Fly, Cruise & High Tea 

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.

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.

 The package includes a personalised scenic flight between Queenstown and Milford Sound aboard a luxurious and modern aircraft, exclusive use of the Southern Discoveries VIP area with a private outdoor viewing deck and personal boat host, and a choice of High Tea or Cheese Board onboard your cruise. An arrivals drink package including bubbles, beers, and/or soft drinks is also included.

This is a Half Day experience. From your private pick up to drop off is approximately 6 hours. 

The options include a High tea onboard your cruise with a morning departure and a cheese board on the afternoon departure. There will be an arrivals drink package including bubbles, beers and/or soft drinks.

The pilots at Glenorchy Air will assess the weather forecast for the entire duration of your trip. If there is any concern that conditions may change, the decision may be made to not depart from Queenstown. Due to the weather-dependent nature of flying in the Southern Alps to Milford Sound, there are times when the forecast unexpectedly changes, and the return flight may not be possible. Passenger safety is always the highest priority, and in the unlikely event this occurs, coach transfers back to Queenstown will be arranged. Glenorchy Air understands the inconvenience this may cause and strives to ensure passengers are well looked after.