Most people driving the Haast Pass will stop at the picturesque Fantail Falls and whilst it’s definitely worth a look, few people know there’s an even more beautiful waterfall just around the corner! This secret waterfall flows from a giant chasm and tumbles into a turquoise blue swimming hole. It’s a truly jaw-dropping sight.
It does require more effort to get to, and you’ll need the right conditions to access it safely (more on that later in the post) but it’s a magical spot that is definitely worth the investment.
Here’s everything you need to know about accessing the secret waterfall close to Fantail Falls.
Secret waterfall safety
When it comes to accessing places that are off the beaten path (this one doesn’t even have a path!) then safety is a real issue. The walk to reach the waterfall is not long, but it does require crossing a river and walking in the water for a short period of time.
For this reason it is safer to visit when the water level is low. If you see any brown water at the initial river do not cross as it means it’s in flood and could be very dangerous. You shouldn’t visit during rain, or when there is rain forecast, due to the risk of flash flooding.
Depending on the water level, you may also need to skirt the river bank. This requires some rock scrambling, so you will want to wear shoes with good grip.
I wouldn’t do this walk alone either, at least not without a PLB. Although it is very close to the popular Fantail Falls, it is in a spot that people wouldn’t see or hear you if you needed help.
We don’t want to put people off visiting, but it’s important to know that there are times when it would be dangerous to visit this waterfall, conditions and company are key to having an amazing time at this truly beautiful spot.
The walk to get to the secret waterfall
The stats
Distance: 1.1km return (could be less depending on whether you can walk directly through the water)
Difficulty: Moderate
The walk to the secret waterfall is short, but requires scrambling over rocks and walking in a river with some current. It took us about 20 minutes each way to do it safely. If you are confident in these kinds of conditions and are careful, this is a straight-forward walk.
Co-ordinates for the waterfall
To help you find the location, we’d recommend using a GPS or offline version of Google Maps. The co-ordinates for the waterfall are -44.076692, 169.389089. This should give you the rough direction to head to. You can see it on Google Maps by clicking here.
What to expect on the trail to the waterfall
Crossing the river
From the car park at Fantail Falls you need to head to the trail at the northern end of the car park (the opposite direction to Fantail Falls) and follow the gravel path for a minute until you get to the stony river bank.
From here, look for what appears to be a canyon on the opposite side of the valley. There’s a river flowing out of the gap that runs into the main river you can see ahead of you.
You can see where you need to head on the photo below.
To get there you need to cross the river (depending on water levels there might be a very small stream before this, which can be crossed in one small step). Remember that the water here should be blue and not overly deep (for us it was knee high).
Look for the area to cross which has the least rapids and take it slowly as the rocks underneath can be a tad slippery. Generally speaking this is an easy crossing that only takes a minute.
From here follow the stony river bank and begin veering right, you’ll almost immediately see the canyon ahead of you, the river narrows and is surrounded by trees.
If you’re walking along the main part of the river for any length of time you have gone wrong (we did this the first time!).
Climbing up to the waterfall
As you head along the river bank towards the chasm, you’ll soon see several sets of cascades. These could be fairly powerful or relatively placid depending on the water level.
For us they were relatively powerful. Your easiest route up to the falls would be walking through the water and up the cascades during times of low flow.
For us it was easier to walk up the sides of the river bank, only using the water when necessary to cross between the banks.
Stick close to the lower part of the river bank though, as going higher up the terrain seemed a bit unstable.
This involved some rock scrambling and one section where you have to climb a boulder which is easily done by wedging your foot in for stability. Sometimes it is very easy walking along the stones and sometimes you’ll be using your hands to climb over the rocks.
There was one short slippery section which was actually gravelled, but a little steep. You’ll only really notice it on the way down - so just go slowly on that little bit.
You’ll soon see the top of the waterfall ahead of you and you have to climb over one log (over it rather than along it, so it’s not too hard) and then you will be standing on a pile of mossy rocks.
These rocks are very slippery when wet so go very carefully here. I’d say these rocks have the most potential for a fall along the whole route if you don’t watch your footing.
If the water is not too crazy you could easily access the pool by climbing down a couple of rocks, but for us the flow was too high. You could feel the spray from quite a way back down the trail!
If you’re used to scrambling you’re not going to find the trail very difficult, but if you usually only walk on maintained tracks, then it will be a lot more of an adventure and will require extra care.
Arriving at the secret waterfall
Once you’re at the rocks you can relax and enjoy this magical spot. It really does have the wow factor with turquoise water and what almost looks like three separate waterfalls - with two partially hidden inside the chasm. It’s a really dramatic scene and the high mossy walls create a fairy grotto feel.
It might be really close to Fantail Falls and a very short walk from the car park. but it feels completely secluded and hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the Haast Pass.
There are a few sandflies around, but nothing like the nearby Blue Pools and with a bit of repellant they weren’t really a problem.
Expect it to be much cooler than it was in the open part of the river, as it doesn’t get any sunlight and the spray is pretty cold!
Overall, in the right conditions this is an incredible spot which is pretty easy to reach. We absolutely loved it and can’t wait to go back another time for a proper swim.
Fantail Falls
If you’re visiting the secret waterfall, then you should definitely check out Fantail Falls too. The walk to get there only takes two minutes and is along a flat path. You can then cut down onto the pebbly river bank for a closer look.
If you want to get right up close to the falls you’d have to cross the river. If you’ve just done the other waterfall that’s no problem as your boots will be wet anyway!
In terms of crossing the river, all the same rules apply as for the other waterfall, you want it to be blue and low/slow water flow. Brown water means the river is in flood.
To be honest you don’t need to cross the river for a good view as it’s still lovely from the river bank.
Getting to the secret waterfall/Fantail Falls
The walk to the secret waterfall goes from the same car park as Fantail Falls. It’s located along the Haast Pass, roughly 40 minutes from Haast and just over an hour from Wanaka.
It’s a 10 minute drive from the Blue Pools.
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