Sutherland Falls

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.

Sutherland Falls, located in the breathtaking Fiordland National Park on New Zealand's South Island, is a natural wonder that leaves visitors in awe of its sheer beauty and grandeur. As one of the tallest waterfalls in the world, with a total drop of 580 meters (1,904 feet), it is a must-see destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. The falls are nestled within the pristine wilderness of the Milford Track, one of New Zealand's most famous and scenic hiking trails, making the journey to the falls as memorable as the destination itself. The journey to Sutherland Falls begins with a hike through lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and rugged mountain terrain. The Milford Track, often referred to as "the finest walk in the world," offers a diverse range of landscapes that showcase the untouched beauty of Fiordland. As you approach the falls, the sound of cascading water grows louder, building anticipation for the spectacular sight that awaits. The final stretch of the trail leads you through a serene beech forest, where the air is cool and filled with the earthy scent of moss and damp foliage. Upon arriving at the base of Sutherland Falls, the sheer scale and power of the waterfall are overwhelming. The water plunges in three dramatic tiers, creating a mesmerizing display of nature's force. The mist from the falls rises like a fine spray, catching the sunlight and forming rainbows that add a magical touch to the scene. The surrounding cliffs, covered in vibrant green vegetation, frame the falls perfectly, creating a postcard-worthy view that is nothing short of breathtaking. One of the most remarkable aspects of Sutherland Falls is its remote and unspoiled setting. Unlike many other famous waterfalls around the world, Sutherland Falls remains largely untouched by human development. The absence of crowds and commercialization allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. The sense of tranquility and isolation is unparalleled, making it a perfect spot for reflection and connection with nature. For those who are adventurous, a closer encounter with the falls is possible by wading through the shallow pool at its base. The icy cold water and the thunderous roar of the falls create an exhilarating experience that is both humbling and invigorating. Standing so close to such a powerful force of nature is a reminder of the raw beauty and unpredictability of the natural world. Sutherland Falls is not just a visual spectacle; it is also a testament to the geological and ecological richness of Fiordland National Park. The falls are fed by Lake Quill, a glacial lake located high in the mountains, and the surrounding area is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Keen-eyed visitors may spot native birds such as the kea, New Zealand's alpine parrot, or the elusive kiwi, adding an extra layer of excitement to the visit. In conclusion, Sutherland Falls is a true gem of New Zealand's natural landscape. Its towering height, pristine surroundings, and remote location make it a destination that is both awe-inspiring and deeply peaceful. Whether you are an avid hiker, a nature lover, or simply someone seeking a moment of serenity, Sutherland Falls offers an unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after you leave. It is a place where the power and beauty of nature are on full display, reminding us of the importance of preserving such treasures for future generations to enjoy.

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.

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.

I only realized it was the tallest waterfall in New Zealand when I got here. That's funny 🤣. Yeah, it is amazing! Is a side walk of 1.5 hrs return. There's a day shelter just before you enter the sidewalk, you can leave your backpack here before you start going to Sutherland Falls. The road to the falls is quite steppy, Lucky we don't have to carry our backpack. There's coffee and tea provided at the day shelter by the Ultimate Hike, most of us are having some snack break here after finishing the sidewalk. After completing the Sutherland Falls sidewalk, there's still 1 hour left going to dumpling hut.

Must-do side trip on Milford Track! Allow 1.5 hours return. Near Quinton House (Guided Walkers) or a great rest spot before the final easy 1 hour walk to Dumpling Hut (Independent walkers). Sutherland Falls is NZ's highest waterfall at 580m. You can't really swim here (found a better, sunny spot at a small river beach on the return walk to main Track) but you'll get wet (and cold) from the powerful spray. An impressive spot to sit and contemplate the power of nature and your own insignificance 😀

WOW, WOW, WOW, WOW, WOW! Worth the extra hike, although it was tougher than I thought after coming down from McKinnon Pass.

Sutherland Falls is the most impressive waterfall in New Zealand and with its 580 meters in tree vertical leaps, it is considered as one of the world’s tallest waterfalls. Travelers from the world over who make the extensive trek in the remote south island of New Zealand are rewarded with the breathtaking view of the Sutherland Falls. The indigenous people of New Zealand called the Maori call this magnificent falls the White Thread of Te Tautea. Once you walk to the base of the falls, you will feel the strong force of water. As the air fills with mist, visibility is reduced and the sound of the falls is quite loud that it seems like an airplane is just on top.