Humboldt Falls Adventure

Oh my, this excursion is 100% NZ Frenzy…100% pure New Zealand!!!!

In Fiordland, at the end of the Lower Hollyford Rd, is a quick track leading to a viewpoint of the distant 270m Humboldt Falls. Humboldt Falls may be the highest year-round “named” waterfall that you can see for free in NZ! The other biggies—Sutherland, Brown, etc all cost $$ on the Milford Track and such. The question for travelers is, is it worth it to drive 16km of the gravel Hollyford Rd for an 8-minute stroll to see the distant Humboldt Falls, especially after driving the Milford’s waterfall-laden road? No…it’s not worth the long detour.

But…if you’re a keen off-the-beaten-path adventurer who’s ready to suit up with water shoes, swimsuit, and sandfly spray…and willing to make a fairly easy 30-minute rock-hop up Humboldt’s streambed…then definitely, absolutely, 100% GO!

I don’t want to ruin the surprises of this excursion, but I need to tell you enough to get you motivated to try this adventure. On the rare sunny warm day in Fiordland this adventure tops my list. That’s saying a lot! Here’s what you do: you put on your water shoes/sandals and rock-hop/ splash up the Humboldt Stream from where the swingbridge crosses the stream at the beginning of the Hollyford Track. After 15 minutes you’ll begin to see the gargantuan Humboldt Falls ahead—quite impressive! The stream is relatively warm because it originates as rain rather that glacialmelt. Emerald pools will have you fetching out your camera. Nearing the base of Humboldt Falls you’ll find a deep swimming hole and another surprise I won’t tell you about. You may have to swim the pool to get past the final rocks, but you can also clamber over the top of the right-side rocks. Shangri-La is the destination. ’Nuff said'. Maybe bring a few cans of weak-ass Kiwi beer, cuz you’re gonna wanna celebrate. This is what I come to NZ for, and it’s surprises like this spot that make me write this kind of guidebook. Whaddaya think?? Lemme know!!

TRAMP: You might want to first go up the easy viewpoint track to warm up and see what’s coming, but if you simply trust me and want to be surprised, then just take to the streambed and GO. Make sure to bring your bug spray with so when you swim and wash off you can re-apply. When you round the last corner at the first pool, the “easy” way is up and over the right-side rocks. If it’s a rare warm Fiordland day and you don’t skinny-dip…then I’ll never sell you another book again!

Excerpt from "NZ Frenzy Guidebook" by Scott Cook