Milford Sound Scenic Flight and Nature Cruise

based on 56 reviews

Duration:4 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Location: Fiordland & Milford Sound, South Island

From $

Book in 2 easy steps:

1. Select A Date

2. Enter Total No Of Travellers

Infant (Age : 0 to 1)

CHILD (Age : 2 to 12)

ADULT (Age : 13 to 99)

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Top Selling Tours & Activities

Catamaran Cruises

Sightseeing Cruises

Half-day Tours

Water Tours

Nature and Wildlife Tours

Day Cruises

Air Tours

PRODUCT DETAILS
TRAVELER REVIEWS
TRAVELER PHOTOS

See Milford Sound by air and water on a half-day tour from Queenstown that includes a round-trip flight and a boat tour through the sound. Save time and enjoy spectacular views as you fly over the breathtaking landscape of Fiordland National Park. Then, land in Milford Sound and board your boat that's purpose built for unbeatable viewing to explore the scenic waterways of this World Heritage–listed region. Experienced Nature Guides onboard your cruise along with your knowledgeable your pilot, share informative commentary about the geology and wildlife of Milford Sound throughout this once-in-a-lifetime journey to one of New Zealand’s top natural wonders. An experience like no other.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1.
Your journey starts here - Check in for your trip with friendly staff and begin your experience of a life time. Complimentary accommodation pick up and drop off from central Queenstown is available.
2. Queenstown
After your safety briefing, take your seat and set off to Milford Sound, located within the UNESCO World Heritage–listed regions of Te Wahipounamu and Fiordland National Park. Marvel in the spectacular scenery as you leave Queenstown behind for a while. Large picture windows allow for optimal viewing throughout your flight as your pilot provides informative details about the terrain below. Marvel at gorgeous mountain landscapes cut with blue waterways, dusted by snow and framed by dramatic clouds and light. After a gentle landing at the airstrip in Milford Sound, trade your wings for watercraft. Board your small boat nature cruise, which provides a more intimate experience and allows your captain to get within touching distance of cliffs and waterfalls. This boat is purpose-built for viewing with 360º viewing decks and full length windows. You can even taste pure glacier-melt water from the 15,000-year-old Stirling Falls as the bow of the boat goes underneath. Expert Nature Guides aboard your boat share details about the geology of this glacier-carved region and any wildlife that you might see, such as birds, seals, dolphins and the rare Fiordland crested penguin. You are welcome to visit the captain’s bridge to learn about boat operations firsthand during the return voyage. At the end of your boat tour, enjoy a second chance to soak up the scenery as you fly back to Queenstown.
3. Fiordland National Park
Fiordland National Park is in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island. It’s known for the glacier-carved fiords of Doubtful and Milford sounds. A beech forest trail on the sandy Milford shore offers views of towering Mitre Peak.
4. Milford Sound
Milford Sound is a fiord in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island. It’s known for towering Mitre Peak, plus rainforests and waterfalls like Stirling and Bowen falls, which plummet down its sheer sides. The fiord is home to fur seal colonies, penguins and dolphins. Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory offers views of rare black coral and other marine life.
5.
The Southern Alps / Kā Tiritiri o te Moana is a mountain range extending along much of the length of New Zealand's South Island, reaching its greatest elevations near the range's western side. The name "Southern Alps" generally refers to the entire range, although separate names are given to many of the smaller ranges that form part of it. The range includes the South Island's Main Divide, which separates the water catchments of the more heavily populated eastern side of the island from those on the west coast.[1] Politically, the Main Divide forms the boundary between the Marlborough, Canterbury and Otago regions to the southeast and the Tasman and West Coast regions to the northwest.
6.
Your pilot will Transfer you here for your Cruise & Food passes.
7. Stirling Falls
Milford’s second-highest waterfall is the Stirling Falls, a staggering 151m in height – three times the height of Niagara Falls, but the 1,300m mountain behind displaces this incredible height. This is the famous waterfall that Hugh Jackman ‘jumped off’ in the movie Wolverine. The sheer drop of the Stirling Falls allows boats to get right underneath – it’s an incredible feeling to have the power of 151m worth of glacial water falling so close to you.
8. Mitre Peak
Mitre Peak is a beautifully dramatic mountain in the South Island of New Zealand, located on the shore of Milford Sound. It is one of the most photographed mountain peaks in the entire country.
9.
Nestled behind the world famous Mitre Peak, the Sinbad Gully is characterised by extremely steep glacially carved walls punctuated by near vertical granite cliffs. These walls slowed pest invasion into the gully and as a result a number of unique native species remain in the Sinbad. Southern Discoveries is passionate about preserving Milford Sound’s beauty for future generations which is why it’s a key partner in a major conservation project – the Sinbad Sanctuary Project. The aim is to see the valley of New Zealand’s most photographed mountain (Sinbad Gully is at the base of Mitre Peak) become a sanctuary for native species.
10. Bowen Falls
The stunning Lady Bowen Falls is Milford’s highest waterfall. It plunges 162m from a hanging valley into the head of Milford Sound and provides electricity for the Milford Sound township by feeding a small hydroelectric scheme, as well as being the water source for the settlement.

