#1 · 580 m drop
Sutherland Falls
Fiordland National Park · Southland · New Zealand
Sutherland Falls is located in Fiordland National Park on New Zealand’s South Island, Sutherland Falls drops in three tiers with a total vertical fall of 580 meters. It is not only one of the tallest waterfalls in New Zealand but also ranks among the highest in the world.
The waterfall originates from a lake near the mountain summit and plunges down into a remote valley surrounded by dramatic alpine peaks. It can usually be accessed via the Milford Track (a 4–5 hour return hike, moderate difficulty), or viewed from above by helicopter, which offers a stunning perspective of the lake feeding the falls from the mountain top. It can also be seen from a Milford Sound cruise.
Its remote location, immense scale, and untouched natural surroundings make it one of the most breathtaking sights on New Zealand’s South Island.
