Last updated November 2026
Cascade Falls is a waterfall in native bush just inland from Torrent Bay in Abel Tasman National Park, reached by a side trip off the Abel Tasman Coast Track. DOC lists it as a 1 hour 30 minute return side trip on the Anchorage to Bark Bay section, and warns the track is quite steep in parts.
DOC calls it “a beautiful waterfall hidden in native bush that’s a great spot to cool off”. There is no road to it: you reach Torrent Bay on foot along the Coast Track or by water taxi. It is about 42 km from Nelson in a straight line. Check DOC before you go.
Practical Information
- Start
- Signposted side track off the Abel Tasman Coast Track near Torrent Bay, just past the footbridge over Tregidga Creek
- Distance from the city
- About 42 km from Nelson
- Walking time
- About 1 hr 30 min return (side trip)
- Grade
- Quite steep in parts (DOC)
- Track type
- Side track off a Great Walk
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
About Cascade Falls
Cascade Falls is a short climb inland from the coast. The side track leaves the Coast Track near Torrent Bay and heads up into the bush towards Falls River, with a short detour to the base of the falls, where one trail guide mentions a fine spray.
The track is narrower and rougher than the main Coast Track. One trail guide describes it climbing steeply up a spur on large, uneven steps, and another notes that the first section can be muddy and slippery after rain and that a later stretch runs close to the edge of the hill, so keep children close.
Combining It With the Coast Track
Cascade Falls sits on DOC’s Anchorage to Bark Bay section of the Coast Track. DOC times that section at about 4 hours and 11.5 km on the high tide track, or 3 hours and 8.4 km if you use the low tide crossing of the Torrent Bay estuary, which is only passable around low tide, so check the tide tables. The same section crosses Falls River on a 47 m suspension bridge.
One trail guide says the side track continues past the Cascade Falls junction towards swimming holes on Falls River, and puts the full Falls River Track at about 3 hours and 7 km return.
Getting There
Water taxis run from Marahau, Kaiteriteri and Tōtaranui to Torrent Bay and Anchorage, according to one waterfall guide, which suggests landing at Torrent Bay and leaving from Anchorage.
From Torrent Bay, walk through the campsite towards Anchorage for about 10 minutes, cross Tregidga Creek on the footbridge, and turn onto the signposted side track. Tell someone your plans, use Plan My Walk, and check DOC before you go.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Abel Tasman Coast Track, track description: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Plan My Walk: weather, track alerts and a trip plan to share before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the side trip to Cascade Falls take?
DOC gives about 1 hour 30 minutes return.
How hard is it?
DOC says the track is quite steep in parts. Trail guides describe large, uneven steps and a section that can be muddy after rain.
Where does the side track start?
Near Torrent Bay, just past the footbridge over Tregidga Creek on the way towards Anchorage, on DOC’s Anchorage to Bark Bay section.
Can I drive there?
No. Walk in along the Coast Track or take a water taxi to Torrent Bay or Anchorage.
Can I cool off at the falls?
DOC calls the falls a great spot to cool off. For swimming holes, a trail guide points further up the Falls River side track. Take care on wet rocks and in the water.
How far is it from Nelson?
About 42 km in a straight line, in Abel Tasman National Park.
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