Coal Creek Falls Track
A serene rainforest walk leading to a stunning waterfall, offering a peaceful escape on New Zealand's West Coast.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Coal Creek Falls Track
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene rainforest walk leading to a stunning waterfall, offering a peaceful escape on New Zealand's West Coast.
"Wonderful path and the waterfall is stunning!"
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The track is well-maintained gravel and paving, suitable for most fitness levels. :athletic_shoe:
🧥 Pack for All Weather
The West Coast is known for rain; a waterproof jacket is essential. ☂️
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 352 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Coal Creek Falls
End of the main track
A stunning, lush rainforest waterfall offering a peaceful escape and beautiful photo opportunities.
Rainforest Walk
The entire track
Immerse yourself in native bush on a well-formed, accessible track with serene, remote-feeling scenery.
Secondary Waterfall
Along the track
Discover an additional, smaller waterfall on your way to the main attraction, adding to the natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
What to Pack for Your Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The track is well-maintained gravel and paving, suitable for most fitness levels. :athletic_shoe:
🧥 Pack for All Weather
The West Coast is known for rain; a waterproof jacket is essential. ☂️
📸 Capture the Beauty
Bring your camera for stunning rainforest and waterfall shots. :camerawithflash:
👨👩👧 Family-Friendly Fun
Great for kids, with opportunities for creek play and easy walking. :child:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The track is well-maintained gravel and paving, suitable for most fitness levels. :athletic_shoe:
🧥 Pack for All Weather
The West Coast is known for rain; a waterproof jacket is essential. ☂️
📸 Capture the Beauty
Bring your camera for stunning rainforest and waterfall shots. :camerawithflash:
👨👩👧 Family-Friendly Fun
Great for kids, with opportunities for creek play and easy walking. :child:
🦟 Bring Insect Repellent
Especially important during warmer months to ward off bugs. :bug:
🚗 Limited Parking
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking can be limited. 🚗
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Coal Creek Falls Track for its stunning waterfall and peaceful rainforest setting, describing it as a beautiful and accessible walk. Many appreciate the serene atmosphere and the chance to enjoy nature without large crowds, especially when visiting during off-peak times. While generally well-maintained, some note limited parking and the potential for challenging sections for wheelchairs.
"Even though it was a very wet few days the walkway was gravel and raised paving and the falls amazing because of the rain – highly recommend! An easy 30 minute walk each way taking it easy to admire the views and take photos."
Jo Evans
"I was completely alone and have only met one other party in the way back. Wonderful path and the waterfall is stunning!"
Noemi Ryter
"Nice afternoon stroll in an area that feels quite remote, with really beautiful scenery and a lovely waterfall at the end where you can sit back, relax, and take it all in.
The entrance sign says it’s 1hour round trip. It’s easy to do it quicker than that, but if you’re stopping to actually enjoy the wilderness then it could very well be accurate. It’s fairly accessible to people of all fitness levels and children.
I was in and out in under an hour, including stopping for about 5 minutes to climb a tree, and spending about 10 minutes at the waterfall sitting and taking some pictures."
Elizabeth Satherley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Coal Creek Falls Track is conveniently located just about 15 minutes from Greymouth on the West Coast of New Zealand.
Yes, the track is generally well-marked. The entrance sign indicates a 1-hour round trip, and it's a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
While the track is described as well-formed, one visitor noted it was 'a bit of a stretch' for a wheelchair, suggesting it might be challenging in parts but potentially manageable for some.
Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach Coal Creek Falls Track, especially if you are exploring the West Coast region. Public transport options are limited in this area.
The Red Town Trailhead is the primary access point for Coal Creek Falls Track and offers parking and restroom facilities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Coal Creek Falls Track is a free public access area. There are no admission fees required to enter the track or enjoy the waterfall.
The track is open year-round, from dawn till dusk. As it's an outdoor natural attraction, there are no set opening or closing times.
There is no entrance fee for Coal Creek Falls Track. It's a natural reserve managed for public enjoyment.
While the track is technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the lack of lighting. Stick to daylight hours for the best and safest experience.
No permits are required for general visitors to Coal Creek Falls Track. It's a public walking track for everyone to enjoy.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The track is approximately 3.6km return and is often completed in under an hour, including time to admire the scenery and take photos. Some visitors spend longer to fully enjoy the wilderness.
The track is considered easy to moderate, with a well-formed gravel and raised paving surface. It's accessible to people of all fitness levels and children.
Absolutely! The waterfall and the surrounding lush rainforest provide stunning backdrops for photography.
Yes, some visitors mention swimming at the waterfalls, making it a great spot for a refreshing dip on a warm day.
The Red Town Trailhead offers restrooms and a picnic table. However, there are no bins, so remember to pack out everything you pack in.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at the track. Greymouth, being a larger town, offers various cafes and restaurants for meals before or after your visit.
Yes, there is one picnic table available at the Red Town Trailhead, making it a lovely spot for a packed lunch amidst nature.
No, there are no vendors or shops selling food at Coal Creek Falls Track. It's recommended to bring your own snacks and drinks.
Simple, easy-to-eat items like sandwiches, fruit, and snacks are ideal for a picnic at the trailhead. Remember to bring a bag for your rubbish.
Greymouth, a short drive away, has numerous dining options ranging from casual cafes to pubs and restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light, ideal for capturing the waterfall and rainforest. However, the falls are impressive even on overcast or wet days.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the grandeur of the waterfall and the surrounding forest. A tripod can be useful for longer exposures to smooth out the water.
The end of the main track offers the primary viewpoint for the stunning Coal Creek Falls. There are also opportunities along the path to capture the rainforest's beauty.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or DOC (Department of Conservation) guidelines before flying a drone in the area to ensure compliance.
Focus on the main waterfall, the lush green ferns and native bush, the flowing creek, and any smaller cascades along the track.
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