Coach, Cruise & Helicopter flight with Glacier Southern Lakes 

This experience includes a coach journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound, a Southern Discoveries Nature Cruise through the fiord, and a scenic helicopter flight back to Queenstown with Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters.

The experience typically takes around 8–9 hours, including the coach journey, cruise and a 45-minute helicopter flight back to Queenstown.

The journey begins in Queenstown, with pick-up available from selected central accommodation locations.

Travel along the iconic Milford Road through Fiordland National Park, with scenic stops and commentary from your experienced driver-guide.

You will join a Southern Discoveries Nature Cruise, offering spectacular views of towering cliffs, waterfalls and wildlife such as fur seals and dolphins.

Your helicopter flight showcases incredible views of Fiordland’s mountains, glacier valleys, alpine lakes and the Southern Alps.

Yes. Many helicopter flights include a remote alpine landing, allowing you to step out and experience the mountain environment up close (weather permitting).

Yes. Helicopter flights operate only in suitable weather conditions to ensure safety and visibility.

If the helicopter cannot operate due to weather, alternative arrangements such as returning by coach or rescheduling may be offered.

Yes. The experience is suitable for children and families, with child fares available based on the helicopter operator’s age categories.

Yes. In accordance with New Zealand road laws, all infants and children aged under 7 years must travel in an approved child seat when travelling on a Southern Discoveries coach. Guests are required to supply their own child seat for the coach portion of the journey.

Visitors to Milford Sound should be aware of various natural hazards when going to Milford Sound. Aotearoa New Zealand Powerful natural forces have shaped Aotearoa New Zealand over millions of years. Earthquakes and volcanoes lifted these beautiful islands out of the Pacific Ocean. They have created the dramatic landscapes we enjoy today. Natural hazards are part of life here. Around 20,000 earthquakes are recorded each year. Most are small and go unnoticed, but larger events can cause damage. Understanding the hazards and how to stay safe is an important part of planning your visit. Piopiotahi Milford Sound Dramatic and ever-changing, Piopiotahi Milford Sound is one of the world’s most spectacular and special environments. Its steep, glacier-carved mountains and deep fiord have been shaped by powerful geological forces over millions of years. The area is exposed to risk from a range of natural hazards. These can occur at any time, and some can happen without warning. Of all the hazards, large earthquakes, landslides and tsunamis pose the greatest risk to people at Piopiotahi Milford Sound. It is extremely unlikely that one will happen during your visit, especially for a short stay. However, there is a risk and the longer you spend there, the higher it becomes. Once you are there, your safety options are limited and it is important you understand the risks, before you go. Earthquakes at Piopiotahi Milford Sound Like the rest of Aotearoa New Zealand, small earthquakes occur regularly in Fiordland. We don’t feel them and they don’t bother us. These small movements are a normal part of how the land works and do not pose a risk to people. Sometimes, earthquakes in or near Fiordland are felt at Piopiotahi Milford Sound. They might shake objects on a shelf or rattle a window, but they do not cause major impacts or disrupt your visit. Occasionally, a stronger earthquake can trigger avalanches, rockfall or landslides. These can cause debris to fall onto roads, jetties and tracks, and may disrupt your travel plans if you happen to be nearby. Large earthquakes are rare, and extremely unlikely to happen during a short visit. But they will happen again. The Alpine Fault runs almost the entire length of the South Island and crosses the entrance to Piopiotahi Milford Sound. It can generate earthquakes of magnitude 8 or greater, occurring on average every 300 years. There is a 75% chance of this happening in the next 50 years (find out more at af8.org.nz). An earthquake of this size would almost certainly affect the narrow waterway and surrounding area. What to do in an earthquake: DROP, COVER and HOLD until shaking stops. Most injuries from earthquakes happen when you try and move during the shaking. The lower to the ground/floor you are, the less likely you are to be injured. Follow staff instructions and/or move up and away from waterways (the fiord and rivers) as quickly as possible. For more detailed information, please visit Emergency Management Southland or AF8.

The Captain's VIP Lounge is Southern Discoveries' exclusive Milford Sound experience. Southern Discoveries is the only Milford Sound operator with a private onboard room and viewing deck. Guests receive priority boarding, dedicated hosting and access to private onboard spaces, with all-inclusive hot and cold dishes and a range of beverages served throughout the cruise, while still being free to move around the vessel.

Dress in warm layers and bring a waterproof jacket, Fiordland’s weather can change quickly, and the fiord is at its most dramatic in the rain. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the scenic stops, and don’t forget your camera.