New Zealand · Milford Sound, South Island

Stirling Falls

Tour boats on Milford Sound cruise close enough to this permanent falls that passengers standing on deck get soaked by the spray, one of only two waterfalls on the fiord that flow year-round regardless of recent rain. After heavy rain dozens of temporary falls join it streaming off the surrounding cliffs.

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Maros M r a z (Maros) · CC BY-SA 3.0

UNESCO World HeritageOne of only two permanent waterfalls on Milford Sound Essentials guide

Stirling Falls drops 155 metres (509 ft) on the Stirling Creek, inside Fiordland National Park. It is a plunge-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Milford Sound, with MFN the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy.

Fiordland heavy rainfall keeps falls running most of the year; boat cruises operate year-round weather permitting.

What you can do here

Kayaking

Flatwater above the lip or big water below it — kayaking gets you closer to a waterfall than any walking trail.

Find kayaking here

Boat cruises

The classic approach: come at the falls from the water, usually at sunset, usually with a drink.

Photography

Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.

When to go

Fiordland heavy rainfall keeps falls running most of the year; boat cruises operate year-round weather permitting.

Entry: Included in Milford Sound cruise ticket

Getting there

Base townMilford Sound
AirportMFN
CountryNew Zealand
RegionMilford Sound, South Island, Oceania
AccessEasy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint

Flights to MFN Car hire Route options

On the map

-44.6167, 167.8931

Quick answers

How tall is Stirling Falls?

Stirling Falls drops 155 metres (509 feet). It is a plunge-type waterfall on the Stirling Creek.

When is the best time to visit Stirling Falls?

Peak flow is January to March and October to December. Fiordland heavy rainfall keeps falls running most of the year; boat cruises operate year-round weather permitting.

What can you do at Stirling Falls?

Beyond the viewpoints: kayaking, boat cruises and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint.

How do you get to Stirling Falls?

The usual base is Milford Sound, and the closest airport is MFN. A short walk or roadside viewpoint from there. Included in Milford Sound cruise ticket.