The Majestic Mackay Falls: A Hidden Gem in Fiordland
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Mackay Falls in Fiordland, New Zealand - a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Mackay Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder nestled in the heart of Fiordland, New Zealand. With its stunning cascades and lush surroundings, it offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
A brief summary to Mackay Falls
- Southland, NZ
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds and the best light for photography.
- Bring insect repellent, as the area can have mosquitoes, especially during warmer months.
- Wear sturdy hiking boots to navigate the trails safely.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy by the falls for a relaxing experience surrounded by nature.
- Check local weather conditions before your visit, as the area can experience sudden changes.
Getting There
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Car
If you are driving to Mackay Falls from the Milford Sound area, you will begin your journey at Milford Sound itself. Start by heading southeast on Milford Sound Road (State Highway 94). Continue on this road for about 5 kilometers until you reach the parking area for the Milford Track trailhead. There is no direct road to Mackay Falls, so you will need to park here and begin your hike. Please note that parking fees may apply, so be prepared for potential costs.
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Hiking
Once you have parked your car at the Milford Track trailhead, you will need to hike approximately 1.5 kilometers along the track towards Mackay Falls. The trail is well-marked and takes you through beautiful rainforest scenery. Follow the signs for Mackay Falls. The hike should take around 30-45 minutes, depending on your fitness level. Make sure to wear sturdy footwear and bring water, as the trail can be rugged in places.
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Public Transportation (Bus)
If you are using public transportation, take a bus from Te Anau to Milford Sound. Several companies provide this service, and the journey takes approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival in Milford Sound, you will need to walk to the Milford Track trailhead, which is about a 15-minute walk from the bus drop-off point. Once you reach the trailhead, follow the same hiking directions to reach Mackay Falls.
Discover more about Mackay Falls
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Fiordland Discovery
12.4 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound with Fiordland Discovery, where nature's wonders come alive in stunning fjords and rich wildlife.
SPIRIT OF MILFORD
14.1 km
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Milford Sound with Spirit of Milford, New Zealand's most famous tourist destination offering unforgettable fjord experiences.
Tutoko Valley River Hike
14.3 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Tutoko Valley River Hike in Fiordland National Park, a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Worsley Hut
23.6 km
Discover the serene beauty of Worsley Hut in Fiordland National Park, a perfect retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure.
Falls Creek Falls
24.2 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Falls Creek Falls in Fiordland National Park, a scenic haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Lake Gunn North Viewpoint
27.6 km
Experience the breathtaking vistas of Lake Gunn North Viewpoint in the heart of Fiordland National Park, a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers.
Cascade Creek Historic Camp site
28.8 km
Experience the tranquility and history of Cascade Creek Historic Campsite, a serene retreat in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand's natural wonderland.
Routeburn Falls Hut
31.6 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Routeburn Falls Hut in Mount Aspiring National Park, a perfect retreat for nature lovers and hikers seeking adventure.
Kiosk Creek Campsite (DOC)
32.1 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Kiosk Creek Campsite in Fiordland National Park, where nature meets adventure in a stunning landscape.
Routeburn Flats Hut
32.9 km
Experience the beauty of New Zealand's wilderness at Routeburn Flats Hut, a serene accommodation along the iconic Routeburn Track in Mount Aspiring National Park.
Routeburn Track Trailhead (Routeburn Shelter)
37.9 km
Discover the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of the iconic Routeburn Track Trailhead in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand.
Eglinton Flats
39.7 km
Discover the breathtaking landscapes and serene atmosphere of Eglinton Flats, a must-visit tourist attraction in Southland, New Zealand.
Walker Creek DOC Campsite
43.1 km
Experience the tranquil beauty of Walker Creek DOC Campsite in Fiordland National Park, a perfect retreat for nature lovers and adventurers seeking unforgettable memories.
Mount Nicholas
62.6 km
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Lake Wakatipu
70.3 km
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Lake Wakatipu in Otago, New Zealand – a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and a serene escape for all.
