Bowen Falls

Bowen Falls drops 162 meters directly into Milford Sound, creating a dramatic water column that falls from steep rocky terrain. The water flows from the Bowen River and forms one of the fjord's most visible water features.

The waterfall was named after a figure from the colonial era who had connections to exploration and settlement in the region. This naming reflects a period when European discovery shaped how places in New Zealand were recorded and remembered.

The name carries a story tied to the colonial era and the people who explored these remote fjords. Walking along the sound, visitors encounter a place where human history and wild nature have long existed together.

Weather conditions can change rapidly in this location, so bring waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear for any exploration. The best views come from the water itself, making a boat tour or guided excursion the most practical way to experience it.

The waterfall receives water from high mountain terrain that sits nearly 500 meters above sea level. This steep elevation change explains the power and speed with which the water plunges into the fjord.

Location: Southland Region

Elevation above the sea: 474 m

Height: 162 m

Part of: Bowen River

GPS coordinates: -44.66528,167.92525

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:45