Bowen Falls facts for kids
The Bowen Falls is a beautiful waterfall in Milford Sound, New Zealand. It's also known by its Māori name, Hineteawa, or sometimes as Lady Bowen Falls. This amazing waterfall is a very popular spot for tourists to visit.
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Bowen Falls: A New Zealand Wonder
Bowen Falls is a truly special place. It's located in the stunning Fiordland National Park, which is famous for its dramatic landscapes. The waterfall is fed by the Bowen River, which is about 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) long.
How Tall is Bowen Falls?
This waterfall is super tall! It drops an incredible 162 meters (531 feet). That makes it the tallest permanent waterfall flowing into Milford Sound. There are many waterfalls in the area, but only two flow all year round, and Bowen Falls is the biggest of them. The Bowen River also helps provide electricity and drinking water for the nearby small town of Milford Sound.
Who Was Lady Bowen?
The waterfall and the river were named after a special person: Lady Bowen. Her full name was Diamantina Bowen. She was the wife of George Bowen, who was the fifth Governor of New Zealand. A Governor is like a leader who represents the King or Queen in a country. George Bowen visited Milford Sound on a ship called HMS Clio in 1871. Naming the falls after his wife was a way to remember this important visit.
Visiting Bowen Falls Today
For many years, it was tricky to get close to Bowen Falls by land. A walking path to the falls had to close in 2002 because of unstable rocks. This meant people could only see the waterfall from a boat for about 15 years.
But don't worry, you can visit it now! In 2018, a special short boat service started. This small boat takes visitors across the tricky rocky section. The whole trip from the Milford Sound wharf to the falls and back takes about half an hour, including the two short boat rides. It's a great way to experience the power and beauty of Bowen Falls up close!