Unmissable attractions to see
Dumpling Hut
4.9 km
Discover the flavors of New Zealand at Dumpling Hut in Milford Sound, where delicious dumplings meet breathtaking scenery for an unforgettable dining experience.
Giant Gate Falls
5.2 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Giant Gate Falls in Southland, New Zealand, where nature's artistry captivates every visitor.
Maureen falls
7.0 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Maureen Falls along the Milford Track, a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers in New Zealand.
Mintaro Hut
8.9 km
Experience the serene beauty of Mintaro Hut, a mountain cabin nestled in Fiordland National Park, perfect for hikers and nature lovers seeking adventure.
Sutherland Falls
9.4 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Sutherland Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the world, in New Zealand's stunning Fiordland National Park.
Milford Track Trailhead (Sandfly Point)
9.8 km
Explore the stunning beauty of the Milford Track Trailhead at Sandfly Point, a gateway to Fiordland's breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable hiking experiences.
Lake Quill
10.3 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty and tranquility of Lake Quill in Southland, New Zealand, a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventurers.
Sinbad Gully
11.3 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Sinbad Gully, a serene ravine in Southland, New Zealand, perfect for hiking and nature photography.
Milford Sound Marina
11.4 km
Explore the breathtaking Milford Sound Marina, your gateway to New Zealand's stunning fjords and natural wonders.
The Chasm Viewing Bridge
11.8 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of The Chasm Viewing Bridge in Fiordland National Park, a must-visit destination for nature lovers in New Zealand.
Milford Sound Lookout
11.9 km
Discover the stunning vistas of Milford Sound Lookout, a must-see destination in Fiordland National Park, showcasing nature's breathtaking beauty.
Milford Sound Swing
12.0 km
Discover the breathtaking Milford Sound Swing, a scenic spot in New Zealand's Fiordland National Park, offering stunning views and exhilarating experiences.
Milford Sound Observation Deck
12.0 km
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Milford Sound Foreshore Walk
12.1 km
Experience the stunning Milford Sound Foreshore Walk, a scenic hike through New Zealand's breathtaking Fiordland National Park.
Mitre Peak
12.1 km
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Mitre Peak, an iconic mountain in New Zealand's Fiordland National Park, offering stunning views and unforgettable adventures.
Essential places to dine
Pio Pio Restaurant
12.6 km
Discover authentic New Zealand cuisine amidst breathtaking landscapes at Pio Pio Restaurant in Fiordland National Park.
Lokal Kitchen & Bar
74.1 km
Experience exquisite New Zealand flavors at Lokal Kitchen & Bar - your go-to spot for delicious pizzas and European cuisine in Queenstown.
Nest Kitchen + Bar
74.1 km
Discover Nest Kitchen + Bar in Queenstown: where stunning views meet exceptional local cuisine for an unforgettable dining experience.
Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar
74.6 km
Experience fine dining with breathtaking views at Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar in Queenstown – where culinary excellence meets stunning scenery.
Mackenzies Restaurant & Bar
74.6 km
Discover exquisite New Zealand cuisine with stunning views at Mackenzies Restaurant & Bar in Queenstown's scenic Fernhill.
Lombardi Restaurant
75.2 km
Experience exquisite New Zealand cuisine at Lombardi Restaurant in Queenstown - where local flavors meet stunning views.
Bespoke Kitchen
75.3 km
Discover Bespoke Kitchen in Queenstown: A delightful restaurant offering fresh vegan and vegetarian dishes in a cozy setting.
Pedro's House of Lamb
75.4 km
Discover the mouthwatering taste of New Zealand at Pedro's House of Lamb – your go-to spot for delicious takeaway lamb dishes in Queenstown.
Threesixty Restaurant & Bar
75.4 km
Experience exquisite dining with breathtaking views at Threesixty Restaurant & Bar in Queenstown - where every meal is a feast for the senses.
