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Scenic Flyover to Milford Sound
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION4 hours 30 minutes
START POINT
Queenstown
Start your flight from Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand, known for its stunning lake and mountain views.
Passes by
Central Otago
Lake Wakatipu
Mt Aspiring National Park
Fiordland National Park
5
END POINT
Queenstown
- Best for time-conscious travelers seeking a premium experience to visit Milford Sound in less than a day, with convenient flight transfers.
- Book this if you are looking for both aerial and sea-level views of Milford Sound without the hassle of an hours-long drive to and from Queenstown.
- What's unique: If you opt for return flights, your adventure won't take more than half a day. If you opt for return by road, you get to enjoy some scenic stops.
- Sights seen: Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, Copper Point, Seal Rock, Fairy Falls, Stirling Falls, St Annes Point Lighthouse, Tasman Sea, and more.
- Best for time-conscious travelers seeking a premium experience to visit Milford Sound in less than a day, with convenient flight transfers.
- Book this if you are looking for both aerial and sea-level views of Milford Sound without the hassle of an hours-long drive to and from Queenstown.
- What's unique: If you opt for return flights, your adventure won't take more than half a day. If you opt for return by road, you get to enjoy some scenic stops.
- Sights seen: Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, Copper Point, Seal Rock, Fairy Falls, Stirling Falls, St Annes Point Lighthouse, Tasman Sea, and more.
Inclusions
- Full-day or half-day tour of Milford Sound from Queenstown (based on option selected)
- Small-group experience
- Round-trip flight transfers from Queenstown (if option selected)
- One-way coach to Milford Sound (if option selected)
- Return flight transfer to Queenstown (if option selected)
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Live commentary
- 2-hour Milford Sound cruise
- Complimentary tea, coffee, & water on cruise
Exclusions
- Food and drinks (available for purchase onboard)
- Tip: Look out for playful dolphins and, if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of the rare and elusive Fiordland Crested Penguin.
- The flyover from Queenstown over Milford Sound and back to Queenstown is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
- Passengers weighing 140kg (308lb) or more should make a note during booking. For helicopter activities, there is a weight limit of 116kg (255lb).
- A discrepancy exceeding 15kg (33lb) from the declared weight at check-in may lead to rescheduling, depending on availability.
- This activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with reduced mobility.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION4 hours 30 minutes
START POINT
Milford Sound Scenic Flights
Your journey begins at Queenstown. Board the plane which takes you straight to Milford Sound Airport and spot several landmarks from up high.
Airplane
Passes by
Skippers Canyon
Glenorchy
Mt Earnslaw
Mt Tutoko
Milford Sound
Mitre Peak
Arthur River
Sutherland Falls
Milford Track
Lake Te Anau
Eglinton Valley
Greenstone Valley
Lake Wakatipu
1
Milford Sound Airport
Tickets included
Your flight to Milford Sound ends here. Take a breath of fresh air as you admire the surroundings.
Airplane
2
Milford Sound
5 attractions
Tickets included
One of the wettest inhabited places on Earth, with 6,000mm of annual rainfall. The starting point for scenic cruises through one of New Zealand’s most spectacular fjords.
Nearby things to do
Bowen Falls
2 min walk
Lion Mountain
Copper Point
Seal Rock
Stirling Falls
3
Milford Sound Airport
1 activities
Tickets included
Board the helicopter and begin your scenic journey back to Queensland.
Highlights
Alpine Landing
Included in price
Step out of your helicopter onto a remote alpine ridge, where crisp mountain air and sweeping views of Fiordland’s untouched wilderness await.
Helicopter
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END POINT
Milford Sound Scenic Flights
Experience Milford Sound by scenic flight, cruise, and helicopter in one epic journey.
- Best for nature and adventure lovers looking for the ultimate Milford Sound experience—all within half a day.
- Book this if you are short on time but want to enjoy Milford Sound from three unique perspectives without the long drive to and from Queenstown.
- What's unique: This half-day experience offers two scenic flights, a breathtaking cruise, and an exclusive glacier landing, blending natural beauty with ultimate convenience.
- Sights seen: Skipper’s Canyon, Mitre Peak, Sutherland Falls, Mt Earnslaw, the Milford Track, Seal Rock, Stirling Falls, St Annes Point Lighthouse, and more.
