[1] As one of very few South Island waterfalls away from the alpine region,[2] it has long been a popular destination and photographic subject.

[3] The falls are an iconic image for The Catlins region, and were featured on a New Zealand postage stamp in 1976.

The small, well-signposted detour to the falls is popular with tourist travellers along the Southern Scenic Route, and prominently mentioned in brochures about the area.

[5] Although the Purakaunui Falls are not part of the Catlins Conservation Park, they are surrounded by native bush consisting of podocarp and silver beech, in a scenic reserve of 5 square kilometres (2 sq mi).

Steps continue down to the main viewing platform at the base of the 20 metres (66 ft) three tiered cascade.