Wakefield Falls

Mt Cook (Aoraki) / Mackenzie, South Island, New Zealand

About Wakefield Falls

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Waterfall Safety and Common Sense

Wakefield Falls was perhaps the most prominent of all the named waterfalls that we were aware of in the vicinity of the great Mt Cook (Aoraki was its Maori name).

Indeed, this waterfall was our waterfalling excuse to talk about New Zealand’s highest mountain as our visit here was centered around being close to this impressive mountain, which was surrounded by both the Hooker and Tasman Glaciers.

Mt_Cook_116_12222009 - Wakefield Falls
Wakefield Falls

The falls tumbled down the mountainside in three prominent drops with a handful more smaller cascades sprinked throughout.

Taken together, Wakefield Falls appeared like a tall and slender mountain cascade, especially when viewed from a distance.

Experiencing Wakefield Falls

While there were some fairly strenuous hikes in the area to see Aoraki in different ways, Julie and I were able to witness Wakefield Falls from right off the road.

We were aware of its presence from studying our Tumonz map prior to making our visit.

Mt_Cook_027_12212009 - The dirty Tasman Glacier when we showed up in December 2009. I'd imagine it's significantly more melted now with Global Warming
The dirty Tasman Glacier when we showed up in December 2009. I’d imagine it’s significantly more melted now with Global Warming

It was a good thing we did that because when we got to the falls, there didn’t seem to be signage nor any other indicators pointing out its whereabouts.

So I’d imagine that most casual visitors could easily miss this waterfall.

Perhaps this was why it seemed to be pretty unknown and obscure when we made our visit here in December 2009.

Even though this was essentially a roadside waterfall, we were tempted to get closer to the falls for an up-close and personal experience.

Mt_Cook_114_12222009 - Full context of the Wakefield Falls as seen from the road
Full context of the Wakefield Falls as seen from the road

However, our off-trail scrambling only went so far as we ultimately decided against crossing the stream to get even closer to the base of the twisting mountain cascade.

Besides, I was also feeling guilty about tramping on what looked to be fragile bush and grass that may take years to grow back.

Wakefield Falls only revealing parts of itself

Due to the twisting nature of the Wakefield Falls, it was hard to get a complete view.

There was always some part of the falls concealing itself due to cliff or mountain slopes getting in the way.

Mt_Cook_103_12222009 - Wakefield Falls seemingly showing only parts of itself during its twisting tumble
Wakefield Falls seemingly showing only parts of itself during its twisting tumble

Generally, the further from the falls we were, the better we could appreciate both its context and its height.

Indeed, this was a nice add-on attraction since it was on the way to the Tasman Glacier (see directions below).

Best Lighting on Wakefield Falls

Having been to Wakefield Falls twice during our December 2009 visit, we must warn that the best time to photograph the falls would be early in the morning.

During that time, we got soft morning backlighting without nearly as many shadows causing problems.

Mt_Cook_032_12212009 - Looking against the afternoon sun at the Wakefield Falls
Looking against the afternoon sun at the Wakefield Falls

During the late afternoon on our first look at this falls the day before, we looked right into the sun.

That casted some nasty shadows against the bright sun, which filled the surrounding depression in which the falls tumbled through.

Authorities

Wakefield Falls resides in the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park near Mt Cook Village in the Canterbury 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 subscribers. See Membership Options.
Content is for subscribers. See Membership Options.
Tagged with: mt cook, mount cook, aoraki, mackenzie, canterbury, south island, new zealand, waterfall, hermitage, southern alps



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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.