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Soar above Milford Sound: A scenic flight adventure

Take your journey to new heights with a scenic flight that offers a unique perspective on Milford Sound. Begin in Queenstown and soar over iconic landmarks such as Earnslaw Burn Glacier, Mitre Peak, and the Olivine Ice Plateau. Enjoy a guaranteed window seat, live pilot commentary, and the flexibility to combine your flight with a cruise or a nature walk at Milford Sound. Whether you prefer a coach transfer combined with a flight and cruise or an all-flight and cruise option, this tour lets you experience the region your way.

Choosing your Milford Sound flight tour

  • Type of tour: Choose between a classic coach–cruise–flight journey or a seamless flight–cruise–flight experience. The coach–cruise–flight is perfect for those who want to enjoy guided commentary, scenic stops, and the beauty of Fiordland at a relaxed pace before returning by air. The flight–cruise–flight is ideal for couples, solo travelers, or anyone short on time, offering breathtaking aerial views and the quickest, most exclusive way to experience Milford Sound.
  • Duration: Coach–cruise–flight tours are full-day adventures lasting around 12–13 hours, including multiple scenic stops and a 2-hour cruise. Flight–cruise–flight tours take just 4.5 hours, making them perfect for maximizing your time or adding a touch of luxury to your trip.
  • Who's traveling: Coach–cruise–flight tours suit families, groups, and those who appreciate a relaxed pace and guided experiences. Flight–cruise–flight is best for couples, solo travelers, and anyone seeking a premium, efficient adventure.
  • What's included: Both options feature a Milford Sound nature cruise, guaranteed window seats on flights, live pilot commentary, hotel transfers, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. The coach–cruise–flight adds a guided coach tour with scenic stops, while the flight–cruise–flight offers the fastest, most direct route for uninterrupted aerial views.

Your Milford Sound flight options

Scenic flight over lake towards Milford Sound, New Zealand, with mountains in view.

Fly-Cruise-Fly

The best option for maximizing your time with stunning aerial views and a relaxing cruise-all in half a day.

  • Price: From NZ$675
  • Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Includes: Round-trip scenic flights from Queenstown, 2-hour Milford Sound small boat cruise, hotel pick-up/drop-off, live commentary, complimentary tea/coffee/water, small-group experience
  • Great for: Travelers short on time, couples, solo adventurers, and those seeking a quick, scenic escape
  • Recommended experience:Fly Cruise Fly from Queenstown
Milford Sound Nature Walk

Coach Cruise Fly from Queenstown

Perfect for those wanting a full-day adventure with guided commentary, scenic stops, and a relaxing flight back.

  • Price: From NZ$749
  • Duration: 13 hours
  • Includes: One-way coach to Milford Sound, return flight to Queenstown, 2-hour Milford Sound cruise, hotel pick-up/drop-off, live commentary, complimentary tea/coffee/water, small-group experience
  • Great for: Families, groups, and those who want to experience the scenic overland journey plus aerial views
  • Recommended experience: Coach Cruise Fly from Queenstown
Helicopter landing near lake with people on Milford Sound FlyCruiseHeli Tour, Queenstown.

Fly-Cruise-Heli Tour from Queenstown

The ultimate Fiordland adventure-combining fixed-wing and helicopter flights with an exclusive alpine landing and cruise.

  • Price: from NZ$1,250
  • Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Includes: Scenic fixed-wing flight to Milford Sound, 2-hour cruise, scenic helicopter flight with alpine landing, live commentary, complimentary tea/coffee/water
  • Great for: Adventure seekers, couples, photographers, and anyone wanting a once-in-a-lifetime experience
  • Recommended experience: Fly-Cruise-Heli Tour from Queenstown

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 flight?

Travelers preparing to board a scenic flight to Milford Sound, Queenstown, New Zealand.
  • A view like no other: Watch Earnslaw Burn Glacier unfold like a secret map and see Mitre Peak challenging the sky. Your personal National Geographic moment.
  • VIP seats in Nature's theater: Everyone gets a window seat. Your pilot doubles as your guide, sharing insights about the landscape through live commentary.
  • Flexible exploration options: Choose between a flyover with a serene cruise or upgrade to a fly-cruise-heli combo with an alpine landing.
  • Hassle-free exploration: Enjoy convenient hotel pick-ups and flexible transfers. Just show up and be amazed.
  • Everyone's invited: Solo travelers, couples, or groups welcome with child seats available and special accommodations to ensure comfort.
  • Nature's masterpiece: Witness how ancient glaciers carved this landscape over millions of years, creating valleys over 1,000 meters deep—all visible in one breathtaking flight.

Plan your Milford Sound flight tour

Helicopter flying over glacier during Milford Sound FlyCruiseHeli Tour in Queenstown, New Zealand.

Boarding point

Your journey begins in Queenstown with convenient hotel pick-up from your accommodation. Please be ready in your hotel lobby 15 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time. Self-driving guests should check in at the terminal at least 30 minutes prior to departure.

Start times

  • Heli Tour: Departs at 10:00am and 12:00pm
  • Fly–Cruise–Fly: Departs at 10:00am and 12:30pm
  • Coach–Cruise–Fly: Departs at 6:30am and 7:00am

Check your confirmation voucher for your exact boarding time and arrive early to ensure a smooth start.

complimentary tea, coffee
  • On the move: Enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, and water on your Milford Sound cruise.
  • During the tour: For longer tours, you’re welcome to bring snacks or pre-order a packed lunch. Please notify about any dietary requirements when booking.
Modern aircraft
  • Onboard comfort: Modern aircraft and cruise vessels offer comfortable seating and large viewing windows. Only small daypacks are permitted on flights; larger luggage can be securely stored in Queenstown.
  • Accessibility: Step-free boarding is available on most tours; please notify in advance if you require wheelchair access or special assistance.
Milford Sound Lodge nestled in lush New Zealand fjordland with mountain views.
Milford Sound cruise with scenic views, featuring fjords and waterfalls, Te Anau return transfers.
  • Weather policy: Flights are weather-dependent. If your tour is cancelled due to weather, you’ll be offered a reschedule or a full refund.
  • Family-friendly: Infants under 11kg can fly free on an adult’s lap; children over 11kg require their own seat. Booster seats and baby earmuffs are available on request.
  • What to bring: Pack a camera, sunglasses, a light jacket, and sturdy, non-slip shoes. Bring a raincoat or umbrella, as Fiordland is known for sudden showers. Carry some cash or a card for snacks and souvenirs.
  • What you’ll see: Soar above Fiordland’s glaciers, valleys, and waterfalls, and cruise close to iconic sights like Stirling and Bowen Falls, Mitre Peak, and lush rainforest. Watch for fur seals, dolphins, and, in season, Fiordland crested penguins.
  • General: Listen to safety briefings before your flight and cruise. Arrive early for boarding, and let your operator know in advance if you have accessibility needs or dietary restrictions.

Sights to see on a Milford Sound scenic flight tour

Mitre Peak

Mitre Peak

Mitre Peak in Fiordland National Park, NZ, is the ultimate Milford Sound symbol at 1,692 meters. Resembling a bishop's hat, this pyramid-shaped marvel is a convergence of peaks rocking a dramatic summit. It was crafted from ancient gneiss rock about 1.2 billion years ago, making it a truly timeless spot.

Fiordland National Park
Earnslaw Burn Glacier
View of Tasman sea with Olivine Ice Plateau
Group of people enjoying Stirling falls at Milford Sound Cruise

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.

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