There's no lack of choice for waterfalls to visit and photograph in New Zealand. Research online shows over 220 named waterfalls in the country from one end to the other, so you could potentially spend years trying to see them all!

While this list could stretch to many more, I've chosen these Top 10 NZ Waterfalls based on several reasons:

Ease of access, e.g. how easy they are to get to
How photogenic they are: composition choices, or how impressive their surrounding area is
Proximity to other locations of interest in the area

Before you go - Some Quick Field Tips

Waterfalls reward preparation and patience. A few small choices and knowledge will make a big difference to your results.

Shoot in the best light

Cloudy days are ideal
Early morning or late afternoon works well
Avoid direct sun on the water (harsh contrast + blown highlights)

Use a polarising filter

Reduces glare on wet rocks and water
Deepens greens in foliage
Cuts surface reflections
Adds sky definition when clouds are present

Add an ND filter if the light is too bright (3–6 stop)

Slows shutter speed
Creates silky water motion
Helps balance bright conditions

Tripod = essential since long exposures require stability!

Important Access & Safety Note

New Zealand’s weather changes fast, which means waterfalls can change with it.

Heavy rain can:

Transform water volume overnight
Flood access tracks
Cause slips and closures
Permanently alter viewing areas

Never assume that a track is going to be open! Always check official access pages before visiting. I’ve included track status links for each location so you can plan safely.

Also our extreme environment can mean that conditions change irreversibly from natural disasters. Take the opportunity to take the shot as you never know what might happen in the future!

Here are the Top 10 Waterfalls in NZ to photograph (from north to south):

1. Whangārei Falls, Northland

Walking distance: 5-15 minutes one way via easy loop track

Why it makes the list: Composition variety + excellent access

Check current status: Whangārei Falls

Whangārei Falls is one of the most composition-friendly waterfalls in the country. You can shoot it from above, below, side-on, and from downstream, all within a short loop walk that is close to the city.

Highlights for photographers:

Multiple shooting angles
Easy access to river foregrounds
Strong framing from rocks and foliage
Reliable year-round flow

My favourite composition is from the downstream right-hand rocks looking upstream toward the falls as they create strong leading lines and layered depth.

Note: Bridge viewpoints are usable, but vibration from foot traffic when it is busy does make long exposures tricky.

Seasonal change here is very noticeable too - moss, rock exposure, and riverbanks can look completely different between visits.

Also nearby: Rainbow Falls, Piroa Falls

For more on Northland waterfalls visit: NZ's Best Waterfalls: Northland and Waikato

2. Owharoa Falls, Coromandel

Walking distance: 1 min one way

Why it makes the list: Ultra-accessible + night-shoot potential

Check current status: Owharoa Falls

Owharoa Falls is one of the easiest waterfall locations in NZ to reach, just steps from the road but still highly photogenic.

It works perfectly to combine with a visit to other Karangahake Gorge walks, making it an efficient stop on a photography day trip to the area.

Best shooting notes:

Visit after recent rain for good flow
Avoid peak summer dry periods and busy summer days as people are often swimming directly below the falls
Works well for night sky / astro compositions
Compact scene = easy framing

Water flow varies a lot here, aim for winter, spring, or directly after rain.

Also nearby: Waiau Falls

For more on Coromandel waterfalls, visit: NZ's Best Waterfalls: Coromandel & Bay of Plenty

3. Bridal Veil Falls, Waikato

Walking distance: 10 min (top of waterfall), 20 min (base) one way

Why it makes the list: Multiple viewpoints + reliable flow

Check current status: Bridal Veil Falls

One of the Waikato’s most photogenic waterfalls, and one my favourites! Bridal Veil Falls offers three distinct shooting levels, each with a different visual story, however I rate the best viewpoint for photography at the mid-level platform.

Mid-level platform: layered forest framing, cliff backdrop, and more shelter from wind and spray

Top platform: Wider context, more sky inclusion, but often windy

Base platform: Powerful perspective, risk of constant spray, plus 250 steps down (and back up!)

Unlike many waterfalls, this one rarely runs low, which is a big plus for trip planning. And a bonus is that on sunny days you can sometimes capture a rainbow at the base, one of the few exceptions where direct sun can work beautifully with a waterfall scene.

Also in the region: Marokopa Falls, Wairere Falls, Omaru Falls, Waitanguru Falls

For more on Waikato waterfalls visit: NZ's Best Waterfalls: Northland and Waikato

4. Tarawera Falls, Bay of Plenty

Walking distance: 20 min (main falls) 45 mins (top track) one way

Access: Permit required for the road from Kawerau Information Centre, weekends only. Boat access available from Lake Tarawera.

