The 6 MOST EPIC Milford Sound SCENIC FLIGHTS
Milford Sound is renowned for its dramatic natural beauty with towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush rainforests. Besides taking a Milford Sound Cruise and road trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound, you can also book one of the many Milford Sound scenic flights. It is one of the best and most unique ways to experience the breathtaking landscapes of Fiordland National Park. Scenic flights over Milford Sound offer a unique perspective of this natural wonder and allow you to capture panoramic views that are simply impossible to witness from the ground. In this complete guide we share with you not only the best Milford Sound helicopter tours, but also the best combo packages that go from Queenstown and include scenic flights over Milford Sound and also the Milford Sound Cruise!
What are the differences between all the Milford Sound scenic flights?
You might feel overwhelmed after seeing all the different Milford Sound scenic flights which are being advertised. Because which one suits your preferences the best? And which one is the most all inclusive Milford Sound helicopter tour?
Here is a quick break down to distinguish the different Milford Sound scenic flights before we dive deeper into all the separated tours. This will help you to understand the important differences per tour so that you can make a considered decision.
Milford Sound scenic flight by fixed-wing plane or helicopter?
The biggest difference between the scenic flights in Milford Sound is the vehicle. You can either fly in a fixed-wing plane or a helicopter. Both have their advantages, but the most important difference is that a helicopter provides a more intimate and up-close experience of the landscape than a plane. Helicopters can fly at lower altitudes, allowing you to get closer to the natural features, waterfalls, and cliffs of Milford Sound. The unobstructed 360-degree views fro a helicopter also allows you to fully appreciate the scenery from all angles. This is particularly advantageous for photography enthusiasts. Fixed-wing planes typically fly at higher altitudes than helicopters, which can offer a broader perspective of the landscape but due to the fixed wing and higher altitude it might be more a challenge to get the right angles for photography.
On the other hand, a fixed-wing plane can accommodate larger groups of passengers compared to helicopters, making them a suitable choice for families or larger travel parties. Planes also generally provide a smoother and more stable ride compared to helicopters, which can be advantageous for individuals who are prone to motion sickness or discomfort.
Half-Day Milford Helicopter Flight & Cruise from Queenstown with glacier landing
This round-trip helicopter tour from Queenstown includes a Milford Sound cruise and glacier landing. It is the most all inclusive scenic flight to Milford Sound as you will not only explore the stunning fiords by air and water, but also land on Mt. Tutoko glacier.
Book here your Half-Day Milford Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown with glacier landing
Milford Sound Coach, Cruise and Flight Tour from Queenstown
With this full day tour you can experience the best of Milford Sound in one day. A combination of a 4 hour scenic coach ride to Milford Sound, 2-hour sightseeing Milford Sound cruise through the fiords and return flight over the pristine mountain wilderness gives you a fantastic perspective from all angles.
Book here your full day Milford Sound Coach, Cruise and Flight Tour from Queenstown
Half-Day Milford Sound Scenic Fly-Cruise-Fly departing Queenstown
This scenic flight in a small fixed-wing plane takes you deep into the Southern Alps with stunning views of the snow-covered peaks, remote valleys, and waterfalls. Once arrived in Milford Sound you touch down for a boat cruise through the Milford Sound fiords. After the cruise you will hop back in the plane and fly back to Queenstown. The difference with this tour and the above is that it doesn’t include a glacier landing, and the experience by plane is different than a helicopter tour as well.
Book here your Half-Day Milford Sound Scenic Fly-Cruise-Fly departing Queenstown
Milford Sound helicopter flight departing from Milford Sound
This 20 minute scenic helicopter flight departs from Milford Sound and is the perfect way to see the impressive landscape of Milford Sound from the air. Track west through Milford Sound and climb alongside Bowen Falls and Mitre Peak for some great views of the fiords and its towering peaks.
