Humboldt Falls is an easy 30 min return walk on a well-graded track. After a short climb through stunning rainforest, you’ll reach the lookout of Humboldt Falls.
From the end of Hollyford Road, follow signs toward Humboldt Falls. The beginning of the track takes you onto a metal platform and up a series of metal steps, all while overlooking the mountains in the distance.
Afterwards, cross the Moraine Creek swinging bridge over Hollyford River to enter the rainforest. The bridge is not wide but two people can fit side by side snugly. On the other side of the bridge, the graveled path is wide and easy to follow. The walk is somewhat of a climb but it is not very long and nevertheless quite easy.
It is a lovely forest walk and at the top, you will find a bench and a viewing platform. Through the trees of the rainforest, the impressive Humboldt Falls cascade down the side of the mountain with the highest falls at 275 m high. From this distance and elevation, you can see the entirety of the Falls which consists of one central waterfall from top to bottom with adjacent smaller waterfalls to both sides.
These falls are impressive and visible most of the year but to truly experience their beauty, the best time is in spring.
Must do while in Milford Sound
It’s a bit of a deture from Milford Sound to Humboldt Falls but on the way never the less. Take a 2 hour boat trip in the Milford Sounds. It really is spectacular and well worth it. If you’d rather someone else drive while you soak up the scenery (it’s a long drive of 118m) then take a bus tour which includes the cruise and a walk, which leave from Te Anau. You’ll need to read about how much it costs to park in Milford Sound before you decide whether to take your car or not.
Quick Facts about this walk
- Location: Milford Sound, South Island, New Zealand
- Time needed: 30 minute walk
- Distance: 1.2 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Bikes allowed: No
- Route: Return
- Elevation: Unknown
- Wet Feet: No
- Toilets: There are toilets at the start of the walk.
- Dogs: No
- Mobile Coverage: No
- Last Updated: May, 2020
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