Bourbon Whisky Falls
About
Whisky Falls is a 40 metre waterfall in Nelson Lakes National Park, reached via the Lakeside Track from St Arnaud. The return walk covers 10.8 km and takes about three hours, passing through mānuka, kānuka and beech forest before the falls, which are framed by moss and ferns. The name recalls an illicit whisky still found at the site in the 1880s. Dogs are not permitted.
Reviews
Lovely waterfall just off the lake Rotoiti circuit track but we did it as a there and back hike from the Mt Robert road. Took us 4 hours but younger legs do it in 3. It's easy going and as it was winter cold and quiet with no boats buzzing up and down the lake. There were two streams to cross, the second getting water in over my boots. There's a 10 minute clime to a falls viewpoint and a jetty for boats taking the easy way to the falls.
Steve W. · June 2026 · via Google
Beautiful waterfall, about 6km away. You go through a beautiful forest and along the lake, the terrain is rocky. The path is not particularly difficult, but we went on a sunny day, so it was a bit strenuous. The waterfall is high and you can get to it over slippery rocks. Be careful 🙏
Tereza B. · February 2025 · via Google
Lovely spot. Got shuttled there on a boat so didn’t need to tramp / walk around the lake.
Nick T. · October 2024 · via Google
Worth the trip across the lake for a look. Its a nice 5 min walk to the falls and very pretty
Robert J. · February 2024 · via Google
Had been on my list of places to explore for a long time. Was so easy to access by boat. Will be back here for another day trip soon. Only 500m from the jetty. Lake was refreshing but not too cold for a swim at the end of December.
Mike F. · January 2024 · via Google
Services
- Waterfall walking track
- Day walk (10.8 km return)
- Native forest track