Book here your 20 minute helicopter flight from Milford Sound
Private Charter: Fiordland Ultimate Helicopter Tour
This private helicopter tour from Queenstown Airport to Fiordland is the ultimate experience. Enjoy incredible views over Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, as well as lesser-known parts of Fiordland. Your guide will give interesting information through the personal headsets during the flight and make a landing somewhere remote for a delicious lunch of local food and wine. The perfect experience for those who seek a private tour with family or a romantic getaway.
Book here your Private Helicopter Charter to Fiordland NP
Milford Sound glacier flight and cruise from Wanaka
Experience the rugged beauty of Milford Sound during this 4 hour tour from Wanaka. You will depart from Wanaka in a fixed-wing plane to fly over lush national parks, epic glaciers, and alpine lakes, before touching down in Milford Sound. Then you will hop on the Milford Sound Cruise to see the fiords from up close. After the cruise you will fly back to Wanaka on a different flight path so you can see even more spectacular landscape. Departure times are 8.45am and 1.30pm October through April and 11am May through September.
Book here your Milford Sound glacier flight and cruise from Wanaka
The Milford Sound scenic flights further explained
Half-day Helicopter Tour to Milford Sound from Queenstown
Tour length: approximately 2.5 hours | Rating: 5 stars | Check availability and prices here
This is without a doubt the best way to see Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park. Including two landings, this half-day Helicopter Tour to Milford Sound shows you the wild fiords of Milford Sound and includes a glacier landing on the remote Mt. Tutoko.
You will get picked up from your accommodation in Queenstown to board the modern Airbus squirrel helicopter for a 2.5-hour aerial adventure. You will first fly towards Fiordland National Park to take in the mesmerising landscape of granite cliffs and lush waterfalls along the entire length of the fiords.
In Milford Sound you will land for a short guided nature walk, including views of postcard-perfect Mitre Peak. Then you will continue along the fiords to land on a beach facing the Tasman Sea. Completely away from civilisation you will feel immersed in nature!
Back on board, you’ll fly above snow-capped mountains and river valleys to blue-green ice falls. You will then land on Mt Tutoko glacier, Fiordland’s highest peak, before returning to Queenstown where you will get dropped off at your hotel by shuttle.
Please note: Glacier landings are subject to weather and flight paths, and landings may change at the pilot’s discretion.
Prices start from $751 USD
Make sure to book in advance as these experiences are sold out quickly!
Check here the exact price and availability for this epic Half Day Milford Sound Helicopter tour
This helicopter tour includes:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off which is wheelchair accessible
- Guide
- Helicopter flight
Key information:
Right before you book you should know the following things:
- This tour is wheelchair accessible
- Due to comfort and weight/balance of the aircraft, passengers must supply accurate weights upon booking
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
- Infant seats are available
- Infant rates apply provided they do not occupy a seat (infants aged under three years old sit on adult’s lap)
Mitre Peak Helicopter Scenic Flight from Milford Sound
Tour length: 20 minutes | Rating: 5 stars | Check availability and prices here
If you are planning to make the road trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound by yourself in a rental car, then this 20 minute helicopter flight departing from Milford Sound is a great opportunity to explore the stunning fiords from an aerial view. You will depart from Milford Airport and track west along Milford Sound. Climb alongside Bowen Falls and Mitre Peak for some great views of the fiords and its towering peaks. After the 20 minute helicopter flight you will return to Milford base.
This helicopter tour includes:
- Landing and facility fees
- Helicopter flight
- Live commentary on board
Key information:
Right before you book you should know the following things:
- This tour needs to have a minimum of two people and will have a maximum of 6 travelers
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- Not wheelchair accessible
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- Prices start from: $293 USD
Doubtful Experience Private Helicopter Charter from Queenstown
Tour length: 3,5 hours | Rating: 5 stars | Check availability and prices here
Although this is not a Milford Sound scenic flight, it is worth to mention! This private helicopter charter to Doubtful Sound including lunch is an extraordinary experience. The fiords of Doubtful Sound are three times longer and ten times larger than Milford Sound and are much more remote. Therefore this private helicopter tour is a one of a kind including gourmet lunch and wine in remote alpine wilderness. Perfect for a romantic experience or special occasion.
