Milford Sound Waterfalls - A Deep Dive

Whether you're taking a cruise through the fiord itself, driving the scenic Milford Road, or hiking sections of the famous Milford Track, waterfalls form an integral part of the Milford Sound experience.

From the legendary Stirling Falls with its "fountain of youth" folklore to the dramatic temporary displays that spill from the mountains during rain, each waterfall adds an element of drama to the landscape.

This article explores both the permanent waterfalls and the fleeting cascades that appear after rainfall, a combination that helps make Milford Sound one of New Zealand’s most memorable destinations.

Key Takeaways

• Milford Sound receives 6-7 metres of annual rainfall, creating ideal conditions for spectacular waterfalls
  

• Permanent waterfalls like Lady Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls are always impressive, becoming even more dramatic in wet weather
  

• Temporary waterfalls appear during rain, with up to 2,000 cascades visible on wet days between Christie Falls and Milford Sound
  

• The Cleddau Valley "Hundred Falls" viewpoint after Homer Tunnel showcases hundreds of temporary waterfalls during rain
  

• Both permanent and temporary waterfalls can be viewed from cruise boats and walking tracks throughout the area
  

• Embracing rainy weather enhances your Milford Sound experience rather than detracting from it
  

  
  

The Weather Behind Milford Sound’s Waterfalls

Milford Sound weather is famous for being one of the wettest on Earth. The area receives six to seven metres of rainfall annually, and downpours can reach up to 250 millimetres in just 24 hours.

Milford Sound’s location on New Zealand’s lower West Coast places it between the Tasman Sea and the Southern Alps, positioning it right in the middle of a natural rain-making machine.

Warm, moisture-laden air travels in from the Tasman Sea, rises against the mountains, and cools rapidly, condensing into heavy rain.

This constant weather system means visitors should always be prepared for wet weather when visiting Milford Sound. 

While clear days do often occur, the weather in Milford Sound is highly changeable, and it’s not uncommon to experience sunshine one minute and a downpour the next.

Rather than avoiding visiting in the rain, embracing it enhances your Milford Sound experience, and those who do are rewarded with incredible waterfall displays. 

Permanent Waterfalls in Milford Sound

Lady Bowen Falls

Lady Bowen Falls is Milford Sound's highest waterfall, plunging an impressive 162 metres from a hanging valley directly into the fiord waters.

Named after Diamantina Bowen, wife of New Zealand's fifth governor George Bowen, this impressive cascade powers the hydroelectric system and provides drinking water for Milford Sound's small township.

Every cruise through Milford Sound offers views of Lady Bowen Falls. The waterfall maintains its strength year-round but becomes particularly powerful during rain when it creates a massive spray that fills the Milford Sound valley. 

Stirling Falls

Stirling Falls is Milford Sound's second-largest permanent waterfall, dropping 155 metres into the fiord from glacial sources deep in the mountains.

Legend has it that if the spray from Stirling Falls touches your face, you'll wake up the next day looking five years younger. Cruise boats get up close to this waterfall, allowing passengers to stand out in the waterfall’s spray to receive the "glacial facial." 

The Four Sisters  

The Four Sisters is a distinctive waterfall formation made up of four near-identical waterfalls flowing side by side down the cliff face. While they can dry out during extended periods without rain, they’re usually visible year-round and are especially striking on wet days.

Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls earns its name from its delicate, trailing appearance that resembles a bride’s veil as it falls down the cliff. This waterfall may become less noticeable during dry summer periods but transforms into a stunning display during heavy rain.

Waterfalls Along the Milford Road

Marian Falls

The Marian Falls Track leads through lush forest to a series of powerful cascades near the base of the mountains. While the full trail continues to Lake Marian, a 1.5 hr alpine hike,  a short 20-minute walk brings you to Marian Falls.

Unlike a typical single-drop waterfall, Marian Falls flows over a series of rocky tiers, creating a fast-moving, multi-level descent. Fed by Lake Marian above, the water rushes down in stages, becoming especially dramatic during or after rain.

The sound of the falls becomes noticeable early on the track, growing louder as you approach. A boardwalk viewing area offers a safe, close-up view, often accompanied by a fine mist drifting through the air.

Christie Falls

Christie Falls is a permanent waterfall located on the left-hand side of the Milford Road when travelling towards Milford Sound, between Marian Corner and the Homer Tunnel. It flows down the cliff from Falls Creek and is one of the most easily viewed waterfalls along the drive.

There is a small parking area just beyond the falls, where visitors can stop and walk back to view the falls from a bridge.

