Last updated November 2026
Humboldt Falls drops 275 m into the Hollyford Valley in Fiordland National Park, according to LINZ topographic data. DOC’s Humboldt Falls Track is an easy, well graded 30-minute walk through rainforest to a lookout over the falls. It starts at the end of the unsealed Hollyford Road, which leaves Milford Road at Marian Corner.
The falls are about 190 km from Invercargill in a straight line, so this is a stop to plan into a Fiordland trip rather than a day out from the city. Check DOC before you go.
Practical Information
- Start
- End of the unsealed Hollyford Road, off Milford Road (SH94) at Marian Corner
- Distance from the city
- About 190 km from Invercargill; DOC says allow about 2 hours to drive from Te Anau
- Walking time
- About 30 min
- Grade
- Easy
- Height of the falls
- 275 m (LINZ topographic data)
- Track type
- Well graded walking track
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Humboldt Falls
The falls are on Humboldt Creek. LINZ topographic data puts the total height at 275 m, and Wikipedia describes three drops, the largest about 134 m. DOC simply calls them impressive.
DOC describes the walk as a short climb through rainforest to a lookout over the falls. It is easy and well graded, and at about 30 minutes it fits easily into a drive into the Hollyford.
Driving the Hollyford Road
Turn off Milford Road at Marian Corner, a few minutes past The Divide on the way to Milford Sound and about 87 km along Milford Road from Te Anau.
The Hollyford Road is unsealed, and the walk starts where it ends. DOC suggests allowing about 2 hours to drive from Te Anau to the end of the road. Check road conditions and DOC before you go.
Combining It With Lake Marian Falls
The Lake Marian car park is only 1 km down the same Hollyford Road from Marian Corner, so you pass it on the way in. The short walk there leads over a swing bridge to a series of waterfalls on Marian Creek, which makes a good second stop on the same drive.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Humboldt Falls Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Lake Marian Falls Track: the short walk to the Marian Creek waterfalls on the same road.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the walk to Humboldt Falls?
About 30 minutes, on an easy, well graded track.
How high is Humboldt Falls?
About 275 m according to LINZ topographic data. Wikipedia describes three drops, the largest about 134 m.
Where does the track start?
At the end of the unsealed Hollyford Road, which leaves Milford Road at Marian Corner.
How long is the drive from Te Anau?
DOC suggests allowing about 2 hours to the end of the Hollyford Road.
Can I see the falls from the lookout?
Yes. The track climbs through rainforest to a lookout over the falls.
What else is nearby?
Lake Marian Falls, 1 km down the Hollyford Road from Marian Corner.
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