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Sutherland Falls is one of New Zealand’s tallest waterfalls, plunging 580 metres in three sections—815 feet, 751 feet, and 338 feet—within Fiordland National Park. Located 23 kilometres southeast of Milford Sound, the falls are fed by Lake Quill, a glacial lake that overflows its edge, sending water crashing down a steep rock face. The sheer size and force of the falls make them a major draw for hikers and nature enthusiasts. This guide explores what makes this waterfall New Zealand, a must-see destination, from its towering drop to the challenging yet rewarding journey required to witness it up close.
Location
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If you are wondering where is the waterfall, it is located in Fiordland National Park on New Zealand’s South Island. It is part of the Milford Track, one of the country’s Great Walks, and can only be reached on foot or by air. The falls are about 90 kilometres northwest of Te Anau, the nearest town, and are within the UNESCO-listed Te Wāhipounamu region, known for its fjords, mountains, and forests.
About
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For those wondering how was waterfall formed, it was formed by glacial activity during the Ice Age. Lake Quill, a glacial lake, sits in a rock basin carved by moving ice. Water spills over a steep rock face as the lake overflows, dropping 580 metres in three sections. This natural process created one of New Zealand’s tallest and most powerful waterfalls within the Fiordland National Park.
How To Reach
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By Foot: Hiking the Milford Track is the most common way to reach the waterfall. This four-day, 53.5-kilometre trail passes through forests, rivers, and valleys, with a side track leading to the falls on the third day. Hut bookings are required.
By Air: Small plane tours from Te Anau or Queenstown offer a chance to see the waterfall from above. This option provides wide views of the surrounding landscapes without the effort of a long hike. Helicopter tours from Te Anau or Milford Sound provide a closer look at the falls, often with a short landing nearby. It’s a great way to experience the scale of the waterfall from the air.
By Boat & Flight: Some tours combine a Milford Sound cruise with a scenic flight over Fiordland, including views of the waterfall. This allows visitors to experience both the fjords and the falls in one trip.
Places To Visit Near Sutherland Falls
Here are ten noteworthy places to visit around Sutherland Falls New Zealand:
1. Milford Sound
Photo: W. Bulach / Wikimedia Commons
Milford Sound is known for its towering cliffs, dramatic waterfalls, and deep fjords. Boat cruises take visitors past sheer rock faces and waterfalls, while kayaking offers a quieter way to take in the surroundings. Wildlife is a big part of the experience, with seals lounging on rocks, dolphins swimming alongside boats, and penguins sometimes making an appearance. Rain is common, creating temporary waterfalls along the cliffs. The drive to Milford Sound is just as impressive, with plenty of scenic stops along the way.
Location: Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
2. Lake Te Anau
Photo: Krzysztof Golik / Wikimedia Commons
The largest lake of New Zealand’s South Island, Lake Te Anau, is a starting point for exploring the Fiordland National Park. It’s a great place for a boat ride, with cruises heading to glowworm caves where tiny lights dot the ceilings like stars. Walking tracks line parts of the lake, offering peaceful spots to take in the views. Fishing is popular here, and the town of Te Anau has plenty of restaurants, cafés, and places to stay for those looking to explore the area.
Location: Te Anau, South Island, New Zealand
3. Routeburn Track
Photo: Ilya Grigorik / Wikimedia Commons
The Routeburn Track is a 32 km hiking trail linking Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks. It’s a multi-day walk through beech forests, river valleys, and high mountain ridges. Along the way, hikers pass waterfalls, clear blue lakes, and open alpine areas with wide views. The track is well-maintained, with huts and campsites for overnight stays. It’s a challenging but rewarding walk, offering a mix of steep climbs and easy stretches through forested areas.
Location: Fiordland & Mount Aspiring National Parks, New Zealand
4. Doubtful Sound
Photo: W. Bulach / Wikimedia Commons
Doubtful Sound is larger and quieter than Milford Sound, making it a good choice for those looking to explore without the crowds. Getting there is part of the adventure—first, a boat ride across Lake Manapouri, then a coach trip over Wilmot Pass, followed by another boat trip into the fjord. The water is calm, and seeing dolphins, seals, and sometimes even rare Fiordland crested penguins is common. Boat tours and kayaking trips offer different ways to experience the fjord.
