Routes — Sutherland Falls

The descent from Mackinnon pass is the most difficult section on the Milford Track. Take your time.

You descend 870m over 7km.

There are some stupendous views crossing Roaring Burn; wooden staircases (constructed 1996-97) provide excellent lookout platforms.

You may get views of the first leap of Sutherland Falls before you pass Dudleigh Falls just before private Quinton Hut. Almost every hiker deposits their pack at the Quinton Hut shelter & makes the 90 minute return side trip to Sutherland Falls.

Quinton Hut shelter

For many Sutherland Falls are the highlight of the Milford Track, regardless of weather conditions. In fact, the more rain, the more impressive are the dozens of waterfalls on this side of the pass.

photo source unknown

Sutherland Falls, 580m over 3 leaps, is touted as one of highest Falls in the world. Somehow it was climbed first by William Quill in 1890 — the feeder lake above is called Quill Lake. A year later Quill fell to his death climbing nearby Hollyford Valley. Quill's body, like Mackinnon's, was never found.

The Maori call Sutherland Falls Te Tautea, The White Thread.

The flora on this side of the pass is different, more lush, with more moss and lichen, due to higher rainfall. Most consider the scenery more beautiful on this side of the Pass.

peeling bark of the kotukutuka or fuchsia tree

A few minutes sidetrip is Beech Hut, a reconstruction of the first Beech Hut built by Mackinnon in the late 1800s. Huts have come a long way since then!

Beech Hut

By the way, Sutherland, a Scot, was the first Pakeha (non-Maori) to settle permanently in Milford Sound, 1877 with his dog Groatie. Tall & lean he was called The Hermit of Milford — until he married in 1890.