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Waimakariri Falls

Waimakariri Falls sits in the headwaters of the Waimakariri River within Arthur's Pass National Park, Canterbury. The main falls drop approximately 50 metres, with topo maps indicating an additional 80-metre cascade nearby.

A swing bridge spans the gorge just below the level of the hut that shares the falls' name, and the surrounding terrain features dramatic rock faces, tarns, and spectacular alpine scenery.

The area is accessible via a multi-day tramp from Klondyke Corner on SH73, passing through Carrington Hut before continuing up the true right of the Waimakariri River.

In summer, alpine flowers bloom in the surrounding basins, but avalanche risk makes the route unsuitable for winter or early spring travel.

The falls serve as a landmark destination for trampers and mountaineers heading toward peaks such as Carrington Peak, Mt. Armstrong, and Mt. Rolleston.


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