Experience Milford Sound by scenic flight, cruise, and helicopter in one epic journey.
- Best for nature and adventure lovers looking for the ultimate Milford Sound experience—all within half a day.
- Book this if you are short on time but want to enjoy Milford Sound from three unique perspectives without the long drive to and from Queenstown.
- What's unique: This half-day experience offers two scenic flights, a breathtaking cruise, and an exclusive glacier landing, blending natural beauty with ultimate convenience.
- Sights seen: Skipper’s Canyon, Mitre Peak, Sutherland Falls, Mt Earnslaw, the Milford Track, Seal Rock, Stirling Falls, St Annes Point Lighthouse, and more.
Inclusions
- Scenic fixed wing aircraft flight
- Scenic helicopter flight
- 2-hour Milford Sound cruise
- Live commentary
- 1 alpine landing during the helicopter flight
- Complimentary tea, coffee & water on cruise
- Tip: Look out for New Zealand fur seals sunbathing on the rocks or swimming in the water during your cruise.
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- Choose safety and comfort: This experience is not the best fit for pregnant women in their last trimester.
- All flights and tours operate are subject to change according to the weather conditions and minimum numbers.
- There are two time slots available for this tour. If you choose the 10am slot, you will fly on the fixed wing plane first and return via helicopter after the cruise. If you take the 12pm slot, you will fly on a helicopter first and return via the fixed wing plane after the cruise.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION10 hours 30 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
Timeline
Map
START POINT
Queenstown
Start your trip here; enjoy the views, grab a coffee, and get ready for the adventure ahead.
Passes by
Wye Creek Track
Lake Te Anau Lion Lookout Point
1
Te Anau
Free Admission
Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Stretch your legs and explore as the coach stops here for a midway break.
Passes by
Lake Mistletoe Walking Track
Eglinton Valley and Mirror Lakes
Lake Gunn
Hollyford Lookout
Lake Marian Track
Homer Tunnel
The Chasm
2
Milford Sound Terminal
Tickets included
The gateway to Milford Sound, where you can embark on a cruise to explore one of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world, surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls.
12
END POINT
Queenstown
- Best for: families and short-stay visitors to New Zealand, this comprehensive day trip from Queenstown is your ticket to experiencing the best of Fiordland.
- Book this if you: want to combine a scenic drive, short walks, and a cruise all in one action-packed day, with hassle-free transfers.
- What's unique: Explore Milford Sound with curated stops at locations like Mirror Lakes, and Eglington Valley, with the chance to upgrade to a premium, small-group experience.
- Sights seen: Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Four Sisters, Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, Copper Point, Seal Rock, and more!
- Best for: families and short-stay visitors to New Zealand, this comprehensive day trip from Queenstown is your ticket to experiencing the best of Fiordland.
- Book this if you: want to combine a scenic drive, short walks, and a cruise all in one action-packed day, with hassle-free transfers.
- What's unique: Explore Milford Sound with curated stops at locations like Mirror Lakes, and Eglington Valley, with the chance to upgrade to a premium, small-group experience.
- Sights seen: Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Four Sisters, Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, Copper Point, Seal Rock, and more!
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Milford Sound
- Round-trip transfers from Queenstown
- Stops with short walks
- 2-hour Milford Sound cruise
- English-speaking driver-guide
- Lunch (as per option selected)
- Complimentary tea and coffee on-board
- Small-group experience (as per option selected)
Exclusions
- Other food and beverages (available to purchase onboard)
- Tip: Head to the bow when near Stirling Falls on the boat to experience a refreshing spray from glacial meltwater!
- The experience may be subject to change due to extreme weather conditions.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION13 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Minibus
START POINT
Queenstown
Start your journey in the stunning city of Queenstown on a comfortable AC minibus where your guide will guide you past some of the area’s top highlights.
1
Lake Wakatipu
Free Admission
Sightseeing & Photography
Passes by
Devils Staircase
2
Lake Te Anau
Free Admission
The largest lake in the South Island, Lake Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Meet some of the local animals or wildlife and then stop at Te Anau Downs, the starting point for the Milford Track, to hear the stories and admire the views.
3
Eglinton Valley
Free Admission
Eglinton Valley is a stunning flat-floored valley surrounded by towering peaks. Its vibrant grasslands make it a perfect spot for a peaceful walk or a photo stop.
