Kia Ora Falls

Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National ParkGPS Coords: -41.8890, 146.0849
Land Tenure: National Park

Tasmap Reference: 4236 Cathedral

Kia Ora Falls
© 2015 - 2024 Photography: Caedence Kuepper
image

Grade 5 Hike
Suitable for very experienced hikers only.

1.5km's1.5 hours (from overland track) returnRough unformed track Limited signage

No Modification of the natural environment.

Dogs are not allowed
Drones are not allowed
Unknown if accessible with a caravan
Unknown if accessible with a campervan or RV
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average rating of 6.8 out of 10

rated by 5 people

About Kia Ora Falls

From below the bridge near Kia Ora Hut on the Overland Track, Kia Ora Creek descends over a near-constant series of small cascades and waterfalls, culminating in the impressive 15 metre high Kia Ora Falls. The name Kia Ora Falls is often incorrectly attributed to the uppermost 3-4 metre high drop below the bridge that is a popular swimming hole in summer for hikers staying at the nearby hut, however the actual falls are far harder to reach, requiring an off track hike of about 750 hundred metres through button grass plains and often thick scrub beside the creek. Even if you make it through the scrub, there is still a very nasty scramble down the bank of the creek to reach the base of the waterfall, making this a detour that is probably not recommended for any but the most dedicated waterfall baggers, especially given it would likely come at the end of the day after climbing Mt Ossa or Pelion East on the main track. The upper cascades are very worthwhile for a cold swim in summer, however, and retain a good flow of water year round. 







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