Last updated July 2026
Pine Valley Waterfall is a 10-metre cascade with downstream sections located at the start of the Pine Valley Track in Mount Richmond Forest Park. The short walk begins at the Mill Flat carpark and offers an accessible option for families and casual visitors seeking a waterfall experience managed by the Department of Conservation. The site lies in the Marlborough region near the Tasman boundary, within regenerating native forest along the Pine Valley Stream. The area features uneven natural tracks and a fast-flowing bouldery stream that requires caution, especially after rain. DOC notes specific seasonal hazards including wasps.
Practical Information
| Location | Mount Richmond Forest Park, Pine Valley / Mill Flat area, Marlborough |
| Height | 10 metres, plus downstream cascades |
| Track | Short waterfall walk from Mill Flat carpark |
| Access | Mill Flat carpark (sealed/gravel road; 4WD recommended for direct Mill Flat access over ford) |
| Nearby tracks | 10-minute Mill Flat Walk loop; Mt Fishtail track (5 hours one way) |
| Surface | Uneven natural surface, may be slippery |
| Stream | Fast-flowing and bouldery; can flood in heavy rain |
| Hazard — wasps | Numbers can be high January to April |
| Cost | Free |
| Managed by | Department of Conservation (DOC) |
About Pine Valley Waterfall
Pine Valley Waterfall sits at the beginning of the Pine Valley Track in Mount Richmond Forest Park. The 10-metre drop and downstream cascades form where the Pine Valley Stream cuts through bouldery beds in mature regenerating native forest. The short walk from the carpark provides an easy introduction to the park without requiring a full backcountry tramp.
The Pine Valley / Mill Flat area has a history of early 20th-century logging, with evidence of former mill sites still visible in the landscape. The valley has since regenerated into lowland bush featuring mixed beech and podocarp species, supporting native birds such as kererū, tūī, korimako and piwakawaka. The site also serves educational groups studying freshwater and forest ecosystems.
Access starts from Pine Valley Road off Northbank Road. Visitors reach a carpark before the stream ford, with a short walk to the swing bridge and recreation area. The waterfall itself is reached quickly along the initial section of the Pine Valley Track through native forest.
Other Walks in the Area
The Pine Valley / Mill Flat area offers several walking options of varying difficulty. The Mill Flat Walk is a 10-minute easy loop track suitable for casual walkers and families. The waterfall walk provides a short, accessible option on a natural surface. The Mt Fishtail track is the more demanding route, taking 5 hours one way from the Pine Valley Hut site area and requiring experience, fitness and proper preparation for backcountry conditions.
Wasp Warning and Other Hazards
Wasps are common in the reserve, with numbers that can be high from January to April. DOC advises carrying antihistamine if allergic. The stream is reasonably fast-flowing and bouldery, becoming slippery and prone to flooding in heavy rain. Do not attempt crossings in flood conditions. Tracks have uneven surfaces, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Water in the park may not be safe to drink without treatment.
Where to Learn More
DOC — Mt Fishtail Route: Official details on access, track times, distances and hazards in Mount Richmond Forest Park.
DOC — Mill Flat Field Trip: Authoritative information on tracks, facilities, history, hazards and the local environment at Mill Flat.
DOC — Mount Richmond Forest Park: Main park page with all tracks, campsites, alerts and visitor information.
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 on Pine Valley Road. A 4WD is recommended for direct access to Mill Flat over the stream ford.
How long is the walk to the waterfall?
Short — the waterfall is at the beginning of the Pine Valley Track, reachable on a brief walk from the carpark through native forest.
Are there other walks at Mill Flat?
Yes — the 10-minute Mill Flat Walk loop (easy), the short waterfall walk, and the demanding Mt Fishtail track (5 hours one way).
When are wasps a problem in Pine Valley?
January through April — wasp numbers can be high. Carry antihistamine if you have a known allergy.
Can the stream flood?
Yes — Pine Valley Stream is fast-flowing and bouldery; it can flood in heavy rain. Avoid crossings during flood conditions.
Is there a fee to visit Pine Valley Waterfall?
No — entry and parking are free, though the site is managed by the Department of Conservation.
What is the history of the Mill Flat area?
The area was logged in the early 1900s and again after World War II. It has since regenerated into native bush and now supports educational and recreational use.
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