See the Colossal Thunder Creek Falls New Zealand for an
Awe-Inspiring Experience

Thunder Creek Falls New Zealand is in one of New Zealand’s most remote locales.

It’s a bit of a drive, but every one of the 145 kilometers through the Haast Pass is worth it, especially with sites like Thunder Creek Falls along the way!

It may be hard to leave Lake Wanaka and its views of Mount Aspiring and water sports and sky diving fun. But leaving town via the Haast Pass will lessen any disappointments.

There are enough sites along the way to make any camera-happy tourist smile, not least of which is Thunder Creek Falls, New Zealand. Whether you’re looking for a short break to stretch your legs on the drive or an overnight camping adventure to enhance your New Zealand vacation, the area around the falls can’t be topped.

Thunder Creek Falls, New Zealand differs from its more famous neighbor, the Fantail Falls. Instead of a broad rush of water bouncing back and forth over immense boulders, Thunder Creek Falls drops straight down from a height of almost 30 meters. With a viewing platform letting you get as close as possible, it’s a great place to snap a few pictures and admire the sights and sounds of the native silver beech rainforest.

The falls are easily accessible. From Wanaka NZ, it is around a 30 minute drive. From the road, it’s an easy 2 minute trek to the viewing area. The falls are even wheelchair-accessible. It’s located near another attraction, The Gates of Haast.

This gorge, with its immense boulders and views of the Haast River is truly awe-inspiring, like so much of the scenery in the region. It may seem like a lot of starting and stopping, but the other falls and scenic viewing areas along the highway are also not to be missed.

Thunder Creek Falls, New Zealand is scenic enough that it’s a popular stop for biking adventure travel, backpacking, hiking and birding and many other New Zealand outdoor activities. Many guided cycle tours go through this area along the highway. There are trails through the wilderness as well as camping huts for those who want to enjoy the outdoors. Tramping, walking or cycling are all good ways to see another side of the area, away from busy Highway 6.

Thunder Creek Falls, New Zealand and neighboring attractions like the Blue Pools, Fantail Falls and the Gates of Haast make a trip from Lake Wanaka to the West Coast less about the destination and more about the journey. Be sure to leave a whole morning or afternoon to see all the sights along the way. Thunder Creek Falls, New Zealand makes the trip to Haast one of the more memorable drives on the South Island.