Waterfalls in Milford Sound

1. Bowen Falls (Lady Bowen Falls)

At 162 metres high, Lady Bowen Falls is the highest waterfall in Piopiotahi / Milford Sound and one of its most impressive natural landmarks. The falls are named after the wife of Sir George Bowen, one of New Zealand’s early governors, and tumble from a hanging valley in the Darren Mountains.

Bowen Falls is one of Milford Sound’s permanent waterfalls and is more than just a spectacular sight – it also provides water and hydroelectric power for the small settlement at Milford Sound.

One of the best ways to see Bowen Falls is from the water on a Milford Sound cruise. Pure Milford cruises travel the length of the fiord, giving you spectacular views of Bowen Falls along with the towering mountains, rainforest and other waterfalls of Piopiotahi / Milford Sound.

2. Stirling Falls

Stirling Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Milford Sound, plunging 155 metres from a dramatic U-shaped hanging valley between Elephant and Lion Mountains. Fed by water from the mountains above, it is one of the fiord’s permanent waterfalls.

The waterfall is named after Captain Stirling, who sailed HMS Cleo into Milford Sound during the 1870s. While Stirling Falls can be seen from around the foreshore, the best view is from the water. Pure Milford cruises take you right up close to the falls, where you can head outside and experience the spray for yourself.

3. Fairy Falls

Fairy Falls is one of Milford Sound’s beautiful waterfalls, cascading down the sheer rock face directly into the fiord. It is one of the landmarks you can see while cruising the full length of Piopiotahi / Milford Sound.

Keep an eye out for Fairy Falls as you cruise past – particularly after rain, when the waterfalls and surrounding rainforest are at their most spectacular.

4. Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls gets its name from its delicate white cascade, which resembles a bride’s veil as it falls down the steep cliffs of Milford Sound.

It is a semi-permanent waterfall, so its appearance changes with the weather. During drier periods the flow can reduce considerably, while after heavy rain Bridal Veil Falls becomes an impressive curtain of water tumbling towards the fiord.

5. The Four Sisters

The Four Sisters are a striking group of waterfalls that appear side by side on the steep cliffs of Milford Sound. They are at their most impressive after heavy rain, when water pours down the rock face in four parallel cascades.

The Four Sisters are best experienced from the water, making them another waterfall to look out for during your Milford Sound cruise.

Honourable mentions

You can see more wonderful waterfalls on your way to Milford Sound. If you have time, we recommend checking out these falls.

HUMBOLDT FALLS

You'll have to make a bit of an effort to get to Humboldt Falls, but it's well worth the trip - this 275-metre high cascade is one of the most impressive in all Fiordland. To get there, detour from the Milford Sound road to Hollyford Road. You'll find parking at the end of Hollyford Road. From there, it's a 20-minute walk one-way along a well-maintained track.

THE CHASM

One of the most popular stops along the road to Milford Sound, the Chasm is a series of small waterfalls and unique rock pools carved into the mountainside by glacial water. It's a great little bushwalk and an excellent photo opportunity. *Currently closed for repairs*

SUTHERLAND FALLS

Sutherland Falls is an epic 580 metres high. To see this amazing sight, you'll need to tackle the Milford Sound track, which is a four-day hike. The other option is to take a scenic flight. This is a whole lot easier, plus you'll get a better view of the waterfall as it tumbles out of the elevated Lake Quill.  

GIANT GATES

Bursting straight out of a cliff face, surrounded by emerald-green native bush, and with a clear pool at its feet, this waterfall is worth the trek to get there. From Milford Sound, you'll need to walk up the Milford Track for about one hour to reach the Giant Gates. Or, if you have hiked the whole track, this will be one of the last sights you'll enjoy before reaching Milford.