The best waterfalls in Milford Sound

Sailing through Milford Sound, the greatest shock of this journey came from Stirling Falls.

It is one of the two permanent waterfalls in the fjord, and its 155-meter drop is equivalent to a 50-story building. The water plunges straight down from a glacier-carved horseshoe-shaped hanging valley, crashing directly into the deep waters of the fjord below.

As the cruise slowly approached the base of the waterfall, the captain deliberately steered the boat close to the cliff, allowing us to experience the raw power of nature at point-blank range. Even before we got close, the roar of the water was already deafening. Massive torrents slammed into the sea surface, sending up clouds of white mist that engulfed everything. The icy spray hit our faces, instantly soaking our clothes and hair.

Many people who visit Milford Sound are probably familiar with Bowen Falls, since it's right next to the wharf and you can see it as soon as the cruise departs.