Stirling Falls
Waterfall Tall waterfall plunging into Milford Sound's fiord
Stirling Falls drops into Milford Sound on New Zealand’s Fiordland cruises; boat and kayak tours bring visitors close to the 150-m cascade and surrounding glacier-carved fjord scenery.
Stirling Falls is a 151-metre waterfall in Milford Sound / Piopiotahi within Fiordland National Park on New Zealand’s South Island. The falls plunge directly from a high cliff into the waters of the fiord.
The waterfall is most commonly experienced from the water on one of the regular Milford Sound cruises or by kayak, where its full vertical drop and spray are visible at close range. The flow varies with rainfall but the falls are perennial and visible year-round.
Stirling Falls is part of the glacially carved landscape of Milford Sound, where steep cliffs and many permanent waterfalls are characteristic features of the fiord.
Located within Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, the falls are reached by road along State Highway 94 to the Milford Sound wharf or by air and boat services from nearby towns such as Te Anau.
- Best viewing: Most visitors view the falls from boat cruises through Milford Sound or from kayaks; the falls drop directly into the fiord and are most dramatic when rainfall is high.
How to Get to Stirling Falls #
Stirling Falls is best seen by scheduled boat cruises into Milford Sound (Piopiotahi). The area is reached by road via State Highway 94 (the Milford Road) from Te Anau or Queenstown; parking and visitor services are available at the Milford Sound terminal. Weather can change quickly-check road and tour operator updates before traveling.
Tips for Visiting Stirling Falls #
- Boat tours of Milford Sound will provide the best vantage point; check weather - waterfalls fire more dramatically after rain.
- Bring a waterproof camera cover - spray from the falls and fiord can be constant.
- Combine a visit with nearby Milford Track or short walks from the road for different perspectives.
Best Time to Visit Stirling Falls #
Milford Sound and Stirling Falls have distinct moods in every season - heavy rain amplifies falls, while clear days give dramatic mountain reflections.
Weather & Climate near Stirling Falls #
Stirling Falls's climate is classified as Subpolar Oceanic - Subpolar Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 2°C to 20°C. Heavy rainfall (3327 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (656 mm).
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (175 mm).
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Heavy rain (216 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Heavy rain (302 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (167 mm).
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (160 mm).
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (386 mm).
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (207 mm).
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Heavy rain (215 mm) and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Heavy rain (377 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Heavy rain (206 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Heavy rain (260 mm).
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
