Maruia Falls is a stunning waterfall that highlights the remarkable abundance of waterfalls in New Zealand—there are far more than one could ever tally! Each waterfall features its own unique qualities, contributing to the natural beauty of the region. Maruia Falls stands out not only for its beauty but also for the intriguing story surrounding its formation. It makes it a meaningful destination for visitors and nature enthusiasts alike.
Where is Maruia Fall?
From Murchison, head west on Highway 6. Take in the beautiful scenery as you drive for about 11 kilometers. Once you reach that point, turn south onto Highway 65. Keep going on Highway 65 for another 10.6 kilometers, and soon you’ll see signs guiding you to the falls.
As you get closer, be sure to turn into the designated parking lot, which is conveniently located nearby.
The trail
Once you’ve parked, get ready for a small adventure! The trail descends to the bank of the Maruia River, where you’ll find a fantastic viewpoint of the falls. It’s a short and easy trek, so no need for hiking boots. The path leads to the river just 100 yards above the thrilling edge of the falls—perfect for an Instagram snapshot!
Swimming here is a no-go; Mother Nature plays by her own rules. Those strong and sneaky eddies at the bottom of the waterfall have been known to play a game of “let’s pull you under!” The fierce currents and whirling eddies on either side of the falls are like nature’s version of a water park—except no one survives the ride, leading to some truly tragic drownings over the years.
To go back just strut back the same way you came.
The history
The story of this waterfall is like a dramatic movie plot where earthquakes play the role of the wild director, shaping New Zealand’s stunning landscapes—especially the waterfalls—with a good shake and a push.
One of the biggest stars in this geological drama is the Murchison earthquake of 1929, which hit a solid 7.1 on the Richter scale. This quake did not just rattle a few dishes; it created the Maruia Falls through an unexpected plot twist—a landslide in the Maruia Valley!
Imagine all that energy bursting forth during the quake, causing soil and rock to throw up their hands and slide down in a chaotic dance.
The result?
A beautiful cascade of water that we now admire as Maruia Falls. If you look at the accompanying map, you’ll see dotted lines that showcase this dynamic relationship between the earth’s wild antics and the breathtaking scenery it left behind.
Mother Nature truly knows how to put on a show!
Thank you for reading!
