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 at a Glance#
Address: Helena Falls Track, Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Website: https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/fiordland/places/fiordland-national-park/
Hours: Open 24 hours (public track)
Admission: Free
About Helena Falls#
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 11° - 18° | 14° | 213 mm | - | - | 7.0 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 11° - 18° | 15° | 134 mm | - | - | 6.6 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 10° - 17° | 13° | 153 mm | - | - | 6.2 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 8° - 14° | 11° | 104 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 6° - 11° | 5° | 167 mm | - | - | 7.7 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 4° - 9° | 2° | 173 mm | - | - | 7.0 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 4° - 8° | 2° | 132 mm | - | - | 5.7 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 4° - 10° | 3° | 124 mm | - | - | 6.7 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 5° - 12° | 5° | 155 mm | - | - | 7.6 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 6° - 13° | 7° | 239 mm | - | - | 7.1 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 8° - 15° | 11° | 213 mm | - | - | 8.2 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 9° - 17° | 13° | 191 mm | - | - | 7.3 m/s | - | - |
