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Milford Sound's Waterfalls: Popular & Hidden Gems in New Zealand's Wettest Place

Located in one of the wettest places in New Zealand, Milford Sound Falls can be permanent or temporary. These ever-changing waterfalls, framed by towering cliffs and lush greenery, enhance the ethereal charm of Milford Sound, making it a haven for those seeking the wonders of New Zealand's pristine landscapes.

Numerous enchanting waterfalls add to the allure of Milford Sound. Among them, the iconic Bowen Falls plunges 162 meters from a rocky precipice, creating a captivating spectacle near the mouth of the sound. Stirling Falls, with its 155-meter drop, is another highlight, casting a misty veil over the landscape. Read on to learn all about Milford Sound Waterfalls.

Milford Sound waterfalls in a nutshell

Bowen Falls
  • Number of major waterfalls: 6 permanent, plus hundreds of temporary cascades after rain
  • Tallest nearby: Sutherland Falls at 581 m
  • Tallest inside Milford: Bowen Falls at 162 m
  • Best way to see them: Milford Sound cruises
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site: Part of Te Wahipounamu since 1990
  • Visitors per year: Over 1 million
Explore Milford Sound

Why visit Milford Sound waterfalls?

Milford Sound Waterfalls
  • Spectacular beauty: Iconic cascades like Stirling Falls plunge straight into the fjord.
  • Unique experiences: Get close enough by boat cruise to feel the spray.
  • World-class scenery: Rain turns cliffs into a curtain of hundreds of temporary falls.
  • Geological marvels: Spots like The Chasm showcase rock formations carved by rushing water.
  • Ecological richness: These falls feed Fiordland’s lush forests, home to rare birds and mosses.

Meet the waterfalls of Milford Sound

Sutherland Falls

Sutherland Falls

Height: 581 meters (1904 feet)

Sutherland Falls, standing at a height of 580 meters, is a natural wonder nestled in New Zealand's Milford Sound. You can embark on the challenging four-day Milford track to get a glimpse of this magnificent waterfall. Alternatively, a more accessible option is a scenic flight, providing not only ease of access but also views of the falls as it descends from the elevated Lake Quill.

Lady Bowen Falls

Lady Bowen Falls

Height: 162 meters (531 feet)

Lady Bowen Falls, one of the two permanent waterfalls in Milford Sound, stands as a testament to the grandeur of New Zealand's natural wonders. Named after Lady Diamantina Bowen, the wife of New Zealand's fifth governor, this iconic waterfall is one of the tallest in the region and greets you with a refreshing mist.

Stirling Falls

Stirling Falls

Height: 155 meters (508.5 feet)

Stirling Falls, a magnificent waterfall in Milford Sound, contributes to the enchanting allure of this New Zealand fjord. Located further down the fjord, Stirling Falls begins its powerful descent from towering cliffs. One distinctive feature of Stirling Falls is its accessibility, allowing boat cruises to approach closely, providing an immersive experience for those seeking to feel the mist and hear the thunderous roar of the falls.

Waireinga Falls

Bridal Veil Falls

Height: 55 meters (180 feet)

Also known as the Waireinga Falls, this is only a 15-minute drive from Raglan and is on the Waikato walking circuit. Viewing platforms near the top of the falls offer excellent views and photo opportunities. Named so because the wispy white falls look like a bride's veil, this waterfall drops into a clear pool created over time. It's a semi-permanent waterfall, which means it gets smaller during the summer and is most magnificent after heavy rain.

fairy falls milford sound

Fairy Falls

Height: 30.48 meters (100 feet)

Fairy Falls is a smaller yet stunning waterfall offering an excellent scenic backdrop for taking Instagrammable shots. Fairy Falls is only accessible by boat from the water. Fairy Falls is a semi-permanent waterfall, which means it will dry up after a few days of dry weather. With over 250 days of rain in Milford Sound each year, it is unusual for Fairy Falls to dry out, and you will almost certainly get to see it on your visit!

Giant Gate Falls

Giant Gate Falls

Height: 30 meters (98 feet)

Giant Gate Falls is a spectacular waterfall near the end of the Milford Track. You can go on a guided day walk on the Milford Track to find this waterfall, which is roughly a 1.5-hour hike from Sandfly Point. Giant Gates Falls cascades into a magnificent pool of water; Milford Track hikers frequently risk freezing temperatures on summer days to refresh themselves. It also provides the perfect spot to take a break and enjoy a hot cup of tea.

Four Sisters Falls

Four Sisters Falls

The Four Sisters are mysterious waterfalls that only show up on rainy days in Milford. Four identically sized waterfalls line up along a mountainside, seemingly emerging out of thin air. The Four Sisters frequently have extraordinary rainbows streaming through them. Water obtained directly from a Fiordland waterfall is among the purest and best on the planet! According to local legends, drinking water from the Four Sisters will make you look younger.

Humboldt Falls

Humboldt Falls

Height: 275 meters (902 feet)

Humboldt Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the Serpentine Range, in the broader Fiordland region. These lovely falls are about a 20-minute walk from the end of Hollyford Road and to reach the falls, you have to take a detour from the Milford Sound road. Humboldt Falls rushes down the mountainside in three massive jumps. The waterfall is on New Zealand's official 'Must See Waterfalls' list and you can only see it from the viewing platform.

The Chasm Fall

The Chasm

Although not strictly a waterfall, the Chasm in Milford Sound is a geological marvel. Carved by the force of rushing water over centuries, the chasm showcases intricate formations, smooth, sculpted rocks, and swirling whirlpools. The walking trail leading to The Chasm invites you into the lush rainforest. As you navigate the well-maintained paths, the sound of cascading water grows louder, culminating in a breathtaking encounter with its beauty.