You will get picked up from your hotel in Queenstown by your guide and then head to the helicopter base where your 3,5 hour helicopter flight begins. From Queenstown you will fly west over Lake Wakatipu, above the famous Walter Peak Station and onwards to the stunning waters of Lake Manapouri offering views up the Iris burn, home of the Kepler Track. Across the Wilmot Pass, Doubtful Sound appears. Here you will land amongst the beautiful inlets and dramatic views to enjoy a gourmet lunch and wine. On the way back to Queenstown you can enjoy more outstanding scenery from Fiordland National Park.
Prices start from: $6,640 USD
This helicopter tour includes:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Guide
- Private Helicopter flight
- Gourmet lunch & wine
Key information:
Right before you book you should know the following things:
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- The tour is wheelchair friendly
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time
Check here the exact price and availability for this private helicopter charter to Doubtful Sound
Why should you book a Milford Sound Scenic Flight?
A scenic flight in Milford Sound is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’re likely to remember for years to come. While there are other ways to explore Milford Sound by cruise and car, the most unique and breathtaking way to experience Milford Sound is from an aerial view. And because it is not allowed to fly drones in Fiordland National Park, it is also the only way for photographers to capture the beauty of Milford Sound from an aerial perspective.
To get a bit more in depth and to convince you even more (if you aren’t already!) to book a Milford Sound scenic flight, here are the reasons:
- Breathtaking scenery: Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park have some of the most stunning and dramatic landscapes in the world. A scenic flight provides a bird’s-eye view of the snow-capped peaks, glaciers, towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush rainforests, offering a unique and unparalleled perspective of this natural wonder.
- Glacier experience: The opportunity to fly over and land on a glacier is a highlight of many Milford Sound helicopter tours. Stepping out onto the icy landscape is a rare and awe-inspiring adventure. Therefore I highly recommend to include a snow landing when booking your tour.
- Time efficient: Scenic flights are an efficient way to experience the beauty of Milford Sound and its surroundings in a short amount of time. With a helicopter or small airplane you can cover a vast area and see numerous landmarks, saving you time and energy compared to other forms of exploration. And the Milford Sound Scenic Fly-Cruise-Fly departing from Queenstown are extra efficient because they include a Milford Sound Cruise as well. Providing you the ultimate Milford Sound experience in one day!
- Available for all ages: Milford Sound scenic flights are suitable for a wide range of travelers, from families with children to older individuals. The tours are generally accessible to most people, no matter their physical abilities.
More helicopter tours in New Zealand
Booking a helicopter tour in New Zealand is truly a memorable experience. The sheer thrill of flying in a helicopter over New Zealand’s stunning landscapes creates lasting memories that you’ll treasure for a lifetime. Most of the scenic flights in New Zealand are very reasonable priced considering what you get in return. So if you are visiting New Zealand, I would highly, highly recommend booking one of the incredible scenic flights. Whether it is in Queenstown, Franz Josef, Milford Sound of Mount Cook!
Read here our other guides about:
Best Franz Josef heli hiking tours
12 best Queenstown helicopter tours
Best Mount Cook helicopter tours
About Milford Sound, the 8th wonder of the world
Milford Sound is a geological wonder that was once under the sea. Due to tectonic activity 400 million years ago the ground started to rise from the ocean to form the mountains that now tower over New Zealand’s Fiordlands. The valley of Milford Sound was then carved out by erosion of ancient glacial ice to become the 1,200 metres high rocks that soar from the water as it is today.
British writer Rudyard Kipling described Milford Sound as the 8th Wonder of the World. Once you see it with your own eyes you will totally understand why. Milford Sound is widely considered to be one of the World’s top travel destinations and is something you can’t miss to add on your New Zealand’s South Island itinerary.
