New Zealand · Fiordland, South Island
Sutherland Falls
New Zealand tallest waterfall drops in three stages from Lake Quill and can only be reached on foot, via a short side trail off the world-famous Milford Track deep in Fiordland. A helicopter-accessed day option exists for those not walking the full multi-day tramp.
New Zealand tallest waterfall drops in three stages from Lake Quill and can only be reached on foot, via a short side trail off the world-famous Milford Track deep in Fiordland. A helicopter-accessed day option exists for those not walking the full multi-day tramp.
Sutherland Falls drops 580 metres (1903 ft) on the Arthur River, inside Fiordland National Park. It is a tiered-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Te Anau, with ZQN the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated hard.
Summer (Nov-Mar) gives the easiest multi-day tramp along the Milford Track to reach it.
What you can do here
Helicopter flights
Some falls are simply too wide to see from the ground. Twelve minutes in the air solves it.
Camping
Falls where you can legally sleep within earshot of the water.
Hiking
From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.
Photography
Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.
When to go
Summer (Nov-Mar) gives the easiest multi-day tramp along the Milford Track to reach it.
Entry: Great Walk hut booking fee applies
Getting there
- Base townTe Anau
- AirportZQN
- CountryNew Zealand
- RegionFiordland, South Island, Oceania
- AccessHard — a serious approach: distance, altitude, a boat, or a guide
On the map
-44.7789, 167.8283
Quick answers
How tall is Sutherland Falls?
Sutherland Falls drops 580 metres (1903 feet). It is a tiered-type waterfall on the Arthur River.
When is the best time to visit Sutherland Falls?
Peak flow is January to March and November to December. Summer (Nov-Mar) gives the easiest multi-day tramp along the Milford Track to reach it.
What can you do at Sutherland Falls?
Beyond the viewpoints: helicopter flights, camping, hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated hard — a serious approach: distance, altitude, a boat, or a guide.
How do you get to Sutherland Falls?
The usual base is Te Anau, and the closest airport is ZQN. A serious approach: distance, altitude, a boat, or a guide from there. Great Walk hut booking fee applies.
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