Earland Falls is roughly a 1-1.5 hours’ drive away from Te Anau or 3-3.5 hours from Queenstown. The road surface is always sealed.

From Te Anau travel west on Milford Rd (SH-94) for 83km until you see a huge parking with a sign ‘The Divide’. The parking is always busy – lots of cars, busses, etc. because one of the most popular Fiordland track, Routeburn track, starts here. There are tables, a shelter, and toilets there.

From the carpark follow a well-maintained Great Walk – Routeburn track for 2.5-3 hours. The first part of the track is nearly flat – in 1-1.5hrs you reach Howden Hut and Lake Howden. In good weather, it’s a great place for a picnic. From the lake, it’s 1.5 more hours to approach the falls. This part of the track requires uphill walking and gives excellent views of the Hollyford Valley. Earland Falls is a halfway between Howden and Mackenzie Huts.

The waterfall is very tall, and especially spectacular after heavy rain. The water drops onto the track and you can walk ‘under’ the waterfall. In heavy rain, there is an emergency track (with a bridge) kindly provided by DOC.

Return via the same track; or if you're a keen tramper, you may be interested to do the whole 32km 3-4 days tramping Routeburn Track, or just stay overnight at either Howden Hut or Mackenzie Huts. (needs to be booked!).