How to see Milford Sound waterfalls

Couple enjoying Milford Sound waterfall view on cruise deck.
  • From Queenstown: Full-day coach + cruise tours with photo stops and close views of Bowen & Stirling Falls. Upgrade to flight combos for aerial views of Sutherland.
  • From Te Anau: Shorter day trips with transfers, a cruise, and stops like Mirror Lakes and The Chasm. Closest and most relaxed option.
  • On the Milford Track: Multi-day hikes lead to Sutherland Falls; day walks feature Giant Gate Falls.
  • By scenic flight: See Sutherland, Stirling, and countless rain-fed cascades from above, often combined with a cruise.
  • By cruise: The classic way, sail beneath Bowen, Stirling, and Fairy Falls. Morning and late cruises mean fewer crowds.

History & significance of Milford Sound waterfalls

  • Māori legend: Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) means “one piopio.” According to legend, the bird flew here in mourning after Māui’s death — a story still tied to the land you see today.
  • Glacial origins: The fiord’s sheer cliffs and plunging waterfalls were carved by glaciers during the last Ice Age, leaving behind dramatic U-shaped valleys and hanging falls.
  • European arrivals: Welsh sealer John Grono named it Milford Haven in the early 1800s. Later, settler Donald Sutherland discovered towering Sutherland Falls, still a highlight for hikers and scenic flights.
  • Opening the road: Until the Homer Tunnel opened in 1954, Milford was almost inaccessible. Today, the Milford Road journey is part of the adventure.
  • Global acclaim: Now part of the Fiordland National Park and Te Wāhipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Site, Milford Sound has been called the “eighth wonder of the world” by Rudyard Kipling.

​Plan your Milford Sound experience

Topography of Milford Sound waterfalls

Milford Cruise

When you look around Milford Sound, you’re seeing the work of ancient glaciers. They carved out the steep U-shaped valleys and sheer cliffs, leaving hanging valleys where streams now tumble into the fiord as waterfalls.

That’s why the falls here are so dramatic; they don’t just trickle down, they drop straight from the cliffs into the water. On a rainy day, you’ll see hundreds of temporary cascades appear, turning the rock walls into silver curtains.

Keep an eye out for Mitre Peak towering over the sound, and for giants like Sutherland Falls and Lady Bowen Falls. Together, the cliffs, rainforest, and endless waterfalls make Milford Sound feel like it’s constantly moving and alive, and no two visits ever look the same.

Fun facts about Milford Sound Waterfalls

  • Milford Sound or Piopiotahi, including its waterfalls, is part of the Fiordland National Park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990 for its outstanding natural features and ecological significance. 
  • According to Māori legend recounting Māui's quest for humanity's immortality, a solitary piopio journeyed to the fjord in mourning after Māui's demise. The name Piopiotahi reflects this bird's significance, with ‘tahi’ meaning 'one' in Māori.
  •  In 1823, John Grono bestowed the European name Milford Sound upon the fiord, drawing inspiration from Milford Haven in his Welsh homeland. 
  • The Cleddau River, flowing into the fjord, also took its name from its Welsh counterpart.
  • If you watched the Wolverine, you might recognize the magnificent Stirling Falls.

​More things to do in Milford Sound

Frequently asked questions about Milford Sound Waterfalls

What are the famous Milford Sound waterfalls?

Some of the most renowned Milford Sound waterfalls include Lady Bowen Falls, Stirling Falls, and Sutherland Falls, each renowned for their majestic beauty. Several semi-permanent waterfalls like the Fairy Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are also notably beautiful and famous.

Are Milford Sound waterfalls worth seeing?

Yes, they are worth seeing. Milford Sound waterfalls showcase nature's grandeur. The sight of cascading waters against the fjord's backdrop is an unforgettable experience, making a trip to Milford Sound a must while you are in New Zealand.

What are the best ways to see Milford Sound waterfalls up close?

Take a boat cruise for an up-close view or opt for scenic flights. Cruise tours allow intimate encounters with waterfalls like Stirling Falls, while flights provide a birds-eye perspective.

What is the best time to see Milford Sound waterfalls?

The waterfalls are most impressive after rainfall, so visiting during the wetter months (October to March) enhances the experience. However, the fjord's beauty is year-round and you can visit Milford Sound any time you want.

Can I visit Milford Sound waterfalls with Milford Cruise or Milford Track tickets?

Both Milford Cruise and Milford Track offer access to the waterfalls. Cruise tours provide a close encounter, while the track's multi-day hike unveils stunning vistas along the way. You can also choose a scenic flight to get sweeping views of the area or go on a guided day walk along the Milford Track.

How old are Milford Sound waterfalls?

Milford Sound's waterfalls have evolved over millennia, shaped by glacial activity during the last Ice Age, attesting to their ancient geological origins.

What’s the tallest waterfall in Milford Sound?

Sutherland Falls reigns as the tallest waterfall in Milford Sound, standing at an impressive 581 meters, making it one of the world's highest and most spectacular waterfalls.

Are Milford Sound waterfalls tours wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Milford Sound Cruises and Scenic Flight tours are accessibility-friendly. However, Milford Track is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Can I photograph Milford Sound waterfalls?

Yes, you can click photos of the Milford Sound waterfalls, and we encourage you to do so. Whether on a boat cruise or from designated viewpoints, Milford Sound's waterfalls offer fantastic photographic opportunities amid its breathtaking scenery.

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