This is one of the most majestic waterfalls in NZ!

Sutherland Falls is located near Milford Sound in South Island. Standing at an impressive height of 580 meters, it is the tallest waterfall in the country. The falls cascade down in three tiers, with the longest drop measuring 248 meters.

This natural wonder was first discovered by a Scottish settler named Donald Sutherland in 1880, who initially exaggerated its height to over 1,000 meters.

From waterfalls.co.nz:

'There are two ways to approach the highest waterfall in New Zealand:

• Scenic Flights - there are lots of companies which offer the scenic flights to Sutherland Falls. Both helicopters and airplane flights are available from Milford Sound, Te Anau and Queenstown;

• Milford Track - only DOC individual walks and guided walks are available. DOC huts must be booked in advance.

Below you can find walking and driving instructions of Milford track option:

You need to organize transport to Te Anau Downs where the track starts; then a transport from Milford Sound where the track finishes. Transport can be easily booked as part of Milford Track booking via official DOC site.

Sutherland Falls is approached on the third day of the journey, but there are other waterfalls which are accessible along Milford Track.

The first view of the top part of the waterfall (refer to the Gallery) appears on your descend from Mackinnon Pass, a few meters before Anderson Cascades.

There is an official side track to the Sutherland Falls base (1.5 hours return from Quintin Lodge) which branches from the main trail near Quintin Lodge and Shelter. Leave your pack at the Shelter (but take your raincoat) and follow the track to the falls. The falls starts its life from Lake Quill (unfortunately, you can see this lake from airplane/helicopter only =( ) and drops in 3 impressive leaps.

If the weather doesn't allow you to make this side track or if you're very tired, you still have a good option to see the waterfall. Just follow the main track - the waterfall appears on your left a few minutes past the Quintin Lodge. Leave the track to take better photos and to get a better view of this magnificent waterfall.

Always refer to the DOC site (Alert/Important notice section) to check the status of the track.'