4
Mirror Lakes
Free Admission
A short walk from the highway, Mirror Lakes offers reflective views of the surrounding mountains. On calm days, the reflections are almost perfect, creating an optical illusion.
5
Lake Gunn
Free Admission
Sightseeing & Photography
Passes by
Hollyford River
6
Darran Mountains
Free Admission
The Darran Mountains are a rugged mountain range within Fiordland National Park, offering jaw-dropping vistas and a chance to click photos of some large, cheeky, and colourful birds.
Passes by
Homer Tunnel
7
Milford Sound
Tickets included
Embark on a 2-hour cruise of Milford Sound, a breathtaking fjord known for the towering Mitre Peak rising sharply from its waters and the famous Pop's View Lookout that offers panoramic views of the Hollyford Valley and beyond.
11
END POINT
Queenstown
- Best for guests looking for a more intimate setting and nature and history enthusiasts looking to catch scenic views with animal encounters and culture.
- Book this if you want a cost-effective way to enjoy mountain views, history, culture, and up-close encounters with native animals.
- What's unique: See local wildlife at Lake Te Anau, Kea, the world’s largest alpine parrot at Darren Mountains and New Zealand fur seals basking on the rocks of Milford Sound.
- Sights seen: Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, Devils Staircase, Lake Te Anau, Eglington Valley, Mirror Lakes, Lake Gunn, Hollyford River & Falls Creek, Darran Mountains, Homer Tunnel, Milford Sound, Mitre Peak, Pop's View Lookout.
- Best for guests looking for a more intimate setting and nature and history enthusiasts looking to catch scenic views with animal encounters and culture.
- Book this if you want a cost-effective way to enjoy mountain views, history, culture, and up-close encounters with native animals.
- What's unique: See local wildlife at Lake Te Anau, Kea, the world’s largest alpine parrot at Darren Mountains and New Zealand fur seals basking on the rocks of Milford Sound.
- Sights seen: Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, Devils Staircase, Lake Te Anau, Eglington Valley, Mirror Lakes, Lake Gunn, Hollyford River & Falls Creek, Darran Mountains, Homer Tunnel, Milford Sound, Mitre Peak, Pop's View Lookout.
Inclusions
- Small group guided tour
- Tour guide
- Round-trip transfers
- Milford sound cruise
- Cruise entry
- Minibus
- Start from Queenstown.
- The following stops will be included on the way to and back from Milford Sound.
Minibus
- Queenstown
- Lake Wakatipu
- Devils Staircase
- Lake Te Anau
- Eglington Valley
- Mirror Lakes
- Lake Gunn
- Hollyford River & Falls Creek
- Darran Mountains
- Homer Tunnel
Cruise
These are the sights you can look out for during the cruise:
- Milford Sound
- Mitre Peak
- Pop's View Lookout
- Return to Queenstown
- Tip: Keep an eye out for white-headed woodpeckers and martens when you take a short stroll around Mirror Lakes.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Milford Sound ToursFly to Milford Sound
Your Milford Sound Scenic Flight Tour Options
From Queenstown: Scenic Flyover & Milford Sound Cruise
- Join a scenic round-trip flight with a guaranteed window seat and live pilot commentary and get a bird's eye view of Milford Sound's best attractions like Earnslaw Burn Glacier, Mitre Peak, and Olivine Ice Plateau. On your way back via a new route, see aerial shots of Lake Quill and Sutherland Falls.
- Based on your choice, your tour can also include pick-ups and drop-offs for added convenience.
- You can also choose to transfer via coach and explore Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat, and Homer Tunnel.
- Choose between cruising the inky black water of Milford Sound or wandering the nature trails at Mirror Lakes and Monkey Creek
Duration: 4 hours 30 mins to 8 hours depending on your choice of tickets.
Timings: 7 AM, 9 AM, 1:45 PM
Round Trip Flyover & Milford Sound Nature Walk
- Get the coveted window seat during your scenic flight, and learn Milford's local lore and history from the commentary by your pilot. Indulge in a new scenic route on your way back and cover the remaining sights like Dart-Rees Valley's glacier-fed braided rivers, Mt. Aspiring National Park, West Coast, and the Tasman Sea,
- Enjoy the ease of hotel pick-up and drop-off from your Queenstown accommodation.
