Pine Valley Waterfall is a 10-metre waterfall with downstream cascades at the beginning of the Pine Valley Track in Mount Richmond Forest Park — a short DOC-managed walk from the Mill Flat carpark suitable for families wanting an accessible waterfall experience without a full backcountry tramp. The Pine Valley / Mill Flat area is in the Marlborough/Tasman boundary zone and sits within the wider Mount Richmond Forest Park. Be aware of wasps in the reserve from January to April — numbers can be high.
Practical Information
| Location | Mount Richmond Forest Park — Pine Valley / Mill Flat area |
| Height | 10 metres, plus downstream cascades |
| Track | Short waterfall walk from Mill Flat carpark |
| Access | Mill Flat carpark (sealed road parking; 4WD available for direct Mill Flat access) |
| Nearby tracks | 10-min Mill Flat Walk loop; longer Mt Fishtail track (5 hr one way) |
| Surface | Uneven walking surface — may be slippery |
| Stream | Reasonably fast-flowing and bouldery — can flood in heavy rain |
| Hazard — wasps | Wasp numbers can be high January to April |
| Cost | Free |
| Managed by | Department of Conservation (DOC) |
About the Waterfall
Pine Valley Waterfall is one of the more accessible waterfalls in the Mount Richmond Forest Park — a 10-metre drop with downstream cascading sections, reachable on a short walk from the Mill Flat carpark. The setting is mature regenerating native forest typical of the wider park, with the Pine Valley Stream cutting down through bouldery beds to form the waterfall and the downstream rapids.
The walk in is on an uneven natural surface that can be slippery — sturdy footwear is sensible, and the stream itself is reasonably fast-flowing and bouldery so caution near the water is important. After heavy rain the stream level rises quickly and conditions become more dangerous; don’t attempt to cross flooded sections.
Other Walks in the Area
The Pine Valley / Mill Flat area has several other walking options of varying difficulty:
The Mill Flat Walk is a 10-minute easy loop track suitable for casual walkers and families with young children.
The Mt Fishtail track is the more demanding option — 5 hours one way, climbing into the wider Mount Richmond Forest Park backcountry. This is a serious tramping route requiring experience, fitness and proper preparation.
The waterfall walk sits between these two in difficulty — short and accessible, but with the natural-track conditions of a backcountry forest area.
Wasp Warning
The Pine Valley / Mill Flat area can have high wasp numbers from January through April — particularly in warm dry summers. The wasps are German and common wasps, both invasive species that thrive in NZ beech forests. Avoid swatting at them (which provokes a defensive response), don’t disturb nests, and carry antihistamines or epinephrine if you have a known allergy. DOC advises specifically that wasp numbers can be high in this reserve during summer and early autumn.
Where to Learn More
NZ Waterfalls — Pine Valley Waterfall — independent waterfall directory with the 10m height confirmed, photos and access notes.
DOC — Mill Flat Field Trip — official DOC education resource covering the Pine Valley / Mill Flat area with walk options, hazards (including wasps) and access information.
DOC — Mount Richmond Forest Park — overall park page including all tracks, huts and current alerts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Pine Valley Waterfall?
10 metres, with additional downstream cascading sections.
Where do you park for Pine Valley Waterfall?
At the Mill Flat carpark — ample parking on the access road, with 4WD direct access to Mill Flat itself.
How long is the walk to the waterfall?
Short — the waterfall is at the beginning of the Pine Valley Track from Mill Flat, suitable as a quick walk-in rather than a full hike.
Are there other walks at Mill Flat?
Yes — the 10-minute Mill Flat Walk loop (easy, family-friendly), and the longer Mt Fishtail track (5 hours one way, demanding).
When are wasps a problem in Pine Valley?
January through April — wasp numbers can be high in the reserve. Carry antihistamines or epinephrine if you have a known allergy.
Can the stream flood?
Yes — Pine Valley Stream is fast-flowing and can flood in heavy rain. Avoid crossings in flood conditions.
For more Marlborough waterfalls see Waterfalls in Blenheim. The wider park is covered at Mount Richmond Forest Park.
