Carew Falls
A magical waterfall on the West Coast, accessible via a short, rewarding walk through ancient forests.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Spectacular with winter runoff
Carew Falls
Best Time
Spectacular with winter runoff
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magical waterfall on the West Coast, accessible via a short, rewarding walk through ancient forests.
"An incredible and easily accessible waterfall that's well worth a visit. "
👟 Easy Walk, Big Reward
Enjoy a short, mostly flat 15-20 minute walk to the falls. Uphill at the end, but worth it!
⚠️ Watch Little Ones
Rocks near the falls have drops; keep children supervised.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Carew Falls
Inchbonnie, West Coast
A stunning waterfall with year-round flow, especially spectacular in late spring.
Ancient Matai and Rimu Trees
Near the carpark
Marvel at the ancient, hundreds-of-years-old matai and rimu trees, remnants of a historically significant bush reserve.
Sculpted Granite Boulders
Base of the falls
Relax on sun-warmed granite boulders, naturally sculpted by water, offering ideal spots to soak in the views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Family-Friendly but Watchful
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Easy Walk, Big Reward
Enjoy a short, mostly flat 15-20 minute walk to the falls. Uphill at the end, but worth it!
⚠️ Watch Little Ones
Rocks near the falls have drops; keep children supervised.
💧 Consider a Swim
Perfect for a refreshing dip in summer, especially after the walk.
🚫 No Dogs Allowed
Remember that dogs are not permitted at Carew Falls.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Easy Walk, Big Reward
Enjoy a short, mostly flat 15-20 minute walk to the falls. Uphill at the end, but worth it!
⚠️ Watch Little Ones
Rocks near the falls have drops; keep children supervised.
💧 Consider a Swim
Perfect for a refreshing dip in summer, especially after the walk.
🚫 No Dogs Allowed
Remember that dogs are not permitted at Carew Falls.
☕ Nearby Eco-Lodge
Grab coffee or lunch at the eco-lodge and explore the Bain Bay Walkway nearby.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Carew Falls for its accessibility and stunning beauty, especially given the short walk. Many highlight the magical atmosphere, particularly on rainy days, and the impressive ancient trees. Some note the historical significance and the poignant story associated with the falls. While generally loved, a few mention the need for caution around the rocky edges with children.
"Worth stopping by if you're in the area. The track is well maintained and easy to follow, and although it is uphill it's not too difficult. The DOC sign suggests 30 minutes, which is probably accurate if you're travelling as a family. However as a couple or on your own, it makes 15-20 minutes maximum.
You get beautiful views out to the valley on your right, and the falls flow all year round. Carew Creek Falls in on the West Coasts "top waterfalls" list if you fancy visiting them all."
Caris Dawe
"Loved this waterfall! Went on a rainy day, wpuld love to go back in the summer for a swim. Short and easy walk, only takes 15mins."
Josh Lee
"The Carew Creek waterfall has all year round flow of water, however in the late spring it is spectacular with winter runoff. Enormous water sculptured granite boulders are ideally suited, for the sun warmed natural seats to relax and take in the views.
I have seen a lot of waterfalls but this one is memorable and definitely worth visiting and will be firmly fixed in my mind forever.
I don't believe in ghosts and thought the sunlight was playing tricks on me but there was a shadow standing in the background. So that led me to find out more about the history...of the place and if any tragedy has occurred here.
I was definitely impressed with the quality of the trees located here in the immediate vicinity - matai and rimu. There is an absolute monster near the car park which must be hundreds of years old. The bush was considered so outstanding that a sawmilling company had the cutting rights were given an equivalent volume to cut elsewhere and this bush became Scenic Reserve.
"Ted and Irene (Renee) Morgan, who owned the farm and rebuilt the Mitchells hotel in 1935, also made a hydro electricity scheme by harnessing the waterfalls. In 1949, their only son George, aged 24, returned from Lincoln College and was easing into managing the hotel when tragedy struck. Its believed he was checking the water race for any debris that could impede flow to the electricity scheme, when he slipped and fell. His body was recovered from a pool at the base of the hundred foot waterfall.""
W R Edwards
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Carew Falls is located in Inchbonnie on the West Coast. From Hokitika, it's a scenic drive inland. The falls are well-signposted from the main road.
Yes, there is a carpark available at the trailhead for Carew Falls, making it easily accessible for visitors.
The path is mostly flat gravel until the last 50 meters, making it largely pram-accessible. Be cautious near the falls themselves due to the terrain.
Yes, Carew Falls is a great stop for a day trip from Greymouth. It's a relatively short drive and the walk is quick, allowing plenty of time for other West Coast attractions.
Carew Falls is accessible by car via State Highway 7 and then turning onto Inchbonnie Road. The drive offers beautiful West Coast scenery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to visit Carew Falls. It is a natural attraction accessible to everyone.
Carew Falls is open year-round, 24 hours a day, as it is an outdoor natural attraction.
No booking is required for Carew Falls. It's a natural attraction that you can visit spontaneously.
The main restriction is that dogs are not permitted at Carew Falls. Always be mindful of the natural environment.
While not explicitly stated as DOC-managed in all sources, the information suggests it's a publicly accessible natural reserve, similar to many DOC sites.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The walk to Carew Falls is typically 15-20 minutes return for adults, and up to 30 minutes for families with young children.
The walk is considered easy to moderate, with a slight uphill climb towards the end. It's well-maintained and generally not strenuous.
Carew Falls has year-round flow, but it's particularly spectacular in late spring due to winter runoff. Rainy days also add to its magical atmosphere.
Basic facilities like a carpark are available. For amenities like restrooms, coffee, or lunch, the nearby eco-lodge is recommended.
While the falls are beautiful, swimming is possible in summer, but caution is advised due to the rocky terrain and water depth.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Capture the falls from the base, using the sculpted boulders as foreground elements. The surrounding ancient trees also make for stunning shots.
Use a tripod for long exposures to capture the silky water effect. Consider a polarizing filter to reduce glare on wet rocks.
Absolutely! Rainy days create a mystical atmosphere, with mist and lush greenery enhancing the waterfall's drama.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light, reducing harsh shadows. However, overcast or rainy days provide diffused light perfect for waterfalls.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and guidelines before flying a drone in the area to ensure compliance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Utilize a tripod for long exposures and consider a polarizing filter. The sculpted granite boulders and ancient trees offer excellent foreground and framing opportunities. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Natural Beauty of Carew Falls
The walk to Carew Falls is a key part of the experience. It's a relatively short and easy track, typically taking 15-20 minutes for adults and up to 30 minutes for families.
Beyond the falls themselves, the area offers opportunities for further exploration. A nearby eco-lodge provides refreshments and a place to relax, and the Bain Bay Walkway is also recommended for those wanting to extend their outdoor adventure.
History and Local Lore
Tragedy struck the family in 1949 when their only son, George, aged 24, died at the falls. It is believed he slipped and fell while checking the water race for debris that could impede the flow to the electricity scheme. His body was recovered from a pool at the base of the hundred-foot waterfall.
The exceptional quality of the matai and rimu trees in the vicinity also played a role in the area's history. The bush was so outstanding that a sawmilling company was granted cutting rights, but in exchange, they had to provide an equivalent volume of timber to be cut elsewhere, allowing this bush to be preserved as a Scenic Reserve.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit