If you’re planning to go to the Nichols Falls, Dunedin, this post will help make sure you don’t get lost.
Me and Nina did.
*facepalm*
As someone who isn’t renowned for planning too far ahead, it’s usually not until I’m on the way to a destination that I start looking at places to visit. The first step of the process is usually a scan of Maps.me (a free offline maps app) to see if anything jumps out as interesting.
So that’s what I was doing after we left the Catlins in the morning and were making our way towards Dunedin. And this post jumped out at me:
Glowworms and a waterfall? That’s a decent combination.
After searching around Google, we learned that this place was called Nichols Falls and the Nichols Falls Track (love a logical name) would lead us there in 10-20 minutes. We decided to make a quick visit…well, it was supposed to be quick.
Here’s what you need to know about Nichols Falls.
MY NICHOLS CREEK EXPERIENCE
When you arrive you’ll see the information board with the time to the waterfall (20 minutes) and glowworms (7 minutes).
Note: We weren’t able to see the glowworms as it was still too light outside. But you should follow the sign that leads to them, the stream they’re around is pretty epic (below)
This is next to where the glowworms are…it’s worth popping down to admire even if it’s not dark.
Truth is the 20 minutes is an EXTREMELY conservative time and that’s what got us confused. That saw us walking for over an hour wondering where the heck the waterfall was before finally finding the bloody thing.
Pro tip: If you start seeing these orange trail markers, you’re going in the wrong direction. Turn back and start again.
From the trailhead, there’s the one path to follow. After a few minutes you’ll see the white sign with the red arrow on your right-hand side (see above) with a wooden signpost on the opposite side. DO NOT go any further than this, you won’t end up at the waterfall.
Just before you reached the white sign you should have seen a track veering to the left up the hill. Walk up here, and turn right when you get to the T-Section.
From here on out, all you need to do is STAY RIGHT (there’s only two points where this will happen). We went left which was our big mistake, but in fairness, the trail looked a lot more developed on the left-hand trail.
Now it’s just a matter of making your way along the track for the next 5-10 minutes. Once you hit the creek, look left and then rock hop your way to the base of the horsetail falls.
We went left. You should go right.
Look how cool that green screen is.
Yay! In theory, you’ll have made it to the waterfall.
It’s not massive (10 metres max), but it’s off the beaten path, and with the epic ferns surrounding the falls which turn the arena into an arena almost it’s awesome. We were so stoked we finally found the bloody thing, and as long as you don’t go getting lost it’s definitely worth making the trip to.
p.s. The track can get muddy, but hiking boots aren’t required given the distance.
p.p.s. If you wanted you could swim in the falls, but it’s not worth the hassle in my opinion.
RELATED POST: A LIST OF WATERFALLS I’VE SEEN IN NEW ZEALAND
HOW TO GET THERE
The Nichols Falls Track trailhead is on Leigh Valley Road, less than 6km from St. Paul’s Cathedral in the heart of the city.
DRIVING
The easiest option, and it’ll take you less than 10 minutes from the city center (assuming traffic is okay). You’ll see a parking area on the opposite side of the trailhead.
WALKING
If you’re staying in the city, it’s a solid option. It’s a 5.8km walk (route), with a bit more than 100 metres of elevation gain, so you should be there within 90 minutes. Given there’s not a whole lot else out this way, it’s not for those with a limited amount of time in Dunners.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
There’s the #3 bus which will take you most of the way, with the closest stop being about 1km from the trailhead. With the bus taking 18 minutes (from George Street), and then walking another 10 minutes, it’s a lot quicker than walking.
The Bus #3 timetable is available here
The stop you want to get off is Fulton Rd, 385.
Enjoy your trip to Nichols Falls, you could then head to nearby Chalkies Track!
If you’re looking for another fun South Island walk that’s short, but full of value, check out Cave Stream Scenic Reserve.
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Hey, it’s Jub here. I’m the guy behind Chur New Zealand, helping you have the best time hiking, trekking, walking…whatever you want to call it…in NZ. I’m based in Queenstown and am always out and about exploring trails, old & new. If you have any questions, reach out.