Hike the Waterfall Track

Relatively short day hike that involves a few stairs and bridge crossing brings you to a cool spot called Dog Stream Waterfall at the end of the Waterfall Track. 

While the waterfall itself is cool, the hike itself is pretty great. Steady climb up to the 41 meter waterfall, offering some great views towards the tops. Along the way you are treated to great little streams and waterfalls along the side of the track. 

The drive to the waterfall carpark does involve about 10 minutes of gravel road, but it is fairly well maintained and should be doable for just about any car. Follow signs for "Waterfall Carpark" and you will be right there. There is ample parking for the track. 

The track is well maintained but does involve some rocks and roots. There might be one or two trickier sections that involve some careful footing, but overall a pretty straight forward track. The track does climb steadily all the way to the waterfall which means you will be going down on your way back to the car. You do have the option to turn this into a loop hike, taking the Fir trail and the Spur track back to the carpark, but I simply did an out and back due to timing. 

The only other thing to note on this track is that there are stairs involved. Towards the top in some of the steeper sections there are a fair number of stairs to aid in the terrain.

Once you are near the top, keep a sharp eye for a DOC sign that says "5 minute return". This is the turn off to the waterfall. If you miss the sign, you come across another sign that tells you that you are on a different track. 

Take your time at the water, this one is cool because you can get right next to it, not a ton of water coming over the edge which means you won't get drenched if you go to the bottom, unlike some other falls. Once back in Hanmer enjoy some time in the thermal pools to relax the muscles!