falls are named. He provided access to the falls before there was a formed track and had a generally interesting life. At the start of the track, you will cross a footbridge over Duckaday Creek. This was named after another Mclean, early settler Doug McLean, who would bathe there.
Local Amenities
As you turn onto Rewcastle Road, you'll notice a commercial campground and cafe/restaurant on the left. This is the only dining and camping facility available in the Catlins between Papatowai and Curio Bay.
Getting to McLean Falls
From Owaka, take the Southern Scenic Route to west of Tautuku Bay to the intersection with Rewcastle Road. Turn onto Rewcastle Road. Drive 3 km down this gravel road through farmland to reach the McLean Falls car park at the forest's edge. From there, the track to the falls begins. The drive from Owaka takes 44 minutes and is 41 km.
Nearby attractions include the Cathedral Caves, the Tautuku Bay Nature Walk, the Lake Wilkie Walk, the Tautuku Estuary Walk to the east, and Koropuku Falls further to the west.
