Quick Links
Milford Sound is one of the most stunning fjords in the world — and one of the very top natural attractions in New Zealand. Milford Sound is located deep within Fiordland National Park which is easily the largest national park in New Zealand. Milford Sound is one of two accessible fjords in New Zealand (the other being Doubtful Sound). The fjords are often compared to those of Norway, but they shouldn't be — they are very different and offer their own unique experiences.
While exploring New Zealand's dramatic and wild South Island, hop on the TranzAlpine train through the Southern Alps and discover why it is considered one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. To enjoy even more of New Zealand, head over to the very Instagrammable Bowen Falls.
Bowen Falls: The Largest & Most Instagrammable Falls Of Milford Sound
One of the most eye-catching attractions in Milford Sound is the Lady Bowen Falls. It is the highest waterfall in the fjord and plunges some 162 meters into the fjord. It cascades from a hanging valley making it look all the more magical.
Many Mission Impossible fans may recognize the falls from the 2018 movie, Mission Impossible: Fallout — it is the waterfall in front of which Tom Cruise gets married.
Bowen Falls is one of only two permanent waterfalls that discharge into the fjord.
- Height: 162 Meters or 531 feet
The falls are named after Diamantina Bowen, the wife of George Bowen who was the fifth Governor of New Zealand.
For the ultimate adventure in exploring New Zealand's Milford Sound — hike all the way there on the "finest walk in the world". Note that the Milford Track is one of the very few hikes in New Zealand that needs to be reserved in advance and is normally booked out months or years in advance.
See Dozens Of Cascading Waterfalls In Milford Sound
Milford Sound is one of the wettest places in New Zealand (and one of the wettest temperate places in the world). Always bring a raincoat regardless of the weather forecast. It rains around two out of three days and when it does, the waterfalls in the fjord are truly spectacular.
Come on a rainy (or torrential day) and see hundreds of temporary waterfalls seemingly dropping down from the clouds. Milford Sound is often acclaimed as being one of the most stunning locations in the rain.
But there are only two permanent waterfalls and the second one is Sterling Falls. The Stirling Falls is Milford's second-largest waterfall (aka smallest) permanent waterfall and is located further down the fjord.
This waterfall may be also recognized from the movies — it is the waterfall that the Wolverine jumps off in the 2013 movie The Wolverine.
Sterling Falls is only 11 meters (33 feet) shorter than Lady Bowen Falls and is a very popular Instagram location. Here, sunshine or rain cruise boat passengers get wet as the cruise boats get up close and within the spray of the falls. Sterling Falls plunges into a deep cove off a sheer cliff allowing vessels to get within its spray.
Accessing The Lady Bowen Falls & Walking Trail
The falls are readily visible from the settlement of Milford Sound and are accessible by cruise boat (everyone visiting Milford Sound takes a 2-3 hour cruise boat), a scenic flight, and an excellent short walk. It is a great attraction and walk for families.
Bowen Falls Walk:
In 2018, after 15 years, the short walk was finally reopened. The walk is only around 30 minutes return and is a very easy stroll. There is a purpose-built boat ride that takes walking across the basin to a small pontoon at the start of the track.
Wander along the short track (trails are called tracks in New Zealand) through pristine native bush permeated by the melodious calls of native birds.
The walk is only accessible by boat. Basically, all hikes in New Zealand are free, but the boat trip costs NZD$10 per adult (NZD$5 per kid).
It had been possible to walk all the way there, but boat transport is necessary to bypass an unstable rock face. The boat service is operated on demand.
- Cost: NZD$10 (USD$6) Per Adult
Refer to the Department of Conservation's website for updates on the track (appreciated DOC and pronounced "dock"). As of the time of writing, (January 2023) the track seems to be temporarily closed again.