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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Milford Sound's waterfalls have evolved over millennia, shaped by glacial activity during the last Ice Age, attesting to their ancient geological origins.
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.
Yes, Milford Sound Cruises and Scenic Flight tours are accessibility-friendly. However, Milford Track is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
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.
