35 Cool Sutherland Falls Facts

Over 35 fun facts about Sutherland Falls including 10 fun facts about Sutherland Falls especially for kids plus learn more about its geography, legends, and much more!

About Sutherland Falls
Fun Facts About Sutherland Falls
Fun Facts About Sutherland Falls for Kids
Geography and Geology

Fun Facts About Sutherland Falls – About Sutherland Falls

Sutherland Falls is a magnificent waterfall located in Fiordland National Park on the South Island of New Zealand. It is one of the tallest waterfalls in the world and is renowned for its breathtaking beauty. In addition to the fun facts about Sutherland Falls, here’s more information about Sutherland Falls:

Height: Sutherland Falls has a total height of approximately 580 meters (1,903 feet) in three distinct tiers. It is composed of a series of cascades and plunges down a steep mountainside.
Location: The falls are nestled within the stunning Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic fjords, lush rainforests, and pristine natural beauty. The falls are situated in the Milford Track, one of New Zealand’s most famous hiking trails.
Source: Sutherland Falls is fed by Lake Quill, a glacial lake located high above the falls. The lake acts as the source of the water that cascades down the mountainside, creating the impressive waterfall.
Access: To reach Sutherland Falls, visitors typically embark on the challenging Milford Track, a multi-day hiking trail that takes them through some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes. The falls are located about an hour’s walk from Quintin Lodge, a popular stop along the trail.
Sir Donald Sutherland: The falls were named after Donald Sutherland, a Scottish settler who explored and surveyed the Milford Sound area in the late 1800s.
Waterflow: The volume of water flowing down Sutherland Falls varies throughout the year. During the rainy seasons and snowmelt, the falls can showcase a powerful and thunderous display.
Surrounding Scenery: The waterfall is set amidst a backdrop of towering mountains, dense forests, and pristine alpine scenery. The lush greenery and dramatic landscapes enhance the beauty and grandeur of Sutherland Falls.
Viewing Platforms: There are viewpoints and platforms located near the base of the falls, providing visitors with an opportunity to marvel at the cascading water and capture stunning photographs.
Nature and Wildlife: The area surrounding Sutherland Falls is teeming with diverse flora and fauna. Visitors may encounter native bird species, such as kea, tui, and bellbirds, as well as unique plant species that thrive in the lush rainforest environment.
Cultural Significance: The falls hold cultural significance to the Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand. They have traditional legends and stories associated with the natural wonders of Fiordland National Park, including Sutherland Falls.

Sutherland Falls is a captivating natural wonder that showcases the raw power and beauty of New Zealand’s pristine wilderness. Its majestic height and stunning surroundings make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers exploring the Fiordland region.

Fun Facts About Sutherland Falls – Fun Facts

Here are 25 fun facts about Sutherland Falls:

Sutherland Falls is located in Fiordland National Park on the South Island of New Zealand.
It is one of the tallest waterfalls in the world, with a total height of approximately 580 meters (1,903 feet).
The falls consist of three distinct tiers, with the highest single drop measuring around 248 meters (813 feet).
Sutherland Falls is fed by Lake Quill, a glacial lake situated high above the falls.
The falls are named after Donald Sutherland, a Scottish settler who explored the area in the late 1800s.
Sutherland Falls is a popular attraction along the Milford Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.
The Milford Track is a 53.5-kilometer (33.2-mile) hiking trail that showcases the beauty of Fiordland National Park.
The falls are approximately an hour’s walk from Quintin Lodge, a stop along the Milford Track.
The water flowing down Sutherland Falls originates from glaciers in the surrounding mountains.
During the rainy season and snowmelt, the volume of water cascading down the falls increases dramatically.
Sutherland Falls is known for its impressive display of power, with water thundering down the mountainside.
The falls are surrounded by towering peaks, lush forests, and pristine alpine landscapes.
Visitors can enjoy viewpoints and platforms near the base of the falls to witness their magnificence up close.
Sutherland Falls offers stunning photo opportunities, with its cascading water framed by the scenic backdrop.
The falls are part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage site, recognizing the unique natural values of the area.
Fiordland National Park, where Sutherland Falls is located, is renowned for its fjords, lakes, and diverse wildlife.
The area surrounding the falls is home to native bird species, including kea, tui, and bellbirds.
The Milford Track, which passes by Sutherland Falls, is considered one of the world’s greatest walks.
Hikers on the Milford Track often include a visit to Sutherland Falls as a highlight of their journey.
The falls provide a refreshing mist and a soothing sound that adds to the immersive nature experience.
Sutherland Falls is an excellent example of the powerful geological forces that have shaped New Zealand’s landscape.
The falls are featured on various travel brochures and postcards, representing the natural beauty of the region.
The trail leading to Sutherland Falls offers glimpses of other scenic attractions, such as ancient beech forests and glacial valleys.
Sutherland Falls has been a source of inspiration for artists, writers, and nature lovers from around the world.
The falls hold cultural significance to the Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, who have traditional stories and legends associated with the area.

