milford sound fly cruise and helicopter tour from queenstown

• Glacier Galore
• Sutherland Falls
• Coach Special
• Queenstown Transfer
• Te Anau Transfer
• Sutherland Falls Flight + Milford Sound Cruise
• Hollyford Track Transport Package
• Glacier Flight + Milford Sound Cruise

Stunning Helicopter Flights in Milford Sound

Discover glaciers galore, trade wheels for a heli, milford helicopters.

Adventure further, look deeper, learn more and forge your own connection to the stunning sights of Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound in New Zealand.

Explore further

Go way beyond the beaten path. Catch incredible scenic helicopter flights to jaw-dropping locations like Mitre Peak, Sutherland Falls, Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and more.

Adventure further

Discover stunning Fiordland from the air, the land and the water. Our heli+ experiences include helicopter flights bundled with classic activities like tramping, walking, kayaking and cruises.

Just excellent if you need a remote pick-up I highly recommend. Got us out of a tight spot with excellent communication throughout. Thanks especially to your staff – legends!

Absolutely stunning experience – Highly recommend to all, whether you’re from overseas, or a fellow Kiwi. Best way to explore and see the beauty of Milford Sound.

Took a ride with Milford Helicopters today, with my wife. We did the grand tour and flew to Tutoko Glacier then Sutherland Falls. Never been in a chopper before and a nervous flyer, but have to say it was EPIC!!! Weather helped by being beautiful and clear. The glacier was well worth the visit. We swung around the fjord and swooped up and over the numerous peaks! Would HIGHLY recommend.

Staff were very friendly and helpful. We popped in the office a day earlier but due to weather the pilots advised us to fly the follwoing day. Glad we did as it was far better.

Thank you – and thank you to Gaven and the team for getting us out. I had a fear of helicopters, but I was more worried about Logan. A big thanks to Gaven helping keep me calm and keeping me informed all the way of the turbulence that may happen as we flew home. I’ve had worse car rides! Next time I’m down here, I will definitely be booking a scenic flight – fear all gone!

Change begins at home

Flying you to experience the sights since 2014.

Christmas Day, 25th December 2024 - We are currently fully booked. 

Milford Sound Flights

A whole new perspective on one of New Zealand's most iconic landmarks

Experience the full grandeur of New Zealand's most treasured World Heritage Area.

Fly to milford sound from queenstown.

Get ready for the views of a lifetime taking a helicopter flight to Milford Sound from Queenstown.

Only from the air can you catch a glimpse of some of the most stunning features of the South West New Zealand UNESCO World Heritage Area and Fiordland National Park. 

Soar over secluded alpine lakes, dramatic waterfalls, snow-covered mountain peaks, pristine glaciers and native beech forest. And just when you think the scenery can't get any better; Milford Sound and Mitre Peak appear from over the rise.

Milford Sound Boat Cruise 

Add a boat cruise along the fiord, an alpine landing or extended flying time to your scenic helicopter flight for an optimum Milford Sound experience. 

Please note: glacier and snow landings are subject to weather and availability.

We strongly recommend you make your flight bookings in advance and at the start of your Queenstown itinerary. If we cannot fly due to adverse weather, we can transfer your booking to another day. Alternatively, if you would prefer, we will refund you in full if your flight is cancelled due to weather.

Milford Sound Scenic Helicopter Flights from Queenstown

Fiordlander

The most spectacular views of Fiordland and Milford Sound from the best seat in the sky

Milford Sound Flyback

Elevate your experience with a Milford Sound flyback via helicopter to Queenstown, bypassing the 4-hour bus journey!

Milford Extended

An extensive scenic helicopter flight of Milford Sound and surrounding areas.

Milford Highlights

Milford Sound and fiord by air

Milford Sound + Cruise

Milford Sound from the air and on the water.

Milford Sound

Discover one of New Zealand's most iconic landscapes.

Milford Sound Private Charter Scenic Helicopter Flights

A private charter scenic helicopter flight option to make it even more special – just you, your family & friends, your pilot and our incredible scenery.

+64 3 442 2351

Milford Sound Fly / Nature Cruise / Fly

Home » Flights » Milford Sound – Fly / Nature Cruise / Fly

Milford Sound is an area of extraordinary beauty. It offers a majestic fiord, dramatic and awe inspiring scenery and prolific flora and fauna. Although the flight to and from Milford Sound has regularly been described as the most stunning part of our tour options, combining this with a Milford Sound cruise with our friends at Southern Discoveries is the most popular option.

After check-in completion, your pilot will give a thorough pre-flight briefing on the route and scenic highlights likely to be encountered. These include the famous Skippers Canyon, the Paradise region (recently made popular as film locations for Lord of the Rings/Hobbit Trilogies), and the Donne glacier among many other awe-inspiring features. Your 35 minute flight concludes with an over flight of the fiord of Milford Sound, prior to landing.