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : Curious41165066913
Do not, and I repeat, do not book a tour with Southern Discoveries. They are unreliable and disingenuous.

My family and I were looking forward to the Milford Sound tour being the highlight of our trip to NZ. Several days prior to the trip, Southern Discoveries sent us a confirmation email complete with a confirmation number and pick-up instructions. Then, 18 hours before departure, they cancelled the trip -- leaving us scrambling to fill our final day in NZ.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-03-29 00:27:56

Posted By : Timothy_S
The scenic flight was incredible. A nice small group of people sharing some amazing views. The pilot was friendly and informative.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-03-09 18:51:33

Posted By : D5220LKss
This was an experience of a lifetime for myself and my family. The airline and boat cruise operators were professional, highly competent and extremely personable. Special shoutout to Mike our pilot who flew the plane flawlessly and described such beautiful parts we witnessed on the way to Milford Sound. I cannot recommend this enough. Don’t hesitate just sign up!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-02-24 15:01:28

Posted By : Ka_P
Milldford Air is one of the best flight companies we have experienced, ever. The pilots are engaging, super friendly, and are amazing with time, their knowledge of Mildford Sound, the surrounding areas, and of course, are terrific navigators. Just super pilots!!!!!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-01-30 11:58:06

Posted By : Jin_L
Best scenic experience ever! If you love amazing landscapes, you can’t miss it! The flight was about 30+ minutes each way. And the cruise was around 2 hours. Again, the view from the plane was stunning!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-01-06 02:35:43

Posted By : Lisa_C
This was an exceptional tour. The flight out and back from milford sound was absolutely amazing. The weather happened to be fabulous the same day. Milford sound was gorgeous too. All the staff were lovely and our pilot Tom was a Gem. I would highly reccommend this tour.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-12-04 15:52:59

Posted By : Rianna_S
We thought the experience was well worth the money. The plane was very cute and the journey out to Milford Sound and back was absolutely stunning! The cruise was fine (although a little cold) and it was great to see some wildlife as well as Milford Sound from the water. Would really recommend it to anyone wanting to see Milford Sound.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-12-02 01:51:33

Posted By : SamMeganWilkes
My husband and I absolutely loved this experience, the cruise was great but the flight hands down was the highlight. The scenery was spectacular!! Our pilot Ants was friendly, informative and helpful and really showcased the area. Will be recommending this trip to everyone
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-11-26 18:19:11

Posted By : Lisa_R
Our flight down and back with Emma from Air Milford was incredible and she was an awesome pilot and guide ! Cheers
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-11-22 19:26:01

Posted By : Philip_A
Amazing views, professional staff and a wonderful time!!! The Milford Sound flight and cruise is a wonderful experience.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-11-21 17:31:02