The top 6 waterfalls to see in Milford Sound
1. Lady Elizabeth Bowen Falls
Can be seen from land, boat cruise or kayak.
The permanent Lady Bowen Falls is Milford’s highest waterfall (162m). Not only is Bowen Falls breathtakingly beautiful, it also provides the township of Milford Sound with its sole source of power and water. Without this particular waterfall, Milford Sound couldn’t operate!
Occasionally, in heavy rain or dry spells she has overflow or underflow problems, leaving us without electricity. But her beauty makes up for her occasional flow issues. The falls quadruples in volume during Milford’s epic storms and one of the best ways to enjoy the falls is to stand on the foreshore and feel the spray.
In Māori, the falls are known as Hine Te Awa meaning ‘girl on the river’ after the lower third of the falls that resemble the plumage of the Kereru (NZ Wood Pigeon).
2. Stirling Falls
Can be seen in the distance from the Milford foreshore, but best viewed by cruise or kayak.
Milford’s second-highest waterfall is Stirling Falls. At a staggering 151m in height, Stirling is three times the height of Niagara Falls, but the 1,300m mountain behind it disguises this incredible height.
Stirling Falls is the famous waterfall Hugh Jackman ‘jumped off’ in the movie Wolverine. The sheer drop of the cliff face allows boats and brave kayakers to get right beneath the cascading water. It’s an incredible feeling to have the power of 151 metres’ worth of glacial water falling on top of you. Captain Stirling named the falls after himself, a less gentlemanly action than that of Captain Bowen who named the Lady Bowen Falls after his wife.
In Māori, the falls are called Wai Manu meaning, ‘cloud on the water’. Local tip – venture to the falls in a kayak, then paddle with all your might to get as far under as possible. Letting go and feeling the power pushing you back out is an awesome feeling!
3. The Chasm
Can be seen via a short walking track off the Milford Road
A roaring body of water that drops into a vast abyss, The Chasm is located just before Milford Sound on the Milford Road. For thousands of years the surrounding rocks have been shaped and sculptured by the powerful water, creating incredibly smooth rocks.
Five brave, but unwise, tourists have crossed over the barriers over the years and ended up tumbling into the roaring hole. Luckily all of them survived by being caught in one of the rockpools. However, major evacuation operations were required for all of them, including helicopters and search and rescue teams from Queenstown. So please, enjoy the view from the platform!
A cheeky Kea once stole a passport from the front seat of a bus, flew over the chasm and dropped it in, cackling the whole time. The Chasm is best during or after heavy rain. Follow the 20-minute trail, stand on top of the bridge and enjoy the incredible view below.
Be sure to check for the latest track updates before setting off.
4. Giant Gate Falls
Only accessible on Milford Track day hike.
This charismatic 30-metre waterfall seems to appear from nowhere, framed by a simple and subtle bush line. It’s accessible by a 1-2 hour hike (3-4 hours return) along the famous Milford Track with Fiordland Outdoors.
The only way to get up close and personal with Giant Gate Falls is on this day hike. You’ll follow in the footsteps of legendary trampers, crossing swing bridges and winding through lush Fiordland rainforest before arriving at the base of the falls.
Giant Gate plunges into a stunning swimming hole - brave walkers often dive in, especially on warm days after multiple nights without a shower! It's also a perfect lunch stop, with the waterfall’s breeze keeping sandflies at bay. Resident wekas are a regular sight, and during the right season, their cheeky chicks may try to sneak a bite of your lunch.
5. Four Sisters
Only seen during Milford’s rainy days from a boat cruise
The Four Sisters are mystical waterfalls that only appear during Milford’s rainy days. This unique falls is four identically sized waterfalls lined up along a mountainside; appearing seemingly out of thin air. Often, the Four Sisters have mysterious rainbows filtering through them.
Take a Milford Sound boat cruise and on the right day, your on-board nature guide will get right underneath with a tray of empty glasses allowing you to have a drink straight from the source. Water taken directly from a Fiordland waterfall is just about the purest and best water in the world! And we love the myth that drinking water from the Four Sisters will make you look ten years younger.
6. Humboldt Falls
Accessible via a 40-minute walking track from the Hollyford Road
Located in the Serpentine Range, in the greater Fiordland region lies the Humboldt Falls. These beautiful falls are located a 20-minute walk from the end of the Hollyford Road. Humboldt Falls tumbles down the mountainside in three huge leaps and is 275 meters tall. Included in New Zealand’s official ‘Must See Waterfalls’ list, the waterfall is only viewable from a viewing platform.
There is parking at the end of the Hollyford Road, where the well-maintained 40-minute Humboldt Falls Track begins. If you are visiting in the middle of a rainy period, one or more waterfalls will show up on either side of the Humboldt Falls giving you more bang for your buck!
Be sure to check for the latest track updates before setting off.