The second half of the adventure begins in Milford Sound, where your pilot personally escorts you to the boat docks where you will board the “Spirit of Milford” to enjoy your Milford Sound Nature Cruise. Numbers onboard are capped at 150 passengers ensuring a more intimate experience, Nature Guides offer a personal commentary. The catamaran explores nooks and crannies along the edge of the fiord, nudging into sheer rock faces to examine flora and fauna in detail.

Following your Milford Sound cruise your return flight takes in many of the pristine alpine lakes and waterfalls that Fiordland National Park is recognised for, including the Sutherland Falls which span 580m (1900ft). Flight time is another 35 minutes, with a total trip time of approximately five hours. After enjoying your Scenic Flight back from Milford Sound you will land back in Queenstown to complete the journey.

• Return Milford Sound Scenic Flights
• Milford Sound Nature Cruise onboard Southern Discoveries “Spirit of Milford” catamaran
• Reserved seating onboard the boat
• Complimentary tea and coffee
• Pilot escort on a gentle 20 minute bush walk from plane to boat through native forest (time permitting)
• Courtesy pick up & drop off from most Queenstown accommodation

01 October 2023 – 30 September 2024

01 october 2024 – 30 september 2025.

We recommend booking for your first available day in Queenstown due to the weather dependent nature of flying.

Should the weather be unfavourable on the day, you will have maximum flexibility to roll your experience on to another day during your stay

• Contact us for more information
• Cancellation Policy

Discover Our Scenic Flights & Packages

Milford Sound – Fly / Nature Cruise / Fly

Milford Sound & Big 5 Glaciers Scenic Flight

Queenstown 20 Minute Scenic Flight

Milford Sound – One Way Flight

Milford Sound Scenic Flights

Visit milford sound from the air, tour + flyback options, milford sound helicopter tours, helicopter tour from queenstown, milford helicopter + glacier landing, half-day milford helicopter flight.

Milford Sound Cruise & Scenic Flight

Quick details.

• Plane Departs from: Queenstown
• Clock Departs at: 10.00am and 12:30 pm
• Hour Glass Duration: Half-day
• User Ages: All ages

Fly, Cruise, & Fly Again on this Milford Sound Cruise & Scenic Flight

Our 2-hour cruises are one of the most intimate and immersive ways to explore Milford Sound. We’ve designed our boats for better maneuvering to get you closer to your incredible surroundings. Each tour group has no more than 60 or 75 spaces available, so you have enough room to appreciate the grandeur.

Get to and from your Milford Sound cruise in a fixed wing aircraft with scenic flights from and back to Queenstown that are nothing short of spectacular.

Milford Sound Flight & Cruise Trip Highlights

• Uninterrupted aerial views from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a fixed wing aircraft
• 2-hour cruise with frequent stops at spectacular points of interest
• Up-close perspectives of flora and fauna, waterfalls and wildlife and more
• Uninterrupted aerial views over untouched wilderness
• Fantastic photo opportunities
• Interactive and informative commentary
• Complimentary tea and coffee on-board
• Complimentary pick-ups from most hotels
• Small and uncrowded experience 

What to expect:

Take Off on a Milford Sound Scenic Flight

Take off from Queenstown, and fly above the rugged backcountry of Central Otago, before heading westward to where the glacial-fed rivers empty into Lake Wakatipu. Witness what the power of nature and time as you journey over two remarkable National Parks – Mt Aspiring and the world heritage listed Fiordland National Park.

Relax Aboard a Milford Sound Cruise

Upon arrival in Milford Sound you will enjoy a 2-hour boat cruise.

Sit back and relax as your cruise makes its way out into Milford Sound past the iconic Mitre Peak. We’ll sail the length of the 16km fiord, out past St Annes Point Lighthouse, with informative commentary from our skipper who will highlight points of interest along the way including the mighty Lady Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, Copper Point, Seal Rock and Stirling Falls. You’ll see towering peaks, sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls and lush rainforest. Feel the spray of Fairy Falls and listen to the sound of nature thriving in its habitat.

We also take you out into the Tasman Sea so you can enjoy the unique opportunity of approaching the fiord just as the first sealers did way back in the 18th century.

Be sure to keep an eye out for seals basking in the sun, pods of dolphins, or rare Fiordland Crested Penguins that can be found seasonally within the region.

Keep warm with complimentary tea and coffee in the lounge and take in the scenery through expansive windows. Or venture onto the spacious outdoor viewing decks to breathe in the pristine alpine air. Either way, you will be inspired by the majesty of the region.

