On a damp and misty afternoon, arriving at Washpen Falls feels like you’ve wandered into Jurassic Park. Combine tall gorge walls and a powerful cascade surrounded by lush ferns and moss, and you have a scene to remember. The rest of the walk itself is no slouch in the beauty department either, with atmospheric Douglas fir and Rata forest as well as several viewpoints - on a clear day!
It’s a relatively easy walk and if it’s warm enough you can take a dip in the pool at the base of the waterfall, which is something I’d love to come back for!
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Washpen Falls.
Visiting Washpen Falls
Know before you go
Washpen Falls is on private land and the management of the track is all done by the owners. There is a small maintenance fee charged to cover this. At time of writing it’s $10 for adults and $5 for children.
Payment is made via an honesty box in the office by the trailhead or by bank transfer (bank details are also in the office). Last entry to the trail is at 4pm.
The Washpen Falls Walk
The stats
Distance: 3.1km
Elevation: 190m
Difficulty: Easy but not a smooth path or flat
The Washpen Falls track undulates for much of the way but there is never a long steep climb. It took us about 1.5 hours, but we were stopping at every sign and taking photos!
We walked after lots of rain and there were a few muddy sections of track and a couple of slippery bits. Free walking poles are offered but any slippery bit generally had rope handrails so we didn’t end up needing poles.
The path isn’t smooth, but it’s also not tricky. In dry conditions it would be easier but it’s not a bad wet weather option.
In fact I think all the mist added to the mysterious feel of the walk and I was glad we had chosen this track, rather than one which is all about the views.
Starting the trail through the forest
The trail is gently uphill from the start, and after 200m of open track you’ll enter the forest. It’s pretty much gently uphill until the lookout which is about halfway along the trail.
You’ll begin climbing uphill through Radiata pines and Cabbage trees, before reaching the Douglas firs. When we walked this section, the mist had made its way into the forest, creating an eerie atmosphere that almost felt like a movie set. I loved it.
You’d hardly know it was still day time and it had a very unique feel to it.
You’ll then pass a huge lava boulder left over from the last Ice Age - a fact I would never have known if it wasn’t for the leaflet that you can pick up in the office.
It was another lovely thing about this track, usually we just appreciate the scenery, but this time we got to learn a little of the history about where we were walking which I really enjoyed.
We didn’t spot all the markers but enough that we felt a bit more knowledgeable by the end!
To the first waterfall and Bluff Lookout
Ordinarily after climbing through the forest you would come out of the tree line and into the open, where you would get what I assume are some nice views. For us it was a 100% whiteout!
You’ll pass some gushing cascades and then re-enter the forest again. There was another viewpoint shortly after but we’ll need to return one day to find out what it looked out to!
You’ll then come to a large overhang, which was used as a shelter by Maori Moa hunters, before reaching the first waterfall.
It’s quite tall although for me it was more about the setting, the whole forest was dripping wet and felt so alive.
After this point you’ll head up a staircase and out into a field which has a viewpoint over the expansive Canterbury Plains, there’s even a bench if you want to take a break or bring a picnic if you happen to be here on a clear day.
To Washpen Falls
Once you’ve got to the viewpoint, it’s downhill all the way. If it’s been very wet, descending back into the forest again can be a little slippery.
There are roped handrails all the way down though which were brilliant for making you feel 100% secure and it’s just a couple of hundred metres before you reach the wooden staircases.
You are then just a few minutes from your first look at Washpen Falls. It’s actually my favourite view because you can see it from above and it’s the perfect vantage point to take in the dramatic gorge setting.
I’d been a bit disappointed that we missed out on the views along this trail until I got to this point.
As soon as I saw the mist swirling through the gorge and around the falls I knew that it could never look more atmospheric than it did in that moment.
It was truly breathtaking and had real lost world vibes. You can then walk down to the base of the falls and sit on the rocks or even take a dip in warmer times.
Completing the loop
Beyond Washpen Falls you’ll head past a small set of cascades, Lucy’s Lagoon, and then continue through the gorgeous forest.
You’ll pass through more Douglas fir trees which were even darker than the first ones we went through, Joe likened it to a scene from the Blair Witch Project!
I love dark mysterious forests so for me it was a pleasure! You’ll pass yet another lookout and then begin a short 150m descent, again with rope handrails to help.
The last part of the walk continues through the forest, past a fairly dried up lake which used to be a storage pond for the hydroelectric power scheme. It looked a bit swampy on our visit!
The last part of the walk is all either gently downhill or flat so it’s an easy end to a fantastic walk.
Before setting off on this track we weren’t sure what to expect, it’s the first day walk we’ve ever paid for in NZ and we wondered if it would be worth it when there’s such a wealth of DOC trails around.
In the end we both agreed that it was well worth it, it was a privilege to be able to see such a beautiful part of New Zealand that would ordinarily be closed to the public.
Essential information about visiting Washpen Falls
Getting there
Washpen Falls are 78km and roughly a one hour drive from Christchurch. They are 25km and 20 minutes from Methven. If you are looking to do a full day of hiking you could easily combine a visit here with Rakaia Gorge, which is just 10 minutes away - that was our original plan before the weather turned.
The last couple of kilometres through the farm to the track parking are unsealed but in good condition and any car can make it.
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