Sutherland Falls New Zealand
New Zealand's tallest waterfall, a 580m cascade in Fiordland National Park, accessible via hike or scenic flight.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Longer daylight, clearer skies
Sutherland Falls New Zealand
Best Time
Longer daylight, clearer skies
Highlights
Must-see attractions
New Zealand's tallest waterfall, a 580m cascade in Fiordland National Park, accessible via hike or scenic flight.
"A true natural wonder, Sutherland Falls leaves visitors in awe of its sheer beauty and grandeur."
Book Milford Track Early
Permits for the Milford Track sell out months in advance. Plan ahead! :ticket:
Weather-Dependent Flights
Helicopter and scenic flights are subject to weather. Have backup plans. :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sutherland Falls' Three Cascades
Fiordland National Park
New Zealand's tallest waterfall, plunging 580m in three dramatic tiers from Lake Quill.
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Milford Track Side Trip
Milford Track
A rewarding 90-minute return walk from Quintin Shelter to the base of the falls.
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Aerial Views from Lake Quill
Lake Quill
Experience the falls and surrounding alpine beauty via scenic helicopter or fixed-wing flights.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Milford Sound
Accessing Sutherland Falls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Milford Track Early
Permits for the Milford Track sell out months in advance. Plan ahead!
Weather-Dependent Flights
Helicopter and scenic flights are subject to weather. Have backup plans. :cloud:
Pack for Mist & Rain
Expect spray and rain, even on clear days. Waterproof gear is essential.
Leave Backpacks at Shelter
Use the day shelter at Quintin to store your pack before the walk to the falls. :backpack:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Milford Track Early
Permits for the Milford Track sell out months in advance. Plan ahead!
Weather-Dependent Flights
Helicopter and scenic flights are subject to weather. Have backup plans. :cloud:
Pack for Mist & Rain
Expect spray and rain, even on clear days. Waterproof gear is essential.
Leave Backpacks at Shelter
Use the day shelter at Quintin to store your pack before the walk to the falls. :backpack:
Winter Wonderland Views
Winter offers stunning snow-dusted landscapes, but check track conditions. :snowflake:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sutherland Falls is lauded as New Zealand's tallest waterfall, offering a spectacular display of nature's power. Visitors are captivated by its immense height and the immersive experience of reaching its base via the Milford Track or enjoying breathtaking aerial views. The remote, unspoiled setting is a major draw, though the unpredictable Fiordland weather and the difficulty in securing Milford Track permits are noted challenges.
"Sutherland Falls is a waterfall near Milford Sound in New Zealand's South Island. The falls are located 13.5nm South West of Chao Pass.[ At 580 metres (1,904 feet) the falls are the tallest waterfall in New Zealand.
The water falls from Lake Quill in three cascades: the upper is 229 m tall, the middle is 248 m, and the lower is 103 m tall. A vertical fall of 580 m is made over 480 m of horizontal distance, thus the mean grade of falls is approximately 56 degrees.
The base of Sutherland Falls is a 90-minute (return) walk from Quintin Public Shelter on the Milford Track.
Sutherland Falls are visible in the background of the eagle scene in Peter Jackson's fantasy film The Hobbit.
Sutherland Falls was first known to Europeans when a Scottish settler, Donald Sutherland, saw them in 1880. He initially claimed the falls were over 1,000 m (3,300 ft) tall, which would have made them the highest in the world by far. Later surveys showed that this claim was significantly inflated, and they have been confirmed to actually be 580 m (1,900 ft) tall.
Lake Quill, which forms the source of the falls, was named for the first European explorer who climbed up the cliff face to find it in 1890."
Rotem NZ Adventures
"Impressive waterfall, it's the highest in New Zealand, and can be reached via a secondary trail off the Milford Track. Definitely make some time for this side trip because it's well worth the additional 4km/5km (round trip). The trail is mostly flat and easy."
Giacomo Savoldi
"Sutherland Falls, located within Fiordland National Park in New Zealand, is a true natural wonder and one of the tallest waterfalls in the world. Cascading down a series of rocky cliffs for a staggering height of 580 meters, it's a sight to behold for any visitor. Accessible via the renowned Milford Track, the journey to Sutherland Falls is as enchanting as the destination itself, leading through lush rainforests, past serene lakes, and beneath towering mountains. The thundering roar of the falls and the misty spray that envelops you create an unforgettable experience, making Sutherland Falls a must-see highlight of any trip to Fiordland National Park."
aj
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sutherland Falls is primarily accessed via the Milford Track, a multi-day hike requiring permits booked well in advance. Alternatively, scenic flights from Queenstown, Te Anau, or Milford Sound offer aerial views and sometimes land at Lake Quill.
No, you cannot drive directly to Sutherland Falls. It is located deep within Fiordland National Park and is only accessible by hiking the Milford Track or via helicopter/fixed-wing scenic flights.
Scenic flights are the best alternative. Companies offer flights from Queenstown, Te Anau, and Milford Sound, some of which include a landing at Lake Quill for incredible views.
If hiking the Milford Track, the side trip to Sutherland Falls from Quintin Public Shelter takes approximately 90 minutes round trip. For scenic flights, the duration varies depending on the tour.