A fun thing to know about Milford Sound is that it’s actually not a sound! Because the word ‘sound’ is being used to describe when a river valley is flooded with the sea and forms a gorge or valley. Whereas Milford Sound is actually a glacier-carved valley and therefore a fiord, hence it’s location in Fiordland National Park.
How to get around in New Zealand
To experience New Zealand to the fullest and at your own pace, renting a car, campervan or motorhome is the best way to get around. Whether you rent a car or campervan depends on your preference and budget. If you love camping, being outdoors all day and you don’t mind a smaller living space, then renting a camper van is the way to go. It also gives you the freedom to sleep at some of the most beautiful camping spots, but for some of them you’ll have to make a reservation and plan your trip accordingly. The same goes for a motorhome which is bigger than a campervan and fits about 4-6 people. Here’s what you need to know about renting a car, camper van or motorhome in New Zealand.
Car rental New Zealand
Renting a car in New Zealand is the easiest and cheapest rental vehicle available. It will get you to all the best destinations with ease and gives you the freedom to stop for a break wherever you want. However, you should keep in mind that some roads in New Zealand are still gravel or that you have to cross shallow rivers to some destinations in National Parks. Therefore we personally recommend a mini SUV or SUV model to have enough clearance for these kind of roads.
The best place to book your rental car in New Zealand is on Discover Cars where you can compare different car models, prices, companies and terms and conditions. Make sure to secure the booking of your rental car as soon as possible to have the lowest price possible. Prices go up the closer you get to the pick up date.
Campervan rental in New Zealand
Traveling around in a campervan is one of the most popular ways for a road trip in New Zealand. With a bed, small kitchen and seating area you will have all the (basic) needs on four wheels. A campervan allows you to camp at plenty of beautiful places, sometimes for free, sometimes for a fee. It will give you a true feeling of freedom and fully connects you with nature.
We recommend booking your campervan with Travellers Autobarn. They have a wide range of Station wagons, 2-berth campervans & 3-5 berth campervans to hire for all budgets. All Travellers Autobarn campervan hires in New Zealand come with free unlimited kilometers, a 10% discount to premium campgrounds, 24/7 roadside assistance & long-term rental discounts. Check the availability and prices today to secure your campervan for a New Zealand dream road trip!
More New Zealand travel guides
I hope you enjoyed this complete guide about the best Milford Sound scenic flights. We have many more New Zealand travel guides, so make sure to check them out for more tips and to plan your ultimate New Zealand road trip!
South Island New Zealand guides
35 best photo spots on the South Island of New Zealand
20 best day hikes on South Island New Zealand – The Ultimate Guide
Fiordland National Park
20 best things to do in Milford Sound – The Ultimate Guide
20 best things to do in Te Anau – The Complete Guide
Lake Marian Track – The Complete Guide
The best Milford Sound Cruises – The Complete Guide
Key Summit track – The Complete Guide
Gertrude Saddle hike – The Complete Guide
Queenstown
30 best things to do in Queenstown – The Ultimate Guide
22 best photo spots in Queenstown – The Ultimate Guide
16 best hikes in Queenstown – The Ultimate Guide
12 best helicopter tours Queenstown – The Complete Guide
10 best wine tours in Queenstown – The Complete Guide
Wanaka
22 best things to do in Wanaka – The Ultimate Guide
15 best walks in Wanaka – The Complete Guide
Where to stay in Wanaka – The Complete Guide
Mount Cook National Park
20 best things to do in Mount Cook National Park
12 best Mt Cook walks – The Ultimate Guide
The best Mount Cook helicopter tours to book
Hooker Valley track – The Complete Guide
Sealy Tarns track – The Complete Guide
Glenorchy
20 best things to do in Glenorchy – The Ultimate Guide
Glenorchy walkway & lagoon track – The Complete Guide
Earnslaw Burn glacier valley and waterfalls – The Complete Guide
Franz Josef Glacier Country
Best Franz Josef heli hike tours – All You Need to Know
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