Why it makes the list: Unique geology + epic setting

Check current status: Tarawera Falls

Tarawera Falls is one of the most unique waterfall systems in NZ, as it is fed by underground channels from Lake Tarawera, and emerges dramatically through rock faces.

What makes it special:

Underground-fed waterfall system
Multiple upper and lower cascades
Aqua-blue river approach
Excellent full-day photography excursion

Spray can be intense at the base, so longer focal lengths from further back often work better.

You should plan a full day here rather than a quick stop, as the closest town is 1.5 hours drive away (Rotorua).

When a lot of water is flowing the top waterfall will be going, but if lake levels are low and there hasn't been much rain, you might find only the bottom sections are flowing. The walk in is beautiful along a serene, clear aqua coloured river (which reminds me of The Blue Spring), and if you have the time to spend I highly recommend taking the track further and going up to the higher waterfalls up the hill, they are impressive in their own right too.

I have loved my two visits here so much that I wrote an entire blog post on this location, for more info check out:

5 Reasons Why Tarawera Falls is NZ's Most Epic Waterfall Location

Other waterfalls in the Bay of Plenty worth visiting: Kaiate Falls, McLaren Falls, Kerosene Creek, Okere Falls, Whataroa Falls

For more on Bay of Plenty waterfalls visit: NZ's Best Waterfalls: Coromandel and Tauranga

5. Tawhai Falls

Walking distance: 10 min one way

Why it makes the list: Forest setting + astro potential

Check current status: Tawhai Falls

Tawhai Falls is most amous as “Gollum’s Pool” from Lord of the Rings, but it is still worth visiting on photographic merit alone, providing a compact, forest-framed, and compositionally strong setting.

Best features:

River leading lines
Dark forest contrast
Easy positioning options
Excellent night sky location

Because of the Central Plateau’s dark skies, this is a fantastic astrophotography waterfall location, both Milky Way and star trailswork well here.

Space is limited though, so try to avoid middle of the day shots.

My favourite view is from the rocks at the base of the stairs, as the river flows nicely through the frame. You can also climb through the bush to get closer and more direct viewpoints of the top pool and waterfall as well.

Other waterfalls in the area worth visiting: Taranaki Falls, Waitonga Falls, Mangawhero Falls, Huka Falls

And now we head down to the South Island......

6. Devils Punchbowl Falls

Walking distance: 30-45 min one way (with a reasonable amount of elevation and stairs, this is no walk in the park)

Why it makes the list: Height, drama, alpine setting

Check current status: Devils Punchbowl Falls

Devils Punchbowl Falls is one of the most dramatic alpine waterfalls in New Zealand, dropping 131 metres down a steep mountainside in Arthur’s Pass National Park. The walk in is part of the photographic experience, river crossings, beech forest, and framed valley views give you multiple shooting opportunities before you even reach the main platform.

Photography highlights:

Tall, narrow cascade gives strong vertical compositions
Forest framing opportunities
Mist and spray add atmosphere
Excellent after rain

The final viewing platform puts you close enough to feel the power of the falls, but far enough back for wide-composition shots.

Nearby photo locations: Otira Viaduct (for kea sighting opportunities), Castle Hill, Cave Stream, Avalanche Creek (another waterfall)

The walk to Devils Punchbowl Falls first skirts the Bealey River before crossing it, and soon after another bridge takes you over Devils Punchbowl Creek, with some lovely glimpses up the valley of the waterfall cascading down. From here, the walk heads into beautiful alpine beech forest and you begin to climb the 150 metres up to the lookout. The sight of the waterfall from the viewing platform is impressive, particularly with the steep river cascading down right underneath where you are standing.

Devils Punchbowl Falls have a 131 metre drop, which also makes them one of the tallest waterfalls on this list.

7. Thunder Creek Falls

Walking distance: 5 min one way

Why it makes the list: Colour contrast + road trip access

Check current status: Thunder Creek Falls

Thunder Creek Falls is one of the best quick-stop waterfall photography locations in NZ, found deep in Haast Pass which links the West Coast with Otago. Just minutes from the road, it pairs a tall white cascade with the vivid blue tones of the Haast River on a perpendicular journey, providing an incredible colour contrast to capture.

Best shooting conditions:

Bright overcast for colour saturation
After rain for stronger flow
Sunny mist conditions for rainbows

It’s an ideal Haast Pass photography stop, quick to reach, reliable, and compositionally clean.

BUT be prepared for sandflies, they are often relentless here.

