About this place
A Guide to New Zealand Waterfalls
Johnny T. Cheng · 2006
A guidebook devoted entirely to NZ waterfalls, with access notes; older, but still the only book on the subject.
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.
UNESCO World HeritageOne of only two permanent waterfalls on Milford Sound Essentials guide
Checked September 2026 by David Bussell
Stirling Falls drops 151 metres (495 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 ZQN the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy.
As a plunge waterfall, water leaves the rock entirely and falls free through the air.
What you can do here
Also good forBoat cruisesPhotography
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 town Milford Sound
- Airport ZQN
- Country New Zealand
- Region Milford Sound, South Island, New Zealand, Oceania
- Access Easy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint
How it compares
This waterfall
Stirling Falls
New Zealand
Height151 mWidth—
Most similar
Bowen Falls
New Zealand
Height162 mWidth—
Also a plunge waterfall, of similar height and in New Zealand too
Largest curtain
Victoria Falls
Zimbabwe · Zambia
Height108 mWidth1,708 m
Largest single sheet of falling water
Tallest on earth
Angel Falls
Venezuela
Height979 mWidth—
Widest on earth
Khone Phapheng Falls
Laos
Height21 mWidth10,783 m
Measured across the whole multi-channel system
108 m
151 m
162 m
330 m
979 m
Victoria FallsStirling FallsBowen FallsEiffel TowerAngel Falls
Khone Phapheng Falls
10,783 m
Victoria Falls
1,708 m
Angel Falls is 6.5× taller than Stirling Falls. It drops 1.4× further than Victoria Falls (108 m). We don't have a reliable crest width for Stirling Falls yet, so it is left off the width chart. Tallest · widest lists.
Watch and read
Videos from Stirling Falls
1:36
9:05
3:40
Chosen from YouTube; videos belong to their creators and play from YouTube's privacy-enhanced player.
Books worth packing
Natural history
Wild Fiordland: Discovering the Natural History of a World Heritage Area
Neville Peat and Brian Patrick · 2006
Explains the glacial landforms, rainfall and wildlife that shape Fiordland's hanging-valley waterfalls.
DK Eyewitness New ZealandDK Eyewitness
Guidebook
DK Eyewitness New Zealand
DK Eyewitness · 2024
Illustrated maps and regional chapters, helpful for planning a road trip between Taupo, Waitomo and Fiordland.
Moon New ZealandJamie Christian Desplaces
Guidebook
Moon New Zealand
Jamie Christian Desplaces · 2024
Built around road trips and the Great Walks, a good fit if you're combining the Milford Track with North Island falls.
On the map
-44.6167, 167.8931
Quick answers
Where is Stirling Falls?
Stirling Falls is in New Zealand (Milford Sound, South Island), inside Fiordland National Park. The nearest base is Milford Sound and the closest airport is ZQN. Its coordinates are -44.6167, 167.8931.
How tall is Stirling Falls?
Stirling Falls drops 151 metres (495 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.
Is Stirling Falls a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes. Stirling Falls lies within a UNESCO World Heritage Site — Fiordland National Park. Expect park fees, marked trails and rules on where you can walk, swim and fly drones.
How do you get to Stirling Falls?
The usual base is Milford Sound, and the closest airport is ZQN. A short walk or roadside viewpoint from there. Included in Milford Sound cruise ticket.
Nearby
Closest to Stirling Falls
UNESCO Bowen Falls
New Zealand · 162 m · 7 km away
One of only two permanent waterfalls on Milford Sound
Humboldt Falls
New Zealand · 275 m · 20 km away
Humboldt Falls is a waterfall located in the Hollyford Valley in the Fiordland district of New Zealand. They…
Full guide Sutherland Falls
New Zealand · 580 m · 20 km away
New Zealand's tallest waterfall
Helicopter flights
Browne Falls
New Zealand · 836 m · 110 km away
Browne Falls is a waterfall above Doubtful Sound, which is located in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand.…