Whispering Falls and Hackett Track
- Nelson
- Walks & Hikes
Located in the Mount Richmond Forest Park, Whispering Falls is one of Nelson Tasman’s most charming waterfalls.
Following the banks of the Hackett River and across a series of wooden swing bridges, it’s a short 1 hour walk (one way) to the series of waterfalls at the head of the valley. Sheltered by native podocarp forest, the gently tumbling rapids of the river guide you to your destination.
The upper and lower waterfall are approximately 5 minutes apart and are best seen after a period of heavy rain, although one of the bridges has been washed out, so it is unlikely you’ll be able to reach the waterfalls if the river is too high. Resembling a light rain shower, delicate droplets trickle down the limestone and splash on the valley floor below. A beautiful picnic area sits atop the upper waterfall, as you continue along the track to reach the open meadow above.
There are a number of other ways to experience the Hackett and the Mount Richmond Forest Park. In particular, the Hackett Track follows the creek through the mineral belt, providing access to historic chromite mines and other unique geological landforms.
How to get there: The track to Whispering Falls begins at the Hackett Carpark, which is located near the end of Aniseed Valley Road.
Photo credits: Giselle Purcelle.
