This paper examines spatial and temporal heterogeneity of the surface, subsurface and vertical drainage components within and between three sites in a 25.7 ha tropical rainforest catchment. Our analysis indicates that saturation overland flow depends on the relationships between temporal variations in rainfall intensity, the upper soil store capacity, and the spatial variation of saturated hydraulic conductivity in the subsoil below 20 cm. This results in saturation overland flow occurring throughout storms on the upper slopes, but being confined to rainfall intensity peaks in the lower, incised area during the post-monsoon “transitional” season. Regression models indicate that rainfall pulse shape is an important factor determining the proportion of the upper soil store capacity occupied by water. This in turn controls within site differences in specific runoff components between storms. Piezometers showed an almost instantaneous rise and lag to peak times as short as 24 minutes, irrespective of location on the upper slope site. This is attributed to the high rainfall intensities and soil moisture status that prevail in this area.