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 at a Glance#
Address: Stirling Falls, Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Website: https://www.fiordland.org.nz/ (and Department of Conservation: https://www.doc.govt.nz/)
Hours: Accessible year-round; tour schedules vary seasonally
Admission: Free to view (natural site); access from Milford Sound/Piopiotahi area
About Stirling Falls#
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 11° - 19° | 15° | 656 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 11° - 20° | 15° | 175 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 10° - 18° | 14° | 216 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 8° - 16° | 12° | 302 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 5° - 13° | 6° | 167 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 3° - 10° | 4° | 160 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 2° - 10° | 3° | 386 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 3° - 11° | 5° | 207 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 5° - 13° | 6° | 215 mm | - | - | 6.8 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 7° - 14° | 11° | 377 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 8° - 16° | 12° | 206 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 10° - 18° | 14° | 260 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