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about Sutherland Falls!

Fun Facts About Sutherland Falls – Fun Facts for Kids

Here are 10 fun facts about Sutherland Falls that kids might enjoy:

Sutherland Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the world, taller than three football fields stacked on top of each other!
The falls are located in a place called Fiordland National Park in New Zealand, which is like a giant outdoor playground.
The water that flows down Sutherland Falls comes from glaciers, which are huge rivers of ice that melt and create the waterfall.
The falls have three big drops, like giant staircases made of water, and they make a thundering sound as the water crashes down.
Sutherland Falls is named after a brave explorer named Donald Sutherland, who discovered it a long time ago.
You can see the falls while hiking on a famous trail called the Milford Track, which is like going on a magical adventure through the wilderness.
The falls are surrounded by tall mountains, green forests, and even some playful native birds like the colorful kea.
When you get close to Sutherland Falls, you might feel a refreshing mist on your face, like being sprayed with a cool water spray.
The falls are part of a special place called a UNESCO World Heritage site, which means it’s considered one of the most important natural places in the world.
Sutherland Falls is like a natural wonderland that inspires artists, photographers, and nature lovers from all over the world to visit and be amazed.

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about Sutherland Falls!

Fun Facts About Sutherland Falls – Geography and Geology

In addition to the fun facts about Sutherland Falls, here’s a description of the geography and geology of Sutherland Falls:

Geography: Sutherland Falls is situated within the majestic Fiordland National Park on the South Island of New Zealand. It is located in a remote and pristine wilderness, surrounded by towering mountains, lush forests, and deep valleys. The falls are specifically found along the Milford Track, a renowned hiking trail that showcases the natural beauty of the region.

The falls themselves cascade down a steep mountainside, creating a breathtaking spectacle of cascades and plunges. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rugged terrain, with rocky cliffs, verdant vegetation, and picturesque alpine scenery. Sutherland Falls is part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage site, recognizing its outstanding natural values.

Geology: The geology of Sutherland Falls is shaped by the powerful forces of nature over millions of years. The falls are situated in an area that was once covered by glaciers during the Ice Age. Glaciers are enormous masses of ice that slowly move across the land, carving out valleys and shaping the landscape.

The falls are fed by the waters of Lake Quill, a glacial lake located high above the falls. The lake acts as the source of the water that cascades down the mountainside, creating the stunning waterfall. Glacial meltwater, originating from the surrounding glaciers, flows into Lake Quill and eventually finds its way down to Sutherland Falls.

The rocks surrounding the falls consist mainly of ancient sedimentary and metamorphic rocks that have been uplifted and exposed over time. These rocks, formed millions of years ago, provide the foundation for the cascading water and contribute to the geological character of the area.

The erosive power of water has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Sutherland Falls. Over time, the relentless flow of water has carved out the deep valleys and created the steep cliffs along which the falls descend. The result is a remarkable natural feature that showcases the ongoing processes of geological transformation.

The geography and geology of Sutherland Falls combine to create a truly awe-inspiring natural wonder. The dramatic mountains, lush forests, and cascading waters all contribute to the breathtaking beauty and unique character of this magnificent waterfall within the rugged landscapes of Fiordland National Park.

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about Sutherland Falls!