Get up close and personal to watch the Bowen River plunge 162 m into Milford Sound on the Bowen Falls walk.
It is the tallest waterfall in the Sound and one of two permanent waterfalls. Most people only ever see the falls from a distance as they cruise the sound. And for 15 years, that was the only option.
The Bowen Falls walk leaves from the Freshwater Basin Terminal and takes you a short ride along the shores of the Sound to a small jetty. From the jetty, the track meanders through native bush for a few minutes before leading up to a viewing area. You will find yourself walking through beech trees and other native flora. Along the walk, you may also see birds such as kea, weka, bellbird, tūī, kererū, kiwi (Northern Fiordland tokoeka), tomtits, fantail, grey warblers and many more.
The viewing area allows the best possible view of the impressive Bowen Falls, but also offers a view of Mitre Peak on the other side of the fiord. Waterproof equipment is necessary on this walk—unless you don’t mind being rained on by the mist from the falls!
Quick Facts about this walk
- Location: Milford Sound, South Island, New Zealand
- Time needed: 30 minutes (including boat ride)
- Distance: Unknown
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Bikes allowed: No
- Route: Return
- Elevation: None
- Wet Feet: Yes
- Toilets: There are toilets at the Visitor Centre.
- Dogs: No
- Mobile Coverage: Unknown
- Last Updated: May, 2020
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