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Te Anau

Heli Flight & Cruise

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from $1710.00

Fly Deep into Fiordland National Park

Two-Hour Milford Sound Cruise

Remote Wilderness Landing

Fly Deep into Fiordland National Park

Two-Hour Milford Sound Cruise

Remote Wilderness Landing

About

See Fiordland the way it deserves to be seen, by air and by water. Departing Te Anau with our partners at Te Anau Helicopters, you'll fly over the glittering expanse of Lake Te Anau and deep into the glacier-carved valleys of Fiordland National Park, before touching down at Milford Sound for a two-hour cruise.

On the water, cruise the full length of the fiord to where it meets the Tasman Sea, drifting close to sheer granite walls and thundering waterfalls while keeping watch for dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and, in season, Fiordland crested penguins. Then the adventure continues: your return flight crosses the Main Divide, tracing mountain peaks and remote beech forest, and includes a wilderness landing in a corner of Fiordland only a helicopter can reach. Your pilot shares local stories and commentary through two-way headsets the whole way, with a final sweep over Lake Manapouri bringing you home to Te Anau.

Four-hour experience departing from Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland
Scenic helicopter flight over Lake Te Anau and through the Southern Alps
Two-hour Milford Sound cruise with Southern Discoveries, travelling the full length of the fiord
Remote wilderness landing on your return flight, step out and take it all in
In-flight commentary from your knowledgeable local pilot via two-way headsets
Return route over the Main Divide, beech forest and Lake Manapouri
FREE tea and coffee on board your cruise
Licenced bar on board

from $1710.00

4 hours

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Depart Te Anau Airport and fly over Lake Te Anau into the Southern Alps

Descend through glacier-carved valleys before landing at Milford Sound

Cruise the full length of the fiord to the Tasman Sea, up close to waterfalls and wildlife

Spot wildlife during your nature cruise

Touch down for a remote wilderness landing on your return flight

Map

Cruise

Lunch

"To Kai" Buffet Lunch

"To Kai" means Your Food. Enjoy a Kiwi-style buffet featuring hot and cold dishes and fresh salads, all prepared on board by our chefs using the best local produce.

Picnic Lunch

Our freshly prepared picnic lunches include a sandwich, snacks, fruit and sweet treats, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available. Drinks are not included to help reduce single-use plastics, so please remember to bring your reusable water bottle.

Transport

from Te Anau

Te Anau Helicopters check-in

Your Te Anau Heli Cruise Heli departs from Te Anau Airport, 42 Aviation Drive, Te Anau Manapouri Airport, a short drive south of the Te Anau town centre. Please check in 15 minutes before your flight for your safety briefing.

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"Taste of Fiordland"

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

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Introductory Offer - Small Group Travel & Discover More Cruise

Be among the first to try Small Group Travel. Reach Milford Sound from Queenstown or Te Anau in a glass-roof Mercedes Sprinter, just 12 guests, then settle in for our Discover More Cruise - the longest, most immersive cruise on the fiord. Enjoy $10 off per adult. Book by 31 October 2026, travel any future date.

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Introductory Offer - Small Group Travel & Captain's VIP Cruise

Introducing Small Group Travel, fully hosted. Travel to Milford Sound from Queenstown or Te Anau in a glass-roof Mercedes Sprinter, just 12 guests, then settle into the private Captain's VIP Lounge - priority boarding, a private viewing deck and all-inclusive food and drinks. Enjoy $10 off per adult. Book by 31 October 2026, travel any future date.

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Christmas Party Wine Tour Charters

Discover Gibbston Valley, Queenstown style. From 14 November to 20 December, our private charters visit three boutique wineries for tastings across 15+ wines, plus a pizza and platter lunch, no driving required. Six hours, door to door from Queenstown, so your team can relax and unwind. The perfect end-of-year celebration.

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FAQ

What is Te Anau Helicopter Services?

Te Anau Helicopter Services (Te Anau Helicopters) is a locally owned and operated helicopter company flying scenic routes across Fiordland from Te Anau Airport. Their experienced local pilots partner with Southern Discoveries to deliver the Te Anau Heli Cruise Heli.

Where does the Te Anau Heli Cruise Heli depart from?

Flights depart from Te Anau Airport at 42 Aviation Drive, Te Anau Manapouri Airport, a short drive from the Te Anau town centre. Guests are asked to check in 15 minutes before departure.

How long is the full experience?

Please allow approximately 4 hours in total. This includes your scenic flight from Te Anau to Milford Sound, a two-hour cruise on the fiord, and your return flight with a remote wilderness landing.

What will I see from the helicopter?

The flight path takes in Lake Te Anau, the peaks of the Southern Alps and the glacier-carved valleys of Fiordland National Park on the way to Milford Sound. On the return leg you'll cross the Main Divide, flying over remote beech forest with views of Lake Manapouri before landing back in Te Anau.

What is a remote wilderness landing?

Your return flight includes a landing at a remote Fiordland location, where you can step out of the helicopter, stretch your legs and experience the stillness of the national park from a spot only accessible by air.

Which Milford Sound cruise is included?

Your package includes a two-hour Milford Sound cruise with Southern Discoveries, travelling the full length of the fiord to the Tasman Sea. Free tea and coffee are available on board, along with a licenced bar.

Will I see wildlife on the cruise?

Milford Sound is home to New Zealand fur seals, bottlenose dolphins and, in season, the rare Fiordland crested penguin. Sightings can never be promised, but our skippers know the best spots to look.

Is commentary provided during the flight?

Yes. Your pilot provides commentary throughout the flight via two-way headsets, sharing the stories, history and natural features of the region as you fly.

Are helicopter flights weather dependent?

Yes. Helicopter operations depend on suitable weather for safe flying and the best visibility. If your flight cannot operate, you will be offered a rebooking or a refund.

Is weight information required before flying?

Yes. Passenger weight information is required at the time of booking to ensure correct helicopter weight distribution and safety.

Can I book at short notice in summer?

We recommend booking ahead for December and January, when cruise availability for last-minute bookings can be limited. Outside peak summer there is usually more flexibility.

What should I bring?

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.

Who operates the helicopter flight?

Your flight is with Te Anau Helicopters, Fiordland’s local helicopter operator, flying the route between Milford Sound and Te Anau. Their pilots know this corner of the national park the way our skippers know the fiord.

How long is the helicopter flight from Milford Sound to Te Anau?

Approximately 35-40 minutes, depending on the route and conditions on the day.

What happens if the helicopter can’t fly due to weather?

Helicopter flights are weather dependent. If conditions aren’t suitable for flying, you’ll return to Te Anau by road in the Mercedes Sprinter instead, the same comfortable journey you travelled in on.

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