Fiordland's Sutherland Falls drop 580 metres in three cascades.
Sutherland Falls, New Zealand's tallest waterfall, plunges 580 metres in three cascades, a fact that surprises most visitors who expect a single drop.
- © Peter Luo
- © Sulthan Auliya
- © Evnex Ltd
Sutherland Falls, located in Fiordland National Park, is New Zealand's highest waterfall, dropping 580 metres (1,904 feet) in three distinct cascades. The falls are fed by the waters of Lake Quill, a tarn perched on a hanging valley, which spills over a sheer cliff face. The three leaps—248m, 229m, and 103m—create a thunderous roar that can be heard from the nearby Milford Track. Unlike many waterfalls that diminish in winter, Sutherland Falls maintains a strong flow year-round due to its glacial source. To experience it firsthand, hike the Milford Track (guided or independent) to Quintin Lodge, then take the side trip to the base of the falls—about 20 minutes from the hut. In winter, the track is less crowded, and the falls may be framed by snow-dusted peaks. For a less strenuous option, scenic flights from Queenstown or Te Anau offer aerial views of the cascade and the hanging lake that feeds it.
Quick answers
- Is Sutherland Falls really New Zealand's tallest waterfall?
- Yes, at 580 metres total drop, it is the tallest. The second-tallest is Browne Falls (619m but in a different measurement context), but Sutherland Falls is widely cited as the tallest in NZ.
- Can I see Sutherland Falls in winter?
- Yes, the Milford Track is open in winter (guided only), but conditions can be icy. Scenic flights operate year-round from Queenstown and Te Anau, offering reliable views.