Lake Quill

Overview

Lake Quill is a high, glacier-carved cirque lake tucked into a hanging basin about 979 m above sea level. Its single outlet spills straight over the rim to form Sutherland Falls, dropping roughly 580 m in three towering tiers. It’s remote, raw, and jaw-droppingly beautiful.

What You'll See

Expect a vivid turquoise tarn ringed by sheer rock walls, alpine tussock, and frequent patches of lingering snow. From the air—and on rare alpine landings—you can gaze across Fiordland’s peaks and down toward the Arthur Valley. The lake’s outflow immediately becomes Sutherland Falls, one of the country’s most dramatic waterfalls.

Access and Experience

There’s no road and no standard trail to the lake. Most visitors experience it on a scenic helicopter flight, sometimes with short landings for photos. Hikers on the Milford Track can take a side trip to the base of Sutherland Falls in the valley, but reaching Lake Quill itself on foot is an expert-level undertaking and not part of the track.

History & Geology

This is a classic glacial cirque—ice carved the bowl, and the lake now perches on the edge of a cliff. The fine glacial sediments give the water its striking turquoise color. It’s named after William Quill, the first European known to reach the lake in 1890 by climbing Sutherland Falls.

Nature Notes

This is true alpine country: expect hardy tussock and mountain flora. Wildlife isn’t the headline here; the star is the dramatic geology and the lake-to-falls spectacle.

Best Time to Visit

• Scenic flights are weather-dependent year-round; summer generally offers longer, more stable windows.
• For photography, early morning and late afternoon light are best, but cloud is common and can roll in fast.
• Build buffer time into your plans in case conditions force delays or cancellations.

Good to Know

There are no amenities at Lake Quill—no toilets, shelters, or marked trails. Facilities exist down in the Milford Track corridor at huts and shelters, not at the lake itself.