Hiking to Nicols Falls, Dunedin, New Zealand

Nicols Falls, Dunedin

by

Last Updated on March 29, 2020 by Jon Algie

This surprisingly impressive waterfall is just a short drive and hike from downtown Dunedin. The track to Nicols Falls makes for an excellent (and often muddy) place to hike through wild New Zealand bush. You can also hang around until after dark to see glow worms on a nearby track.

The Hike to Nicols Falls

The track to Nicols Falls starts of parallel to Nicols Creek and soon veers left up a hill. It was pretty muddy when we did it, so you’ll want to wear suitable shoes if there has been recent rain. The track continues uphill but eventually levels out — it’s not particularly challenging but mud makes everything harder. At the top of the hill we heard what I think were tuis (native New Zealand birds) singing. We eventually caught a glimpse of one but couldn’t get a good photo (head to Orokonui Ecosanctuary if you want to see native birds). The track heads downhill as the sound of crashing water gets louder.

The Nicols Falls Track, Dunedin, New Zealand

Nicols Falls

I grew up in Dunedin but hadn’t heard of this waterfall until a few months ago. I was shocked to find a spectacular rush of cascading water framed by foliage, fallen trees and mossy rocks. It’s definitely underrated — it should be on every nature lovers Dunedin itinerary. In saying that we did visit a few days after heavy rain, so it might not always be as impressive.

We crossed over the stream and made it up to the base of the falls. It’s pretty easy to do but watch out for slippery rocks. I’ve heard that people swim in Nicols Creek but it would have to be pretty hot outside to consider that.

Nicols Falls, the best waterfalls in Dunedin, New Zealand

There are a few more waterfalls further upstream but I saw them on a video and they aren’t anything special. If you are after a longer bush hike they could be worth seeking out though.

The hike back

We decided to head along the path close to the river in the hope that it would take us back to the road. It didn’t, so after about five minutes we had to walk back to the waterfall and return the way we came. It was a slippery walk home, but that’s the price you pay to see a waterfall in its post rain prime.

READ MORE: Check out School Creek Falls, Dunedin’s other waterfall.

Getting There

Drive down George Street towards North Dunedin (you’ll find the world-famous Baldwin Street nearby). Turn off at Duke Street, which soon becomes Malvern Street which soon becomes Leith Valley Road. The entrance to the falls is just before a small bridge soon after entering Leith Valley Road and it isn’t well signed — if you’re driving on a gravel road you’ve gone too far (which is exactly what we did). The hike to the falls and back should take around 40 minutes, but it might take a bit longer if it’s wet.

Visiting Dunedin? Check out our post about the best things to do in Dunedin!

The following two tabs change content below.
My Twitter profileMy Facebook profileMy Instagram profile

Jon Algie

I'm a South Island local -- born in Timaru and raised in Dunedin. I left the island in 2006 and returned 10 years later. Having seen a good chunk of the world I realised how special this place is -- the most beautiful island in the world! Seven years (and almost 400 posts) later I'm still helping locals and tourists alike plan their trips around the South Island.