Lone Star Queenstown
75.4 km
Experience vibrant dining at Lone Star Queenstown - where local flavors meet breathtaking views in New Zealand's adventure capital.
Bella Cucina
75.5 km
Savor authentic Italian cuisine at Bella Cucina in Queenstown—where every dish tells a story of tradition and taste.
Saigon Kingdom Vietnamese Restaurant
75.5 km
Experience authentic Vietnamese flavors at Saigon Kingdom in Queenstown - where every dish tells a story.
Jervois Steak House
75.5 km
Experience unparalleled dining at Jervois Steak House in Queenstown - where every steak tells a story of quality and flavor.
Left Bank Bistro
75.5 km
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Farelli's by Giovi
75.5 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Descend Scuba Diving - Milford Sound
11.5 km
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Ultimate Hikes - Mitre Peak Lodge
12.0 km
Discover the serene beauty of Milford Sound at Ultimate Hikes - Mitre Peak Lodge, your gateway to unforgettable adventures in Fiordland.
Discover Milford Sound Cruises Information Centre & Café
12.1 km
Discover Milford Sound’s beauty at the Information Centre & Café – your gateway to adventure in New Zealand’s stunning fjords.
Milford Sound Lodge - Premium Chalets
12.6 km
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Milford Sound
12.7 km
Experience the unparalleled beauty of Milford Sound, a stunning fjord in New Zealand's Fiordland National Park, where nature's wonders await.
Harrison Cove
14.6 km
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Mrs Woolly's General Store
48.4 km
Experience the charm of Mrs Woolly's General Store, the perfect blend of gifts, crafts, and café delights in the heart of Glenorchy, New Zealand.
Frank's Corner Queenstown
75.4 km
Explore the charm of Frank's Corner in Queenstown, a delightful gift shop offering unique local crafts and souvenirs that embody Kiwi culture.
Aotea Gifts Queenstown
75.5 km
Discover unique souvenirs and local treasures at Aotea Gifts Queenstown, your premier gift shop for New Zealand-made products.
Recycle Boutique
75.5 km
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Alpha Gifts 三和
75.5 km
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Angel Divine Queenstown
75.5 km
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MorArt
75.5 km
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Good Times Queenstown
75.5 km
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Roam Clothing Queenstown
75.6 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Milford Sound Public Carpark
12.1 km
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Milford Sound Lodge - Campervan Park
12.6 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound at the Milford Sound Lodge - Campervan Park, the perfect spot for nature lovers and adventurers.
Reds Bar
75.1 km
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Atlas Beer Cafe
75.5 km
Discover the best local brews and delightful bites at Atlas Beer Cafe, the heart of Queenstown's vibrant pub scene.
Le Salon Rouge
75.5 km
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Pub on Wharf
75.5 km
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Minus 5° ICE BAR
75.5 km
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Little Blackwood
75.5 km
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Ferg's Bar
75.5 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Ferg's Bar in Queenstown, where delightful meals and unique cocktails await in a lively setting.
Perky's - Floating Bar Queenstown
75.6 km
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Surreal Bar & Restaurant
75.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife and delicious culinary offerings at Surreal Bar & Restaurant in Queenstown, New Zealand, where every visit is an unforgettable experience.
Rodd & Gunn The Lodge, Queenstown
75.6 km
Experience the perfect blend of style and comfort at Rodd & Gunn The Lodge in Queenstown, offering exquisite dining and a vibrant bar scene.
Little Mez
75.6 km
Discover Little Mez in Queenstown: A vibrant bar with eclectic drinks and a unique atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after your adventures in New Zealand.
The Sundeck Rooftop Bar
75.6 km
Experience breathtaking views and exquisite cocktails at The Sundeck Rooftop Bar, the ultimate sky-high retreat in Queenstown.
Upstairs @ The Bunker
75.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Queenstown at Upstairs @ The Bunker, where cocktails, ambiance, and style converge for an unforgettable experience.
