Rai Falls is a small waterfall in the Rai Valley between Blenheim and Havelock, reached by a short walking track from a small parking area off State Highway 6. The walk to the falls takes about 5–10 minutes and is suitable for families with children who can manage a brief uneven track. There are no entry fees and no formal facilities (no toilets, no picnic shelter). Its proximity to the Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve to the south makes a combined visit easy.
Practical Information
| Location | Rai Valley, between Blenheim and Havelock — off State Highway 6 |
| Access | Small parking area beside SH6; short, well-marked walking track |
| Walk time | 5–10 minutes one way to the falls |
| Difficulty | Easy — short, but uneven track surface |
| Family suitability | Suitable for children who can manage a brief uneven walk |
| Facilities | None — no toilets, no picnic shelter, no restrooms |
| Cost | Free |
| Nearby attractions | Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve (south of Rai Valley) — Tawa Walk to Two Waterfalls, longer reserve tracks |
| Region | Marlborough |
About Rai Falls
Rai Falls is a roadside waterfall stop on the route between Blenheim and Havelock along State Highway 6. It’s not a destination walk in itself — the appeal is the combination of accessibility (a few minutes’ walk from the car), no fees, and a useful break point when driving between Blenheim and the Pelorus Sound area. The track is short, well-marked, and gives a clean view of the falls with limited effort.
The track surface is uneven — natural ground rather than a sealed or graded path — so sturdy footwear is more comfortable than jandals. Families with young children manage the walk fine in normal conditions; in wet weather the track becomes more slippery.
Combine With Pelorus Bridge
The Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve sits a short distance south of Rai Valley and offers a much more developed walking experience — including the popular Tawa Walk to Two Waterfalls (about 1 hr 17 min, relatively short and flat with some roots and rocks), the Trig K Track Loop, and other tracks across the reserve. Pelorus Bridge also has a cafe, full facilities, and the river itself for swimming on hot days. A Rai Falls + Pelorus Bridge combined visit makes a comfortable half-day trip from Blenheim or Picton.
Where to Learn More
AllTrails — Waterfall trails near Havelock — community trail directory listing Rai Falls and other nearby waterfall walks with GPS data, photos and user reviews.
Marlborough NZ — Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve — regional tourism guide for the nearby Pelorus Bridge reserve, useful for planning a combined visit.
AllTrails — Tawa Walk to Two Waterfalls — GPS and reviews for the longer Pelorus Bridge waterfall walk that pairs well with a Rai Falls visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Rai Falls?
In the Rai Valley between Blenheim and Havelock, off State Highway 6.
How long is the walk to Rai Falls?
5–10 minutes one way from the roadside parking.
Is the walk suitable for children?
Yes — suitable for children who can manage a brief uneven track. Watch footing in wet conditions.
Are there toilets at Rai Falls?
No — there are no formal facilities. Use the toilets at Pelorus Bridge to the south.
Is Rai Falls free?
Yes — no entry fee.
What’s nearby to combine with a Rai Falls visit?
Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve to the south — includes the Tawa Walk to Two Waterfalls and other reserve tracks, plus a cafe and full facilities.
For more Marlborough waterfalls see Waterfalls in Blenheim. For the wider Pelorus Sound area see Pelorus, Kenepuru and Mahau Sounds guide.