Location: Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
5. Kepler Track
Photo: Michal Klajban / Wikimedia Commons
The Kepler Track takes hikers through a mix of forested valleys, high ridgelines, and lakefront sections. It’s a well-marked and structured trail with designated huts for overnight stays. The climb to Luxmore Hut on the first day offers wide views over Lake Te Anau, followed by ridgeline walking with even bigger vistas. The track then winds through beech forests and alongside the Waiau River. It’s a good choice for those looking for a multi-day hike without the navigation challenges of some backcountry routes.
Location: Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Must-Have Experiences
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- Hike the Milford Track: The journey to Sutherland Falls takes hikers through forests, over rivers, and across alpine passes, with constantly changing scenery.
- Take a Scenic Flight: Helicopter and small plane tours offer an alternative way to see the falls, along with wide views of Fiordland.
- Explore Milford Sound: Just beyond the track’s endpoint, Milford Sound has steep cliffs, waterfalls, and marine life.
- Go Stargazing: Fiordland’s remote location means there is little light pollution, making it a good place to see the night sky.
- Wildlife Spotting: The area is home to native birds like kea and kaka, as well as seals and dolphins in Milford Sound.
- Visit the Fiordland Cinema in Te Anau: A good place to watch the locally made documentary “Ata Whenua – Shadowland,” which highlights the region’s landscapes.
Where To Stay
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Te Anau is the main base for visitors exploring Fiordland, with motels, hostels, and higher-end lodges. Those looking for a more remote stay can find accommodations in Milford Sound, including chalets and campervan sites. Hikers on the Milford Track stay in Department of Conservation huts, which need to be booked in advance.
Where To Eat
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Te Anau has restaurants and cafés serving local and international dishes, including seafood, lamb, and vegetarian meals. The Redcliff Café is a popular choice for a sit-down meal, while the Sandfly Café is a casual eating joint. In Milford Sound, the Milford Sound Café is one of the few dining spots. Hikers on the Milford Track must bring their own food, as there are no places to buy supplies along the route.
Best Time To Visit
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The best time to visit the waterfall in New Zealand is from late October to April when the Milford Track is fully open and weather conditions are more stable. During these months, temperatures are milder, and daylight hours are longer. However, Fiordland gets a lot of rain year-round, so waterproof clothing is essential. In winter, the track is open only to experienced hikers with mountaineering skills.
Other Factors To Consider
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Average Cost Of The Trip
The cost of a trip to the waterfall varies based on how you choose to visit. Independent hikers on the Milford Track spend around ₹10,000 on hut bookings, while guided tours range from ₹1,00,000 to 1,50,000. Scenic flights start at approximately ₹35,000 per person. Accommodation in Te Anau ranges from budget stays at ₹1,500 per night to luxury lodges costing ₹25,000 or more. Meals cost between ₹750 for casual dining and ₹2,500 or more at restaurants.
Tips For Travellers
- Stay Hydrated: Carry enough water, as the hike to Sutherland Falls can be physically demanding.
- Wear Comfortable Footwear: Wearing shoes which have a good grip is important to maintain balance on uneven and sometimes slippery terrain.
- Prepare for Rain: Fiordland experiences frequent rainfall, so waterproof clothing is necessary.
- Book in Advance: The Milford Track requires advance reservations for huts and guided tours.
- Carry Insect Repellent: Sandflies are common in Fiordland, and repellent helps prevent bites.
- Check Track Conditions: Weather conditions can change rapidly, so check updates from the Department of Conservation before heading out.
Sutherland Falls is a demanding yet rewarding destination, plunging 580 metres in three sections within Fiordland National Park. Hikers can access it via the multi-day Milford Track, with a side trek offering a closer view, or take a scenic helicopter flight for a breathtaking perspective. The journey reveals one of New Zealand’s most remote and untouched landscapes. Plan a trip with TripXL and experience the sheer power of the waterfall firsthand.
Cover Photo: Hunter Reilly / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