Yes, winter visits are possible, especially via scenic flights. Hiking the Milford Track in winter requires advanced planning and appropriate gear due to potential snow and ice.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
If hiking the Milford Track, a permit is absolutely essential and must be booked months in advance. For scenic flights, you'll book a tour with a specific operator.
The cost varies significantly. Hiking the Milford Track involves permit fees and accommodation costs. Scenic flights can range from several hundred to over a thousand New Zealand dollars per person.
Sutherland Falls is a natural attraction within Fiordland National Park and is accessible year-round. However, access via the Milford Track is dependent on track opening and weather conditions. Scenic flights operate during daylight hours, weather permitting.
Yes, Milford Track permits are booked through the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) website. They are highly sought after and should be booked as soon as they become available.
Discounts are generally not available for Milford Track permits or standard scenic flights. However, package deals or off-season promotions might occasionally be offered by tour operators.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The side trip to Sutherland Falls from Quintin Shelter is a relatively flat and easy 90-minute return walk through beech forest. It's well-maintained and leads directly to the base of the falls.
Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots and bring waterproof and windproof layers. The area is known for its rain and mist, so expect to get damp.
If you hike the Milford Track, the side trip to Sutherland Falls is generally not crowded due to the limited number of hikers on the track. Scenic flights offer a more exclusive experience.
While you can get close to the base and feel the mist, swimming is not recommended due to the extremely cold water and powerful spray.
The base of the falls offers a powerful and immersive experience. Aerial views from a helicopter or fixed-wing plane provide a stunning perspective of the falls and the surrounding Fiordland landscape.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light. However, the dramatic mist and powerful cascades are impressive at any time, weather permitting.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the falls. A sturdy tripod can help with long exposures in low light, and a rain cover for your camera is essential.
The main viewpoint at the base of the falls is spectacular. For aerial shots, the perspective from a scenic flight is unparalleled.
Drone usage is generally restricted in Fiordland National Park to protect wildlife and the natural environment. Always check current DOC regulations before flying a drone.
Include a person or a recognizable object in the frame to give a sense of scale. Shooting from different angles and distances can also help convey its immense height.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Consider a scenic flight as a more accessible option for families. While more expensive, it offers incredible views without the physical demands of hiking. Ensure the flight operator is experienced with families and offers appropriate safety measures. The sheer scale of the falls and the dramatic landscape are sure to captivate children's imaginations.
✈️ Day-Trippers & Time-Constrained Travelers
While you can't drive directly to the falls, booking a flight that departs from Milford Sound itself can be a convenient option if you're already visiting the fiord. This minimizes travel time and maximizes your chances of seeing the falls within a single day. Remember that flights are weather-dependent, so have a backup plan or be prepared for potential cancellations.
💰 Budget Travelers
Unfortunately, there are no budget-friendly public transport options that go directly to the trailhead for the Sutherland Falls side trip. If a scenic flight is out of budget, focus on enjoying the accessible parts of Fiordland National Park, such as the Milford Sound foreshore and shorter walks near the road end, which are free to access.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majesty of Sutherland Falls
+2The journey to witness Sutherland Falls is as much a part of the experience as the falls themselves. For hikers, the most iconic route is the Milford Track, one of New Zealand's Great Walks. A dedicated side trail branches off the track, leading to the base of the falls. This 90-minute return walk is relatively easy, winding through lush, moss-draped beech forests, offering a tranquil prelude to the roaring spectacle ahead. The air is often filled with the sound of rushing water and the scent of damp earth, creating an immersive natural experience.
+1For those seeking a quicker or different perspective, scenic flights are a popular option. Helicopter and fixed-wing tours depart from nearby towns like Te Anau and Queenstown, as well as Milford Sound itself. These flights provide unparalleled aerial views of the falls, Lake Quill, and the vast, untouched wilderness of Fiordland. Some flights even offer the chance to land at Lake Quill, allowing visitors to stand in awe of the waterfall's source.
Navigating Fiordland's Weather
This unpredictable weather significantly impacts activities, especially those involving aerial access. Helicopter and scenic flights are highly dependent on clear visibility and safe flying conditions. It's common for flights to be delayed or cancelled due to adverse weather. Travelers planning a flight to see Sutherland Falls or Lake Quill are advised to book with flexibility and have alternative plans. Checking the forecast diligently and communicating with the tour operator is crucial.
For hikers on the Milford Track, appropriate gear is non-negotiable. Waterproof jackets and pants, sturdy waterproof boots, and quick-drying layers are essential. Even on a seemingly clear day, mist can roll in quickly, and the spray from the falls can leave you soaked. Embracing the elements is part of the Fiordland experience, and being well-prepared ensures a more comfortable and enjoyable adventure.
Sutherland Falls in Popular Culture
The historical discovery of Sutherland Falls by Europeans is also noteworthy. Scottish settler Donald Sutherland is credited with first seeing the falls in 1880. His initial, albeit exaggerated, claims of its height sparked interest in the region. Later, more accurate surveys confirmed its status as New Zealand's tallest waterfall. The nearby Lake Quill was named after the first European explorer to successfully ascend the cliff face to reach it in 1890, highlighting the challenging and adventurous spirit of early exploration in Fiordland.
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