Return on Stunning Milford Sound Scenic Flight

Complete your journey with an epic birds-eye view of this untouched region as you fly back along a different path. Fly over snowcapped mountain ranges, ancient glaciers, tumbling waterfalls and sparkling lakes including the breathtaking and incredibly blue Lake Wakatipu upon landing in Queenstown.

Related Tours

• Hour Glass Full day
• User All ages
• Map Marker Queenstown
• Ticket Flight , Coach , Cruise

Milford Sound Coach, Cruise & Fly

Discover the beauty of the area from three unforgettable perspectives – Milford Road, the waters of Milford Sound, and in the air on a scenic flight over the Fiordland National Park.

• Map Marker Milford Sound
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Milford Sound Cruise & Milford Track

Walk part of the Milford Track and take a 2-hour cruise – a way to see both the ‘finest walk in the world’ and enjoy the fiord from sea level, including the picturesque Mitre Peak.

• Hour Glass Half day
• Ticket Helicopter , Cruise

Milford Sound Cruise & Scenic Heli Flight

Discover the beauty of the area from unforgettable perspectives – the waters of Milford Sound, and from the air on a scenic helicopter flight over the Fiordland National Park.

Milford Sound Tour, Cruise & Helicopter

Spectacular Milford Sound day experience from Queenstown, including a cruise and scenic helicopter flight with an alpine landing.

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• Scenic helicopter flight over snowy mountains
• Glass roof vans get you there in comfort
• Comfortable glass roof vans
• Guests enjoying exploring Fiordland
• Scenic Stop Fiordland
• Tree lined Milford Road
• Small walks on the Milford Road

Experience Milford Sound by road, boat and helicopter!

Experience Milford Sound with Altitude Tours on a top-rated small group day tour. Departing from Queenstown, explore the magic of Fiordland that encompasses the road, water, and a helicopter flight with alpine landing—all in a single bucket-list day.

Your Adventure Begins

Start your day by meeting our friendly local guide at or near your Queenstown accommodation. You’ll travel in style in a premium Mercedes van designed for touring with only 16 seats onboard. The first leg of our journey to Milford Sound transports you from Queenstown through the picturesque Southland farming country and the charming town of Te Anau, where we’ll make a brief stop by the lakeside for refreshments.

Welcome to the Fiordland National Park

From here, we welcome you to the Fiordland National Park and the renowned Milford Road. This corridor to the fjord unveils a different side of New Zealand, with its majestic mountains, winding rivers, and the cheeky Kea bird. Throughout the journey, your guide will make multiple stops for photo opportunities, and short walks, and will entertain you with fascinating local facts and stories.

Milford Sound Adventure & Cruise

Upon reaching Milford Sound, embark on a 1hr 45 min nature cruise that takes you beneath the towering peaks of the fjord. This small boat cruise, accompanied by a knowledgeable onboard nature guide, allows you to explore the edges of the fjord, revealing its impressive waterfalls and unique wildlife, which may include dolphins, penguins, fur seals, and native birdlife.

A Helicopter Flight to Remember

After your cruise, you will be introduced to your pilot who will take you to the skies on a truly incredible scenic flight back to Queenstown. Travelling by helicopter, this flight is approximately 45 minutes, offering aerial views of Milford Sound and Queenstown, along with the impressive snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and braided rivers in between. During the flight, enjoy descending on top of one of the many peaks for a snow landing in the remote alpine wilderness.

Choose your departure from Queenstown:

• 6.30am, returning 4:30pm (Glass Roof Upgrade)
• 7.30am, returning 5:30pm
• 6.00am, returning 4:00pm (December – March only)

Please note that a minimum of 4 passengers is required to operate the helicopter. In the event of adverse weather conditions, helicopter operations may be affected. In both instances, we will make efforts to arrange a fly-back to Queenstown, should this be of interest to the guest. If  fly-backs are not feasible, the journey back to Queenstown will be by road, and a partial refund will be provided for the helicopter portion of your tour.

Standard Departure

Glass roof upgrade departure.

Spectacular Milford Sound day experience from Queenstown, including a cruise and scenic helicopter flight with an alpine landing. Glass roof van upgrade.

Travel in premium Gold-class.

Our Mercedes vans are fully equipped with panoramic windows extended legroom, leather interiors, and panoramic windows.

Our 6:30 and 6:00am departure includes a Glass-Roof upgrade maximising your views on this incredible day tour.

Milford Sound Tour FAQ's

What sort of vehicle will i be travelling to milford in.

Our Milford Sound Day Tours travel in premium Mercedes Sprinter vans with only 16 seats onboard. These vans have been designed for long-distance touring with extended legroom, modern interiors, and those ever-important panoramic windows for amazing views!

