Snapshots

Snapshot: admire the magnificent Sutherland Falls

Sutherland Falls

A towering stream, cascading down three giant leaps to end in a flourish of  misty fountain at the foot of the mountain.

The Sutherland falls, at 580 meters high  (1.3 times taller than the Empire State Building) may only be the fifth highest waterfall in the world and ranks second in New Zealand (after Browne Falls), but it may just be the most magnificent in the country. Near Milford Sound in the South Island, the falls was named after Scottish explorer Donald Sutherland . He was searching for a possible route between Milford Sound and  Lake Wakatipu back in 1880 when he came across the waterfalls. He and his wife then build in the area, anticipating tourists who would eventually come and admire the glorious sight of the falls.

When you get to the base of the falls, you can feel the strong force of the water while experiencing the deafening sounds of falls impact hitting the base. The vigor of the water casts a mist in the air, creating a mystical sight and adding to the Falls’ appeal.

The trek to witness this beauty is not the easiest. Visitors typically have to go on a 4-day walk on the Milford track to arrive at the falls.

Tip: If you are not a trekker, all is not lost, you can choose to take a scenic flight to the falls, although that might mean a hole in your pocket.

If you’re up for the trek, you need to make ample preparations, physically, as well as logistically- clothing, trekking gear and appropriate footwear must be ready before the trip. The Milford Track is one of New Zealand’s most thrilling trails, so you’d be rewarded with a visual feast for the physically challenging journey to the falls.  For better enjoyment of the falls, you can drop by the Quinton Hut Shelter, the Sutherland Falls base to deposit your belongings there and carry the bare necessities while you carry on to the Falls.

Tip: the must-take is a jacket that can keep you warm. The weather in this part of New Zealand can get pretty unpredictable. You wouldn’t want to be caught in rain in the middle of nowhere.

Sutherland Falls

 

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