- Dive deep into the Milford Sound experience with hikes around the Foreshore Loop Track, beech forests, and the Lookout Track.
Duration: 12 hours
Timings: 9 AM, 1:45 PM
Important note about flights to Milford Sound
- All Queenstown to Milford Sound flights are accessibility-friendly.
- All flights to Milford Sound come equipped with child/booster seats and baby earmuffs.
Why Take a Milford Sound Scenic Flight Tour?
- Milford Sound from a different angle: What better way to catch Milford Sound sights than from above? Your scenic round-trip flights offer breathtaking views of the Earnslaw Burn Glacier, Mitre Peak, and Olivine Ice Platea amongst other gems.
- Prime seating. Convenient transfers: Bag the best seats only with guaranteed window seats during your flight tour. Get hassle-free transfers with the option for pick-ups and drop-offs from your Queenstown accommodation.
- Milford's base at Mitre Peak: Touch down at Milford Sound Airport, nestled at the base of Mitre Peak, standing tall at 1,692 meters above sea level.
- Versatile exploration: Opt for a flyover with new routes and capture aerial shots of Lake Quill and Sutherland Falls. Or, choose a coach transfer and explore Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat, and Homer Tunnel. It’s your adventure.
- Nature walks or cruises: Personalize your Milford Sound experiences based on your interest. Choose between cruising the inky black waters of Milford Sound or embarking on nature walks at Mirror Lakes and Monkey Creek. Enjoy the flexibility to explore Milford Sound your way.
Sights to see on a Milford Sound scenic flight tour
See all photos
Frequently Asked Questions About Milford Sound Scenic Flight Tour
How much does a Milford Sound Scenic Flight tour cost?
Tours start from NZ$529 and include round-trip transfers with hotel pick-ups/drop-offs, cruises, and nature walks.
Which is the best Milford Sound Scenic Flight tour?
If you prefer a shorter tour with a focus on aerial views, choose the From Queenstown: Scenic Flyover & Milford Sound Cruise for a 4.5 to 8-hour adventure.
If you have more time and want a comprehensive experience, including nature walks, opt for the Round Trip Flyover & Milford Sound Nature Walk for a 12-hour excursion.
Ultimately, the best tour depends on your schedule, interests, and the level of adventure you're seeking. Both options promise breathtaking views and a memorable Milford Sound experience.
Why should I opt for a Milford Sound Scenic Flight tour and what does it include?
Opting for a Milford Sound flight tour means unlocking unparalleled views with the assurance of a guaranteed window seat, live pilot commentary, hotel pick-ups/drop-offs, and transfers, enriching your journey, and the chance to explore hidden gems that make Milford Sound truly exceptional. It's not just a tour; it's an immersive adventure designed for comfort, convenience, and an unforgettable experience above the stunning landscapes of Milford Sound.
How long does a Milford Sound Scenic Flight tour last?
A Queenstown to Milford Sound flight typically takes about 90 mins one way and your tour can go up to 12 hours depending on your itinerary, inclusions, and additional experiences.
What parts of the Milford Sound can I access with a Milford Sound Scenic Flight tour?
A Milford Sound Scenic Flight Tour grants exclusive access to renowned landmarks like Earnslaw Burn Glacier, Mitre Peak, Olivine Ice Plateau, Lake Quill, Sutherland Falls, Dart-Rees Valley's Glacier-Fed Braided Rivers, the rugged West Coast, the Tasman Sea, and the UNESCO gem of Fiordland National Park. It's not just a tour; it's a journey into the heart of Milford Sound's spectacular landscapes.
What is the cancellation policy for a Milford Sound Scenic Flight tour?
You can cancel your Milford Sound flight tickets and get a full refund 24 hours before the tour begins.
Are Milford Sound Scenic Flight tours suitable for children?
Milford Sound Scenic Flight tours are not just suitable but are tailored to enhance the travel experience for children. With safety measures and child-friendly amenities like child/booster seats and baby earmuffs, these tours offer a memorable and educational adventure for families.
Are Milford Sound scenic flight tours accessibility-friendly?
Queenstown to Milford Sound flights are indeed accessibility-friendly, ensuring that all passengers, including those with mobility needs, can enjoy the stunning landscapes of Milford Sound in comfort and safety.