Glass Roof Upgrade

The 6:30a.m & 6:00am departure guarantees travel in custom-built glass-roof top vans that have superior viewing at all angles. Choose this time slot to travel in these vehicles.

How long does the Milford tour take?

The full-day trip takes approximately 10 hours from Queenstown. This allows us to make plenty of stops en route to ensure you enjoy the journey as well as a 2-hour boat cruise in majestic Milford Sound, followed by a scenic helicopter flight back to Queenstown.

What happens if I can't flyback on the day due to bad weather?

If unfortunately you cannot fly back to Queenstown due to weather you will be able to travel back to Queenstown on our comfortable van, we’ll put on a movie and you can kick back and relax!

How many people will be on this tour?

Our vehicles are 16 seaters, so this will be your maximum group size on the van, making for a more personal, small group experience.

We connect with small boat cruise operators, who take 60-75 people depending on the weather.

The helicopter typically seats 5-6 people depending on weight.

What are the lunch options on this full day tour?

We can provide a pre-booked packed picnic lunch for $30 per person which will include a sandwich, fruit, and a range of snacks.

If you don’t choose this option we suggest bringing your own lunch. We do stop in Te Anau on the way, however, we cannot guarantee their lunch supplies and there is no food in Milford Sound or on the boat.

What boat will we be cruising with in Milford Sound?

We partnered with two cruise operators, who are both small boat experiences in Milford Sound. They’ll provide a 2-hour cruise through the sound, getting up close to the towering waterfalls and providing informative commentary.

What facilities will be available on the tour?

We make multiple stops enroute for coffee, at a cafe and bathroom stops, and there are bathroom facilities in the terminal at Milford Sound and on the boat.

What stops will we make along the tour?

We don’t want to give too much away! You’ll make a couple of cafe stops before getting to Fiordland, and along the Milford Road we’ll make multiple stops at scenic points. Our guides know the best spots on the day and will choose these based on being away from the crowds.

What are the Milford Road conditions like?

The road is very well looked after so is always in great condition. The conditions can change per season, in winter there will often be snow around at points that don’t see the sun – making it even more beautiful!

Why can't I reserve seats?

Due to this being one of our most popular tours and wanting to be fair to all who join us we do not offer reserved seating. If you have a request we will do our best to accommodate but we cannot guarantee.

HUMBLE BRAGS

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Queenstown to Milford Sound return trip Coach, Cruise, Helicopter back

Queenstown to Milford Sound ( Departs: 7am )

Cruise in Milford Sound ( Starts: 1.15pm )

Milford Sound to Queenstown ( Arrives: 4.30pm )

Milford Sound Select's coaches offer you a comfortable and relaxed sightseeing experience with knowledgeable and friendly drivers.

On arrival at Milford Sound we immediately proceed to the boat terminal. Your driver will give you your boat pass and direct you to your cruise boat. On boarding make yourself comfortable in one of the saloons or catch the scenery from the decks.

Fly back to Queenstown by Helicopter gives you a bird's eye view of Milford Sound, the Southern Alps and the hidden valleys beyond.

Adult: NZ$1320.00 per person

Child 12-14yrs nz$1105.00 per person, child 5-11yrs: nz$1105.00 per person, infant 0-4yrs: nz$775.00 per person.

A spectacular helicopter flight is the ultimate way to see Milford Sound and the hidden wilderness area to the west of Queenstown. You will even get the chance to land on a glacier high on one of the snow capped mountains, a photo experience of a lifetime.

Leaving Milford Sound Airport your helicopter will give you incredible views of Milford Sound. We climb up and over the peaks surrounding the fiord. Travelling back to Queenstown you will see and incredible of snowcapped peaks reaching up from hidden untouched river valleys.

Fixed wing fly back option

Travel over the highest peaks in Fiordland, glaciers and myriad of hidden untouched valleys.

The Milford Sound Select interactive Google Map will give you and insight into your trip.

Lunch options

There are a number of lunch options in your Milford Sound Select trip.

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Milford Fly Cruise Fly

Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi and enjoy a spectacular view of the mountains, lakes and waterfalls of Fiordland National Park. Surrounded by some of the most magnificent scenery in the world, you'll board your cruise and travel the length of the fiord out to the Tasman Sea.

Complete your journey with an unforgettable flight back to Queenstown over the dramatic Southern Alps.

39 Lucas Place

Queenstown, 9300

• Price: $645
• Child pricing available
• We provide courtesy transfer to and from Queenstown.
• Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Sunday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Holiday hours: Closed Christmas Day
• Months of Operation: Jan - Dec
• Group Info: Please contact us direct for charter options.
• Group Reservation Email: [email protected]
• Group Capacity: 29