Sutherland Falls in Milford Sound, Fiordland, is one of New Zealand’s tallest waterfalls and a spectacular highlight of the famous Milford Track. This three-tiered cascade plunges 580 metres from Lake Quill, making it one of the highest waterfalls in the world and an absolute must-see for trampers willing to tackle one of the country’s Great Walks.
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If you’re exploring Fiordland, check out our comprehensive guide to walks in the Milford Sound area for more tramping options in this spectacular region.
Accessing Sutherland Falls requires commitment as it’s located on the Milford Track, which is New Zealand’s most famous Great Walk. Here’s what you need to know:
Here’s what the guidebooks don’t always tell you. The side trip to Sutherland Falls is technically optional on the Milford Track but skipping it is like going to a concert and leaving before the headline act. The track to the falls involves a decent climb and you’ll be doing it with a day pack rather than your full tramping pack (left at Quintin Lodge), which makes it infinitely more pleasant.
The falls are at their most impressive after heavy rain or during spring snowmelt. In dry conditions the volume decreases significantly and while still impressive, it can feel a bit anticlimactic after the effort. Check recent trip reports or ask DOC staff about current water flow before you go.
Getting close to the base of Sutherland Falls means entering what experienced trampers call “the mist zone”. The spray from 580 metres of falling water creates a constant deluge at the viewing platform. Your waterproof jacket will earn its keep here. Pack your camera in a dry bag and only take it out for quick shots unless you fancy expensive water damage. The mist also makes rocks incredibly slippery so watch your footing if you venture beyond the main platform.
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Very few trampers know that you can actually climb to Lake Quill, the source of Sutherland Falls. This is a serious undertaking requiring mountaineering skills, fitness and good conditions. The route involves steep rock scrambling and is only for experienced alpinists. However, the view looking down from where the water tips over the edge is apparently mind-bending.
Most trampers reach Sutherland Falls in the late morning or early afternoon, creating a bit of a crowd at the viewing platform (as much as the Milford Track gets crowded anyway). If you’re staying at Quintin Lodge, consider asking your guide or planning to visit early morning or late afternoon. The light can be spectacular during these times and you’ll likely have the place largely to yourself.
The falls are named after Donald Sutherland, a Scottish immigrant who became known as the “Hermit of Milford Sound”. He settled in Milford Sound in the 1870s and is credited with discovering the falls, though local MΔori obviously knew about them long before. Sutherland was apparently quite the character and initially tried to name the falls after his wife Elizabeth, but that name didn’t stick.
The Milford Track operates during the summer tramping season, generally from late October through April. Sutherland Falls experiences dramatic seasonal variation in flow. Spring (October-November) sees the highest water volume from snowmelt, creating the most dramatic displays. By late summer (March-April) the flow can be noticeably reduced unless there’s been recent rain.
Fiordland receives over seven metres of rain annually in some areas. Rather than hoping for dry weather, accept that rain is part of the experience. The falls are actually more impressive in wet conditions. Pack accordingly and embrace the dampness.
Unfortunately, no. There’s no road access or day walk option to Sutherland Falls. You must either complete the Milford Track (or at least the first three days) or take a scenic flight. Some people have tried accessing it from Milford Sound but this involves serious mountaineering and is not recommended.
Most trampers spend 30-45 minutes at the viewing area, though you could easily spend longer exploring different viewpoints or having lunch. Factor in 1.5 hours total for the side trip from Quintin Lodge including walking time.
Most guided walk companies include it as part of their standard itinerary, but you can usually opt out if you’re not feeling up to it. Independent trampers can obviously make their own choice but honestly, you’d regret missing it.
The side track to Sutherland Falls is moderately challenging with steady uphill sections. If you’ve made it to day three of the Milford Track you’ll likely manage it, but the climb is real. There’s no accessible viewing option unfortunately.
No facilities exist at the falls themselves. Use the toilets at Quintin Lodge before departing on the side trip. Follow Leave No Trace principles if nature calls while you’re out there.
Technically yes, and some brave souls do take a dip in the pools near the base. The water is absolutely freezing and the spray creates strong currents in the immediate fall zone. Only consider swimming in the calmer pools well away from the main cascade and never alone.
I’ve tramped the Milford Track twice and both times the side trip to Sutherland Falls was a highlight despite the leg-burning climb. On my first visit we had brilliant sunshine, which sounds perfect but actually meant lower water flow.
The falls were still impressive but I’d seen photos of them in full spring flood and felt slightly shortchanged. The second time I went in November after two days of heavy rain. The falls were absolutely thundering with spray visible from hundreds of metres away. We were completely soaked within seconds of reaching the viewing platform, cameras were nearly impossible to use and the roar was almost overwhelming. It was absolutely magnificent.
The power of that much water falling from that height has to be experienced to be believed. My advice is to embrace whatever conditions you get but secretly hope for rain. Pack your gear in dry bags, accept you’ll get wet and just enjoy one of nature’s most impressive displays. The climb back down to Quintin Lodge with wobbly legs and soggy boots somehow makes the cold beer at the lodge taste even better that evening.
