Canterbury Region

Glaciers and waterfalls in Canterbury Region

Canterbury’s Southern Alps host New Zealand’s most significant ice formations, including the 27-kilometer-long Tasman Glacier. This list highlights these massive ice fields alongside the region's diverse waterfalls, ranging from the 131-meter Devils Punchbowl in Arthur's Pass to the tiered falls of Peel Forest. These sites showcase the geological transition from high-altitude glacial valleys to the lush temperate rainforests and rugged coastal terrain of the Banks Peninsula.

Glaciers and Waterfalls — Map

A

Sylvia Falls

Waterfall located in the Nina Valley within Lake Sumner Forest Park.

Skyfirex / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Devils Punchbowl Falls

A 131-meter waterfall in Arthur's Pass National Park, accessible via a steep, well-maintained walking track.

Pseudopanax / CC BY 3.0

C

Tasman Glacier

Tasman Glacier is the largest glacier in New Zealand, and one of several large glaciers which flow south and east towards the Mackenzie…

Pseudopanax / Public domain

D

Hooker Glacier

Hooker Glacier is one of several glaciers close to the slopes of Aoraki / Mount Cook in the Southern Alps of New Zealand.

William M. Connolley / CC-BY-SA-3.0

E

Mueller Glacier

The Mueller Glacier is a 13-kilometre long glacier flowing through Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park in the South Island of New Zealand.

F

Newtons Waterfall

A seasonal waterfall located near Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula, best viewed after periods of heavy rain.

G

Ryde Falls

A five-tiered waterfall in the Mount Oxford Forest Conservation Area, reached via a bush walk from Coopers Creek.

H

Ryde Falls

A five-tiered waterfall in the Mount Oxford Forest Conservation Area, reached via a bush walk from Coopers Creek.

I

Dog Stream Waterfall

A 41-meter waterfall in Hanmer Forest Park, located at the end of the Dog Stream Waterfall Track.

J

Mary Waterfall

Waterfall located in the Hopkins Valley near Lake Ohau.

K

Acland Falls

A 14-meter waterfall in Peel Forest Park, named after the Acland family who pioneered the region in the 1850s.

L

Emily Falls

Waterfall in Peel Forest Park named after Emily Acland, accessible via a track through native podocarp forest.

M

Rata Falls

Waterfall in Peel Forest Park reached by following the Rata Stream bed through native bush.

N

Kilmarnock Falls

A high waterfall in Arthur's Pass National Park, visible near the Bealey River.

O

Burnett Falls

Waterfall located in the Aoraki/Mount Cook region near the Tasman Glacier.

P

Parsons Waterfall

Waterfall situated near the Mueller Glacier in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

Q

Sanders Falls

Waterfall located in the Ahuriri Conservation Park near Omarama.

R

Crawshaw Falls

Waterfall located in the Cass River valley area near Arthur's Pass.

S

Hinewai Falls

Waterfall located within the Hinewai Reserve, a private ecological restoration project on the Banks Peninsula.

T

Crawshaw Falls

Waterfall located in the Cass River valley area near Arthur's Pass.

Other Lists

Canterbury Region's Unmissable Highlights Hidden Gems Majestic Mountains and Peaks Wilderness Huts and Alpine Shelters Best Viewpoints and Scenic Spots Notable Christian Sites Parks and Recreational Areas