Earland Falls Track
A long Fiordland day hike on the Routeburn Track to the 174-metre Earland Falls.
Route overview
The Divide; Key Summit junction; Lake Howden; Routeburn Track toward Mackenzie; Earland Falls; return.
From The Divide, hikers climb through beech forest to Lake Howden and continue toward Lake Mackenzie. Openings reveal the Hollyford Valley before the track reaches Earland Falls, which drops 174 metres from Lake Roberts. The return follows the same exposed-to-weather corridor.
Trail facts
- Country
- New Zealand
- Region
- Southland / Fiordland, with Routeburn Track also crossing Otago
- Distance
- 7.5 km return
- Typical duration
- 6 hr
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation gain
- Undulating climb via Lake Howden; official page does not publish a verified gain
- Best season
- Best in snow-free Great Walks months; check alpine and avalanche conditions outside season
- Trail type
- Out-and-back
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No day permit; hut booking applies only if staying overnight.
Safety context
Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Heavy rain, waterfall spray, slippery surfaces, snow or avalanche hazard outside season and limited communication.
Highlights
Lake Howden, Hollyford Valley views and 174 m Earland Falls.
Why find a buddy
Helpful for pacing a long return hike and assessing conditions around the falls.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.