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McLean Falls

Catlins Conservation Park / Catlins Coastal Area, South Island, New Zealand

About McLean Falls

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McLean Falls was one probably either our favourite or second-most favourite waterfall in the Catlins Forest Park or Southern Scenic Drive (the other waterfall was Purakaunui Falls).

What attracted us to this falls was its interesting shape and size as it plunged in a classic skinny rectangular drop before cascading further downstream over another tier.

McLean_Falls_016_12012004 - McLean Falls
McLean Falls

I believe the cumulative height of this waterfall was said to be 22m.

Nevertheless, we also enjoyed the quiet naturesque experience as we made our visit early in the morning after some pretty crazy weather the previous night was clearing up.

Trailhead signage said that the hike was 40 minutes round trip and it was pretty much spot on.

The track was pretty easy to walk as a sign here said that it was improved upon by work done by some local school kids.

McLean_Falls_004_12012004 - The lower drops of McLean Falls just downstream of the main drop
The lower drops of McLean Falls just downstream of the main drop

In any case, we initially passed through a cattle maze, then crossed a bridge over the creek before the track continued gently uphill for most of the way surrounded by lush bush scenery.

When we encountered the lower cascades, a sign pointed the way to keep going up as we encountered the first of two switchbacks.

Eventually, the track ended at a railing with a frontal view of the pretty falls.

We did some careful scrambling on a flat rock behind us for a slightly more elevated look at McLean Falls without the railings in our shots.

Authorities

McLean Falls resides in both the Catlins Conservation Park and Catlins Coastal Area near Invercargill in the Otago region of South Island, New Zealand. It is administered under the jurisdiction of the Department of Conservation. For information or inquiries about the area as well as current conditions, visit their website.

Maps and Routing Content are for annual members. See Membership Options.
Content is for members. See Membership Options.
Tagged with: catlins, southern scenic route, invercargill, papatowai, balclutha, dunedin, otago, south island, new zealand, waterfall, rewcastle, chaslands, florence hill



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Johnny Cheng

About Johnny Cheng

Johnny Cheng is the founder of the World of Waterfalls and author of the award-winning A Guide to New Zealand Waterfalls. Over the last 2 decades, he has visited thousands of waterfalls in over 40 countries around the world and nearly 40 states in the USA.
Read More About Johnny | A Guide to New Zealand Waterfalls.