0:00

Scenic Flights

Glacier Southern Lakes Heli & Cruise

Book Now

from $1403.00

Take to the skies for a trip of a lifetime

Milford Sound helicopter tour

Milford Sound Cruise + return helicopter flight

Take to the skies for a trip of a lifetime

Milford Sound helicopter tour

Milford Sound Cruise + return helicopter flight

About

Take to the skies for the trip of a lifetime on a scenic heli to Milford Sound with Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters. Soar over secluded alpine lakes, dramatic waterfalls and snow covered peaks before landing in Milford for your nature cruise. Your flight home will take you via a spectacular alpine landing.

- 4-hour experience
- Daily departures from Queenstown
- 35-minutes heli flight to Milford Sound
- Includes accommodation pick-up and drop-off
- Enjoy an exhilarating flight over the Southern Alps with an alpine landing
- Explore Milford Sound’s stunning fiord from the air and on the water
- Get incredibly close to the sheer rock walls and towering waterfalls
- Keep an eye out for some cheeky seals sunning on the rocks
- Includes FREE tea and coffee
- Licenced bar on board
- Picnic lunch available for purchase

from $1403.00

Book now

Take a scenic flight to Milford Sound that includes alpine landings

Land at the most scenic airport in the world

155 metre high Stirling Falls dwarfed by surrounding mountains

Get within touching distance of the sheer rock faces

Keep an eye out for cheeky New Zealand Fur seals

Map

Cruise

Heli

Lunch

To Kai Buffet

The food is as good as the views! We offer a choice of lunch from our onboard galley; either a full "To Kai" Buffet, or a Picnic Lunch.

To Kai means "Your Food".
Our Kiwi-style buffet lunch includes a selection of delicious hot and cold dishes and salads freshly prepared on board by our chefs using local produce.

Picnic Lunch

Our picnic lunches are freshly prepared daily and include:

Sandwich with selected meat and salad for standard option, Salami, Cheese & crackers, Seasonal fresh fruit, Crisps, Cookie & a small Chocolate bar. (Vegetarian, Vegan & Gluten-free available)

Please note we do not include a drink with your packed lunch as we are trying to reduce the use of singe use plastic so please remember to take your water bottle with you.

Upgrades

Enjoy the VIP treatment with our Cascade Lounge upgrade

Upgrade your Heli Cruise Heli with exclusive access to the Cascade Lounge onboard your Nature Cruise — a relaxed, intimate space for just 20 guests.

Enjoy priority boarding, a dedicated host, spacious seating, and a private viewing deck, along with food & beverages included. You’ll also have full access to all other areas of the vessel as you explore the fiord at a more comfortable pace.

Book Now for $1414 Find out more

Transport

from Queenstown

Scenic heli + cruise

Take a scenic heli flight to Milford Sound with Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters and enjoy panoramic views and an alpine landing before you meet our Milford Sound Nature Cruise.

Book Now

Coach + return scenic heli

Depart Queenstown by coach; enjoy the sights and photo stops on the road to Milford Sound. Return by helicopter flight experiencing spectacular views across the Southern Alps.

Book Now

"Best day ever!"

Trip Advisor reviews

Excellent cruise and staff! Great Experience! Breathtaking Amazing trip along Milford Sound Best tourist experience ever! Awesome day on the water! Epic Adventure! Highlight of our holiday

FAQ

What happens if the weather is bad for my scenic flight to Milford Sound?

All flights are weather dependent. Flight times, routes and landings may be subject to change at your pilot's discretion.

Is there food available?

A range of meal options is available for purchase with your Milford Sound cruise. Some flight departures include lunch, check the details on the booking page.

What’s the difference between the Milford Sound cruises?

We provide some of the best Milford Sound cruise deals in New Zealand. To compare our day trips, check out our Cruise Comparison table, where you can see our range of cruises and the vessels.

What happens if my scenic flight is cancelled due to weather?

We will try our best to reschedule your trip but if this is not possible you will be offered a refund.

Is there food available on the Milford Sound helicopter tour?

A range of meal options is available for purchase with your cruise. Some flight departures include lunch, check the details on the booking page.

What should I bring for my Milford Sound helicopter flight?

Outdoor walking shoes or boots Wind and waterproof jacket Warm layers Camera, sunglasses, hat and sunscreen.

What happens if my helicopter to Milford Sound is cancelled due to weather?

We will try our best to reschedule Milford Sound scenic flights from Queenstown if cancelled due to the weather, but if this is not possible you will be offered a refund.

What makes Milford Sound flights so special?

Milford Sound flights offer a rare chance to experience one of the most remote and dramatic landscapes in New Zealand. You'll fly over the Southern Alps, soar past hidden waterfalls, and descend into the heart of Milford Sound, all within 45–90 minutes.

What is the best scenic flight in Milford Sound?

The best scenic flight Milford Sound experience depends on your departure point and preferences. Options range from light aircraft flights with Glenorchy Air or Air Milford to luxury helicopter tours with glacier landings via Glacier Southern Lakes.

Can I book a Queenstown Milford Sound flight with a cruise?

Yes, a Queenstown Milford Sound flight combined with a cruise is a popular option. You'll enjoy a scenic flight to Milford, followed by a relaxing cruise through the fiord, then fly back, maximising your time and scenic views.

Are Milford Sound scenic flights from Queenstown weather dependent?

Yes, Milford Sound scenic flights from Queenstown are weather-dependent due to the region’s alpine conditions. If your flight is cancelled, the team will try to reschedule or offer a refund.

What Queenstown tours pair well with a Milford Sound flight?

Popular Queenstown tours that combine well with a scenic flight to Milford are wine tours. Many packages offer combos to experience both land and air adventures.

Can I combine a Milford Sound cruise with other Queenstown tours?

Yes. Many of our packages let you combine a Milford Sound cruise with other Queenstown tours such as jet boating, farm visits, or even a relaxing wine tour. Check out our combo deals for savings and itinerary ideas.

What’s the difference between the Milford Sound cruises?

We offer two main cruise options – the Nature Cruise and the Discover More Cruise. Both explore the full length of Milford Sound, but the Nature Cruise has a relaxed pace with open-top viewing and wildlife commentary, while the Discover More Cruise is a longer experience that includes a hosted lunch and extra time on the fiord.

If I book a Milford Sound flight, which cruise will it connect to?

Scenic flight packages are designed to connect seamlessly with our cruises. Most fly-in or fly-back options link directly with either the Nature Cruise or the Discover More Cruise, depending on your booking. This ensures you don’t miss the start of your cruise after landing.

Can I choose which cruise my flight connects with?

Yes, you can. When booking a flight and cruise package, you’ll be asked to select your preference, either the Nature Cruise or the Discover More Cruise. Availability will be confirmed at the time of booking.

Why should I book a cruise and flight together?

Combining a cruise with a scenic flight saves travel time and gives you two unforgettable perspectives of Milford Sound, from the water and from the air. It also guarantees smooth connections between your flight and cruise, so you can enjoy the full experience without rushing.

More FAQ's

Get in touch

in New Zealand

0800 264 536

Overseas

+64 3 441 1137

reservations@southerndiscoveries.co.nz reservations@southerndiscoveries.co.nz