I’m a big fan of the Catlins. As a landscape photographer I feel it offers plenty of locations for interesting photography. I’m not sure I love waterfalls all that much, but, I really enjoy walking through pristine New Zealand native bush. In the case of the Waipohatu walking track, you not only get a lovely bush walk but two waterfalls to photograph. How could I resist.
Getting There
The Waipohatu walking track is located on the way to Curio Bay. Just take a detour toward Slope Point and then drive up Waipohatu Rd when it pops up on your right. I parked up at the picnic spot (with toilet) and started my walk from there.
Trees near where I parked my car on the Waipohatu walking track.
Stage One: A gentle stroll.
The first part of the walk includes the most photogenic bush of the adventure. The walk has been designed to accommodate wheelchair access so is very well constructed. I was very taken with this suspension bridge.
No more than 5 at a time over this suspension bridge.
The pathway was wide and user friendly with lovely large trees lining the route.
Waipohatu walking track.
Stage Two: An uphill slog.
After walking through the easy meandering track you come to a picnic area and then move on to the next part of the track. From this point the track becomes much more challenging. The track has plenty of tree roots, so watch your footing.
Follow the orange arrows on the Waipohatu walking track.
The track follows along a stream and eventually you get to cross it on this rather cool bridge.
After crossing the bridge the track climbs fairly steeply. if you have average fitness you should be fine, but it definitely got my heart rate going.
Stage 3: Waterfalls
After climbing for a while the track eventually flattens out and then dips down again toward the waterfalls. You will come to a juncture where you can go left or right. Both tracks lead to a waterfall. It has to be said that 2 for the price of one is always an attractive deal. I went right to the upper falls first.
Waipohatu waterfall, Catlins, Otago, NZ.
The lower falls are really nice. A bit tricky for navigating the area, but that’s half the fun. I took a couple of images of the waterfall. In one I used the stunning ferns in the foreground to add depth. The image shows the young fronds coming through the centre of the plant creating the beautiful koru shape found in traditional Maori culture.
Waipohatu waterfall, Catlins, Otago, NZ
Waipohatu waterfall, Catlins, Otago, NZ.
The trip out of the bush, was a lot faster as it was downhill for the first part. The DOC signs estimate about 2 hours for the walking, and seemed about right. All in all the Waipohatu walking track is a lovely day out. If you have reasonable fitness and are coordinated enough to navigate an uneven track with sludge and tree roots you should be fine.