Nearby photo stops: Fantail Falls, Roaring Billy Falls, Gates of Haast, Wilson Creek

8. McLean Falls

Walking distance: 20 min one way

Why it makes the list: Multiple cascades + composition variety

Check currrent status: McLean Falls

McLean Falls is widely considered one of the most photogenic waterfalls in the entire South Island. One morning when I visited, the first few hundred metres of the walk through the bush serenaded me with some of the loudest birdsong I've ever heard which I’ll never forget.

Unlike single-drop falls, McLean offers layered cascades, giving photographers multiple framing and focal length options.

Photography strengths:

Upper and lower falls compositions
Mossy forest environment
Misty morning light potential
Long exposure friendly

Adventurous photographers can climb higher to isolate the top waterfall flow in a composition, but this route is steep and exposed and can be slippery, so only attempt it if you are up for the challenge and sure-footed.

I really like the lower waterfall as the setting is quite magical, especially when it is combined combined with misty, sunlight filtering through.

Plan to take your time here, it is a spot that rewards exploration. And since you're already in the area, it's easy to make a whole day of it to explore Purakaunui Falls (below) too.

Nearby waterfalls: Purakaunui Falls, Matai Falls, Horseshoe Falls

For more on Catlins waterfalls visit: NZ's Best Waterfalls: The Catlins

9. Purakaunui Falls

Walking distance: 10 min one way

Why it makes the list: Iconic three-tier structure

Check current status: Purakaunui Falls

Purakaunui Falls is one of New Zealand’s most recognisable waterfalls, and it is even featured on a postage stamp for good reason. It has a wide, three-tiered structure that makes it compositionally different from most vertical-drop waterfalls.

Best for:

Layered long exposures
Symmetrical framing
Classic NZ waterfall scenes
Wide and mid-range focal lengths

Flow varies greatly from season to season, so aim for winter, spring, or post-rain periods for best results.

Other waterfalls worth visiting in the area: Horseshoe & Matai Falls, Korupuku Falls

For more on Catlins waterfalls visit: NZ's Best Waterfalls: The Catlins

10. Stirling Falls

Walking distance: N/A (only accessible via boat cruise, kayak or air)

Why it makes the list: Scale + immersive experience

Stirling Falls is Fiordland at full power, a whopping 151-metre waterfall plunging into Milford Sound, which is best photographed from the water or air.

This is not a walk-to location, rather it’s a waterfall to experience up close.

Photography notes:

Shoot from cruise boats for scale context
Protect gear from spray
Use faster shutter speeds to freeze frame the water flow and account for boat movement
Include boats or cliffs for size reference

Rainy days create countless temporary waterfalls throughout Fiordland, so even the journey to Milford Sound becomes a waterfall photography opportunity.

There are many different cruise operators to take a trip out into Milford Sound with, and most will be able to provide you with this close encounter. You will want to have a very good waterproof jacket and some kind of protection for your camera from the spray, and I don't recommend standing directly under the waterfall with camera in hand!

Be sure to keep an eye out for any other temporary waterfalls that are flowing while you are out in the Sound, and you'll also get a good view of Lady Bowen Falls while out on the water too.

The true scale of Stirling Falls (at 151 metres high it is the tallest waterfall in this list) within the grander Fiordland landscape only becomes apparent when you cruise away further from the falls to see it with another vessel below it. Better still when viewed from the air, it becomes a tiny part of a landscape of epic proportions. The height of Mt Pembroke towering over Stirling Falls in the image below is over 2,000 metres!

Other waterfalls worth visiting in the area: Lady Bowen, Christie Falls, Lake Marian Gantry, Giant Gate Falls, Humboldt Falls, any number of unnamed waterfalls that will flow from the cliffs on a rainy day!

For more on Fiordland waterfalls visit: NZ's Best Waterfalls: Fiordland

Final Thoughts: Best New Zealand Waterfalls for Photography

While New Zealand has hundreds of named waterfalls, these ten stand out as the best waterfalls to photograph in NZ thanks to their accessibility, visual impact, and composition potential.

Together they offer:

Full North Island and South Island coverage
Easy roadside stops as well as more remote adventures
Classic long-exposure scenes
Night sky waterfall opportunities
Alpine, forest, and fiord landscapes

Bookmark this guide to New Zealand waterfall photography and use it to plan your next adventure, whether it’s a dedicated waterfall road trip or a bonus stop on a wider landscape journey.

And if you’d like to bring one of these scenes into your home, you can explore my New Zealand waterfall prints and canvases in my online gallery.

Featured