The spectacular 10m tall Maruia Falls are the result of a devastating earthquake in Murchison in 1929. An earthquake-generated landslide in the Maruia Valley, , diverted the course of the Maruia River forming the falls. 

The falls are near the western end of the “Four Rivers Plain”, at the confluence of the Buller River and the Matakitaki River in the Tasman Region of the South Island. The earthquake forced the Maruia to cut a new channel over an old riverbank and formed the falls.

The resulting majestic waterfall can be heard before it is seen. It plummets into the deep pools below. And the rocky open riverbed setting offers unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape. The viewpoint is close enough to curtain you with droplets of water but distant enough to appreciate it in all its glory.

Please do not swim or try to get closer to the falls.