Like many waterfalls in the area, Christie Falls is at its most dramatic during or after heavy rain, when the increased water flow creates a roaring display.

Monkey Creek

Monkey Creek is a popular roadside stop known for its crystal-clear glacial stream and dramatic alpine surroundings. Although a distant waterfall feeds the creek high in the mountains, the main attraction here is the pure, drinkable water flowing beside the road.

Fed by a small glacier in the mountains, the stream remains cold and fresh year-round, and many visitors take the opportunity to fill a bottle or take a sip straight from the source. It’s a perfect example of how water travels quickly from the high peaks to the valley floor in this landscape.

ARTICLE: Why visiting Milford Sound in the rain is a must do!

Milford Track Waterfalls

Giant Gate Falls

Giant Gate Falls can be reached via a one-hour walk along the Milford Track from the Milford Sound end, making it accessible as a day walk rather than requiring the full multi-day hike.

This powerful waterfall plunges into a clear pool surrounded by native bush, making it a rewarding and scenic stop.

Its thick, fast-moving flow creates a thunderous sound that echoes through the surrounding forest. The falls are visible from a footbridge that crosses the river, and there’s also a short side track leading down for a closer view.

Some adventurous visitors even swim beneath the falls, though the water remains cold year-round.

Sutherland Falls

Sutherland Falls holds the title of New Zealand's tallest waterfall at an impressive 580 metres high. While not technically within Milford Sound itself, Stirling Falls is the ultimate waterfall experience for those completing the full multi-day Milford Track hike.

The scale of Sutherland Falls is hard to grasp until you’re standing near it. Far taller than any waterfall seen from the Milford Sound cruise boats, witnessing it firsthand is a worthy goal for serious hikers taking on one of New Zealand’s most iconic trails.

Temporary Waterfalls

Milford’s Waterfall Transformation

During and after heavy rain, the landscape in and around Milford Sound is completely transformed as thousands of temporary waterfalls spring from the mountains.

This dramatic shift happens because of the alpine lakes hidden in the mountains surrounding the area.

When Fiordland's intense weather systems hit, these lakes overflow rapidly. Water finds every crack and crevice, streaming down the mountains in what looks like a spontaneous eruption of waterfalls.

Between Christie Falls in the Hollyford Valley and Milford Sound itself, as many as 2,000 temporary waterfalls can appear in a single wet day.

Valley of a Hundred Waterfalls

One of the best places to witness this transformation is just after exiting the Homer Tunnel on the way to Milford Sound. From the Cleddau Valley lookout, you can take in what’s often called the “100 Falls” experience: hundreds of temporary waterfalls spilling down the cliffs all around you.

This view captures the full power of Fiordland’s rain.  Rather than obscuring the landscape, the rain reveals a dramatic side of it that few visitors forget.

Embracing the Rain in Milford Sound

Many first-time Milford Sound visitors feel hesitant about like likelihood of rain when planning a trip to Milford Sound, but wet weather is part of what makes the place so special.

Rain enhances the landscape, swelling the permanent waterfalls, creating thousands of temporary ones, and cloaking the cliffs in mist and spray.

Rather than spoiling the experience, rain reveals a wilder, more dramatic side of the area that many visitors say became the highlight of their trip. The key is to come prepared, lean into it, and let the weather do its thing.

Milford Sound’s waterfalls, whether permanent or temporary, are a defining feature of the area. From towering giants to fleeting cascades, they shape the landscape and visitor experience.

The unique combination of geography and climate ensures these waterfalls change with the weather, creating a dynamic and memorable visit.

By embracing the rain, visitors can discover why wet weather is not a drawback but something that can enrich their Milford Sound experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear to Milford Sound in the rain? 

A good waterproof jacket is essential for enjoying Milford Sound and its waterfalls in wet conditions. If you're particularly concerned about staying dry, consider bringing waterproof overpants in your pack. On Luxe Tours, we provide umbrellas and towels for guests, ensuring you stay comfortable regardless of weather conditions.

Where did Monkey Creek get its name? 

The location gets its name from William Henry Homer’s dog, Monkey. Homer was a European settler who worked in Fiordland during the 1800s, and while the nearby Homer Tunnel bears his name, the roadside creek spot honours his canine companion.

How can I see temporary waterfalls if I visit on a dry day?

Temporary waterfalls appear during and after rain, so if you visit during a dry spell, you may not see them. However, permanent waterfalls like Stirling Falls and Lady Bowen Falls remain impressive year-round.

Even on dry days, the landscape is dramatic and beautiful. There’s a saying that Milford Sound has many moods, and visiting in any weather lets you experience different sides of its character.