Earland Falls

 

Earland Falls

One of the most impressive waterfalls in Fiordland, Earland Falls is located along the popular Great Walk - Routeburn Track, and it’s just a 3-hours moderate walk from the main highway (The Divide). You won’t miss this waterfall because the water literally drops onto the track! Perfect place to have a ‘natural shower’. It is one of New Zealand Must See Waterfalls.

Driving and walking conditions

GPS of the view point: S 44° 48' 11.916" E 168° 9' 25.9194"
Parking: the Divide, Fiordland National Park
Vehicle type: All vehicle types Track type: Tramping track
Road type: State HW Return track duration: 6hrs 

Waterfall parameters

Waterfall height: 174m Type of the waterfall: Horsetail

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
GPS:          S 44° 48' 11.916" E 168° 9' 25.9194"
Parking:     the Divide, Fiordland National Park
Access:     6hrs  return walk


Walking and driving instructions

 

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!).


Waterfalls nearby

Christie Falls

Rating:       ⭐⭐
Access:     2min return walk
Driving:   4.8 km (5 mins)

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Lake Marian Falls

Rating:       ⭐
Access:     20min return walk
Driving:   4.6 km (9 mins)

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