Helena Falls
Waterfall Picturesque New Zealand waterfall in Fiordland region
A New Zealand waterfall reached by short walks and trackside viewpoints; popular with hikers and photographers exploring nearby forest trails and boat-access fjord country.
Helena Falls is a waterfall on the approach to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi in Fiordland National Park on New Zealand’s South Island. It is a roadside-accessible cascade with a short walking track and a viewing platform that gives views into the beginning of the fiord.
The site is commonly visited as part of trips to Milford Sound; the falls are visible from the short trail and from some boat cruises that enter the sound. The walk is short and suitable for most visitors, providing an easy stop on the Milford Road.
The falls lie within Fiordland National Park, part of Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area, in rugged, heavily forested country of steep valleys and glacially carved fiords. The feature sits close to Milford Sound and is within the wider Milford Road corridor.
- Access: A short walking track from the Milford Road leads to a viewing platform with clear views of the falls and the surrounding rainforest.
- Viewing option: Often seen on boat cruises into Milford Sound, the falls are readily combined with fiord sightseeing tours.
How to Get to Helena Falls #
Helena Falls is at the Milford Sound end of State Highway 94 (the Milford Road) in Fiordland National Park. Drive from Te Anau (about 120 km) or take a coach/coach-cruise combination from Queenstown. The short walking track begins at the Milford Sound visitor terminal/wharf area; many visitors combine the walk with a Milford Sound cruise.
Tips for Visiting Helena Falls #
- The Helena Falls short walk connects with the Milford Sound wharf and makes a tidy addition to a boat cruise itinerary-bring a waterproof jacket.
- Boat tours on Milford Sound often include views of the falls from the water; combine the short walk with a cruise for different perspectives.
- Paths can be wet and slippery; solid footwear recommended.
Best Time to Visit Helena Falls #
Milford Sound is spectacular year-round; pick winter for atmospheric storms and summer for milder conditions and easier road access.
Weather & Climate near Helena Falls #
Helena Falls's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 4°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1998 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Heavy rain (213 mm) and breezy conditions.
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February
February is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm) and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (153 mm) and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (167 mm) and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (173 mm) and breezy conditions.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm) and breezy conditions.
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September
September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (155 mm) and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (239 mm) and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Heavy rain (213 mm) and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (191 mm) and breezy conditions.
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